dprendergast

I am defeated in trying to answer this on two counts: 1. I am not scientifically changing one variable at a time; 2. I don't think I have the ear to accurately parse the impact of specific changes. What I am trying to do, and having pretty good luck with, is follow guidance here on relatively economical changes to make in order to arrive at a very good quality audio setup. I am very happy with the results and haven't spent too much money. Good enough for me! [] Yesterday I picked up and set up the Harman Kardon HK 3490, replacing the Sony bookshelf unit. I have a lot to learn about the 3490, but so far: - noticeable improvement in the bass - way more volume available, without distortion - some additional separation and detail for instruments and voices, taking the Heresies up one more level it seems I'm pretty sure I'm done for a while now. At some point I may look at adding a sub-woofer. But I feel really good about adding a pair of Heresy Is with new crossovers and caps and the HK 3490, all for less than $500. That's about the right level of investment for me right now.

It reportedly DOES have a phono input. I will check to make sure when I pick it up. Thanks.

Looks like I am going to be able to pick up a Harman Kardon HK3490 for a very good price. I gather from comments here and elsewhere that this should be a good fit for the Heresies, while also providing some digital and subwoofer options should I need or want those in the future? David

Can I ask for some info on why a different receiver will make a difference? I'm not wanting to be difficult - I really don't know. Will it make a difference in the sound? I don't think I need extra features, and my understanding is that 40W is ample to power the Heresy speakers. Thanks!

Thanks all. The crossovers included new caps, so I think I'm all set there. I do have a couple of area carpets on the floor, but most of it is still uncovered. The perimeter is mostly lined with bookcases, but there are a few bare areas that I should try to drape. I've gotten recommendations here for Denon and Harman-Kardon receivers. The only thing I can probably say about needs in this area is that something simple will work well. I don't envision connecting other equipment aside from the turntable.

Installed the new crossovers this morning. Wow. My "reference" is a 10-inch Capitol recording of Frank Sinatra called "Swing Easy". The first (of 8) tracks is "Just One of Those Things." These speakers seem perfectly matched to this kind of music. They are great with everything, but absolute perfection with swing.

Thanks to recommendations here, I'm working with Bob Crites on new capacitors and crossovers. Here's a pic of the current internals for one of the speakers - sure is clean!

Can you say a little about 'why'? There are several HK430s on eBay - looks like about $150 will get one. Is that a good price? Thanks much.

Umm, yeah. I should know better, really. They are 102U523 and 102U524.

Thanks for the helpful suggestions. The speaker wires that I got with these were actually already a decent length. And I had the two aluminum floor props that either came with them or were made specifically to fit. So I put them on the floor (the stands tilt them back about 5-10 degrees). Now they are spread out so the distance from center to center is about 10 feet. Both of these things have made an audible difference - there is even more discreteness in the sound and more punch in the bottom. It sounds like the capacitors are the next step? - David P.S. Bruce - I looked at the back edge of the top panel on each speaker and of course you are right - the S/N is there. And it is identical on both speakers.

Good morning all. I am new to this forum. Found it while searching on "Klipsch Heresy" and would like to gather some expert and/or informed opinions on my audio setup. I was fortunate this past week to be able to buy a pair of Heresy speakers in what looks like great condition for $150. I believe these are the Heresy I model. S/N on the right speaker is 102U523, which makes it a 1980 product, yes? Code 'HBR', which I understand means these are birch cabinet, originally unfinished. The left speaker no longer has a tag on it, but I'm guessing it is either matched or same vintage, as it looks identical to its tagged partner. I'm going to try to post a picture with this message so that you can see what I have. Here is my question: What is the next thing I should do to improve my setup at the lowest possible cost? Here is what I have: Klipsch Heresy I speakers (1980) AudioTechnica AT-LP60 turntable with ATN3600DLX stylus upgrade Sony CMT-EX1 (compact component system) amplifier (40W) I can imagine that a mostly concrete basement is not the ideal place for this, but this is where I work! Maybe someday I'll be able to put this in a better room, but this is it for now. I listen to a lot of different kinds of music - mostly classical, but also pop, rock, jazz, swing and big band. I do have a pair of low-level aluminum (tilted) stands that I got with the speakers, but haven't tried those, as I already had the tables you see for my old bookshelf speakers that came with the Sony. Needless to say, the improvement in sound from the speaker change was a revelation. I don't want to spend much money on all of this, and I am way past the point of wanting to do (or even understand) the details of speaker enhancements (internals). But I see comments on these forums about adding a sub-woofer. Or perhaps I should find someone in the Chicago forum to inspect and possibly do some tweaks to the speakers? A further testimony to the efficiency of these speakers is that I was able right away to drop the volume on the Sony by a few notches. Thanks in advance for any and all assistance. - David