ChipByrd

More pics

I have received so much help from this site, I thought I would shoot some pictures of my setup. My son moved out last year and my wife said I could set up a two channel listening area in our basement. I still have some upholstering to do and attach the room treatments, but I am getting there. My next project is to build some diffusers. Thanks for all the help and advice.

I have used the filters. To be honest, sometimes I can hear a nuanced difference and sometimes I am not sure. One of the things that initially drew me to the Rega is the dual Wolfson 8742's. That's a great chip. Now, of course, they are Chip's great chips.

Now I see you are in SC. A bit far for dac comparisons. [:$]

I suspect that what I like has a great deal to do with synergy. That being said, the CA plus is a great unit. I used XLR's to connect it to a CA 841e preamp and the results were pleasing. But I found a great deal on the Rega and thought I would give it a shot. If I didn't like it I knew I could sell it for what I paid. But I did like it. Lots. There is a bit more detail and crispness. And for whatever reason (probably synergy) the Rega has a way of smoothing out the Forte midranges. One thing about the Rega, it will accept USB, but they suggest SPDIF, which means you may need a converter. I didn't notice where you are located, but if you are anywhere near W. Michigan you are welcome to swing by and listen. I still have the CA. Chip

Thanks. I have been trying to sell the M-504, but it hasn't garnered much interest. Consequently, I am thinking about using it for a system in my garage. I have the P-306, but I definitely want a remote if it is in the garage. By "newer" I am thinking about a Rotel RC 1082. (There's one for sale locally I can get a good deal on.). I have never matched items from completely different generations.

I was wondering if anyone has ever paired the Onkyo M-504 with a much newer preamp? What were the results? Thanks.

I am using a Mac mini to an M2Tech Evo spdif converter into a Rega dac. I use Audirvana software. I control playback from my iPad through iTunes Remote app. This provides 192 playback. I have used the Arcam rDac, Cambridge Audio Dacmagic Plus, and the Rega blows them away. I am quite happy with my digital chain.

Is your dac in your receiver?

I have to admit, I am not convinced that the grills on or off makes a sonic defference, but when I sit in my listening area it is just way cooler to have the grills off. I know... how silly is that?

Hey, I would like to replace the grill posts with a magnetic option. Is there a handy dandy kit that that any of you know about? Or some kind of easy fix? Thanks, Chip

I had a similar experience. I spent much of my life working in DC. It was a major adjustment when we moved to Holland. Now, we love it.

I recently updated from the Dacmagic Plus to the Rega Dac. I hadn't planned on it but a sweet deal presented itself. Anyway... It has proved to be a significant upgrade. There is a wonderful synergy with my Cambridge Audio separates and the Fortes are singing more beautifully than ever. In addition to better detail and imaging, the Rega dac isn't as bright. I am not sure if it is he quality of the dac, or synergy with my system and room, but this has put a big Klipsch smile on my face!

So the Heresy was originally designed to be a center? That's cool! Was it for Khorns only or did PWK anticipate its use with other Heritage products? And how far is "wide enough" to consider a center?

Last night I was listening to the Bavarian Oompah Band. The Fortes made me want a dark ale!

There. I said it. I am a Forte fanboy. A few weeks ago I mentioned that I have tried a number of speakers over the past year (Snell C/V, KLF-30's, Chorus, RF-83's, and Acoustic Zen Adagios). When I picked up the Fortes for $350 I was blown away that they sounded so awesome. I knew they were keepers In the past couple weeks, I have installed the BEC ti diaphrams and new crossovers. I put 24" superchunks in my corners. And I've built 13" stands. It took a while to get them tuned in, but they are now about 14' apart, 29" from the side wall and 25" from the back wall and slightly toed in. The results: audio bliss! The soundstage, depth, clarity, dynamics are all there. I really appreciate all the help and suggestions I have recieved on this site. I will post pictures after my wife finishes "making everthing attractive." That will probably take another week or so. If anyone finds themself in beautiful West Michigan give me a call and we can do some list'n. Chip

If I may ask about the competition, there is a modded Scott 222c for sale that was worked over by Mapleshade. The guy is asking $799, but I imagine I can talk him down. Would this be a sleeper?

Since I will probably go used, I don't know if the dealer/demo thing will work. And I know that every piece of gear will sound a bit different in every room. The problem I have is that I don't know anyone local who even owns tubes, much less combines them with Fortes. Maybe it would help if I mentioned a couple I have found at different places for sale. These are all between $800 - $1400: Raysonic SP-66 Jungson DA-88TI Jolida 502 CRC Cayin A-55T PrimaLuna Dialogue Two Are any of these models sleepers that I should definitely consider? Are any of them dogs that I should avoid?

I posted a similar message a few weeks ago. I am still looking to try some tubes. Here's my dilemma: I am an electronic moron. I have been reading about push/pull, ultra linear, SET, etc. I have some basic understanding of how these work, but not enough to be truly helpful. Add to the mix Chinese vs. American, old vs. new and i find myself utterly confused. So... I am looking for suggestions. Here's my musical criteria. I want to experience the "airy highs" and "pristine mids" that I hear people talking about with acoustics and vocals. At the same time, I sometimes listen to classic rock and I do want strong bass. (As an aside, that's a part of what hooked me on the Fortes-good, solid, musical bass.). From what I've read, you will give up some bass control when moving from SS, and that's ok. I am not a bass head, but with some music you just need a bit of slam. I listen to music at moderate to moderately high volumes, but never ear splitting levels. I would like to keep the cost for an integrated tube amp under $1500.00 and under $1200.00 would be even better. Used is likely preferred. I currently have Cambridge Audio separates (840w & 840e), which I really enjoy. But I have heard so much about tubes and horns I want to give them a shot. After a month or so of living with tubes, I will either sell the CAs or the tubes depending on which setup my ears like best. Anyway... I would appreciate any suggestions you men might have. One final thing, is there anyone near West Michigan running tubes and Fortes who would be willing to invite a novice over for a listening session ?

Thanks, Chris. I hate to admit this, but I was thinking about using them because they look cool . But I wouldn't do it if it detracted from the sound. That will be sitting on carpet laid over concrete.

OK. I built some 9" stands. I have a guy throwing some laminate on them. I do have one more question: What advantage/disadvantage would there be to adding some spikes to th bottom of the base?

They should arrive tomorrow with the new ti diaphragms. I went ahead and pulled out the drivers and noticed there is an angled board in there with some foam. This wasn't in the Chorus I upgraded. Will this make it more difficult? Any tips or tricks from those more experienced? Unfortunately, I am technically challenged. Thanks.

Anyone have any experience with the amps? I have an opportunity to trade for a pair.

I am definitely becoming a Forte fanboy. But one thing I have noticed is that they sound best when I am at a lower listening position. Anyway, I am thinking about putting them up on stands. From what i am hearing, I am thinking 6-8". I found a couple discussions on Forte stands over at AK, but I was wondering if some of you have done that? For some reason, it feels odd to put such a big speaker on stands...

I imagine that you have a point. There is something about the human condition that makes us fancy that which is new. I am no audiophile, so my reasoning was quite simple (perhaps simplistic). There were some songs I liked better with the Adagios, some I liked better with the RF-83's, the Snells, the KLF-30's, etc. But I liked more of my music through the Fortes than any other speaked I auditioned; no graphs, no meters, no charts, just untrained and very happy ears. And didn't some wise sage say, "to thine own ears be true". And Mr. Crites, I will be calling you in the next day or so. I still remember how patient you were when I ordered the parts for my Chorus and I still appreciate it.