gmarcm

As much as I would love Cornwalls, I haven't the space or the budget. i ordered the BP-8000F II and they should arrive by Thursday. I am anxious to give them a deep listen. I'll listen with them for a few hours, then switch back to the Forte 1 for comparison. Then do the same several times. Actually not sure what to expect. I'll give a report soon. My personal feeling is that break in is overrated. After a few hours they should sound about as good as they are going to.

Almost all of my listening is two channel, but I do use the DRX-5 for 5.1 when watching movies. For that reason, I won't change to a different source at this time. I am pleased with the Integra. Sure, an integrated or separates would make a difference, but that isn't in the cards at this point. My 2 channel listening isn't at ear bleeding levels, but I do listen fairly loud at times. Mainly jazz... Yellowjackets, David Sanborn, etc. Another thing is that I utilize the streamer and DAC in the Integra for Tidal. I'm sure the addition of an external streamer/DAC would serve me well.

The only modification is new tweeter diaphragms. I did not hear them with the old ones, but everything I have read and heard is that they are smoother and not as harsh as the originals. Many people have made this simple and inexpensive upgrade. I run an Integra DRX-5. About 95% of my material is from Tidal. The Forte 1's replaced a 25 year old pair of Revel F30, and frankly, I feel that I made a mistake by selling the Revels. Live and learn. I have not heard the 8000F II so it is kind of a leap of faith if I get them. Just going on reviews and word of mouth. 8000F was a slight improvement over the 280, but the 8000F II is supposed to be quite an improvement over the original 8000F. I have spent time repositioning the Forte 1's. I have them roughly 18" from the back wall, slightly toed in. Room is fairly large. There is just something missing with the Forte 1's. I appreciate the replies and opinions.

I have a recently acquired pair of Forte 1 with the tweeter upgrade. As much as I want to love them, I just don't. Good on some stuff but harsh and fatiguing on others. I am using higher wattage solid state amp, mainly streaming on Tidal. I am intrigued by the RP8000F II. Reviews say that it is smoother and more punch in the lows that the version 1. Just an all around better speaker. Just curious how they will compare with my Forte 1. I know I am comparing a 35 year old speaker to the newest technology, but will it be just a totally different type of sound? Easier to listen to? I'd like to hear some opinions on the 8000F II, and opinions on them vs. the Forte 1.

The i just means that it has the i device controls. A bit more of a refined sound than the older S4. Not as bass heavy but still rolled off at the top. Not in any way as good as the X10, however. The X10 is very open and airy.

You might want to check Amazon and see if they still have any. They were selling them for the incredible price of $89. That would probably be less than the repair charges and the shipping charges both ways. But maybe Klipsch will do something for you.

I own both the S4 and the X10, as well as several Shure models. Neither were impressive out of the box. Matter of fact, my Shure SE535 weren't impressive out of the box. They all require a MINIMUM of 20 hours break in. 50 hours is really more like it, and I don't think they really hit their stride until about 200 hours. Put some music on an iPod or something, set it to shuffle, set it to about 1/2 volume and just let them play for three or four days. The difference will be striking. The S4's aren't my favorites but they do a very nice job, especially at that price point, and I never found them to be harsh or tiney. If anything they are rolled off at the top and EQ'ed with more bass. You got a great deal at the Shack - you should have held on to them and allowed them to break in properly. Maybe you can go get them back. I also highly suggest Comply tips. Less than $20 for three pair, and you can wash them and reuse them. I did not like the silicon tips at all but the Comply tips really help with the isolation. The S4 isn't perfect but it is way better than a lot of the stuff we see out there, some of which costs a whole lot more.

Check out www.headroom.com. They have reviews on most headphones, both from users as well as by their staff. I would bet that you can find something there to help you. They also have great prices. Check out their "B" stock page with open box stuff and discontinued stuff. You can find some solid buys.

Outlaw has a two channel receiver that I understand is also great for vintage speakers. Those guys make very good stuff. When I was in college in the early 80's I had a Pioneer SX450 that I used to power a pair of Heresy's. I think it was 15 wpc but it sounded good and powered those babies very well. I have a Marantz 2220 ( 20 wpc) with the old gyro tuner that is from the 70's. Very nice and clean - even better than the old Pioneer, which I also still have. I have not used the Marantz with a Klipsch speaker of any kind - it is in a closet waiting to be resurected one day. It needs a new power cord and a dial light. I would part with it if anyone is interested.

Looks nice. Any idea how much $?

I just read it but I'm not buying it. I would love to listen to them myself but a bluetooth signal does not have the bandwidth to faithfully reproduce music like a wired set up can. Fact of life. I hope it gets to that point one day and it probably will, but not yet.

I'm not familiar with the E6. Does FiiO make it? I can't imagine a $25 amp soundng good, but I believe you. Headroom sells FiiO stuff now and they seem to be pretty impressed with it.

You said "when I first got them". That might be the key. These do require some break in time. Put them on your Nano or even on your stereo and let them play at a moderate volume for about three or four days. I think you will hear a noticeable difference. The S4 is bassy out of the box but they do smooth out after a little time.

Comply tips are just another option. They work great for me but they aren't for everyone. I'm glad you enjoy them with the stock tips.

Which Comply did you try? I use the T100, which go a little deeper in the ear. They stay put and seal well. As for coming off..... mine were a real snug fit. Had to work to get them on. Are you sure you have the right ones for your IEM's?