ChrisK

Dean, I'm with you on this one. About 6 months ago I called Cary Audio to speak with Kirk about replacing the headphone switch on my amp. Kirk was not there but Dennis Had took the call and we spoke for 30-40 minutes. I did ask him about tube amps for HT. He said there was talk about a 3 channel version of their "Rocket" series for that purpose. He seemed to think it would work well. In fact, Steve Deckert (Decware) told me that more than a few of his customers were using his amps in HT setups with great results. Give me 30-40 grand, and I'd put together a tubes and horns HT system that would not only sound good, but look very, very cool too! Talk about going too far... Chris

An audiophile friend of mine has recommended I use Spectra Dynamics Deflex panels as replacement for the severely worn dampening material now inside my CWs. This guy is a very experienced DIY/tweaker type that does not offer opinions lightly. He has built many of his own amps, speakers, cables, etc. In his opinion, Deflex had a larger positive impact in sound quality on a pair of La Scalas than anything else he had done. Including direct horn dampening. Ive been to AA and did find quite a bit of discourse on the subject. The usual diametrically opposed opinions, and nothing relating to Klipsch speakers. A couple of questions; 1. Does anyone have any experience with this stuff? (or something similar) If so, what effect do these types of materials have on sound? 2. What is the purpose of the original material inside my Cornwalls? Whatever the intention was, the application and material used seem rather hastily done. I will say that I am very happy with the performance of my speakers right now. But, then again I was happy with them before my first tube amp. And, even after getting a tube amp, things were hunky dory until I discovered how much better vinyl sounded. You know the drill. Thanks, Chris

Don't know how the double post happened. Wait, yes I do, I'm an idiot! Sorry

Eric, Thanks to your site I'm sitting here listening to a Sansui TU-717 that I picked up at a local swap meet. So far it's sound is right up there with my Accuphase T-101. Maybe a little lighter in the bass, but I still have to put it on the bench and do what limited cleaning and checking my electronic skills allow. After that, Ill give it a good listen. Waitnewsflashmy wife is telling me it doesnt sound as good as the Accuphase. She says it sounds too far away. Shes getting pretty good at critical listening. In the past she has picked out Luxman TU-117 when a friend and I were messing around with a few tuners (tweaked MD Etude, Mac MR 80, and TU-117). I'd love to get my hands on a L-02T or TU-X1 but alas, they are more do-re-mi than I am willing to shell out. The 717 set me back $65.00. As a matter of fact the gentleman I bought it from charges $65-75 for just about any piece he has, crapola or not. I see him every month or so at a local swap meet. It's my understanding he scours garage sales and such non-stop for his merchandise. He's had some rather interesting stuff. Regards, Chris (I just made a donation to TIC.)

If you want WAY more info than you could ever use, try www.audioasylum.com and go to the "Vinyl" message board. Do a search and you'll be amazed. You could also try, http://www.tonearm.co.uk/index.htm These guys are well known for Rega Tonearm mods. Good Luck, Chris

Kelly, Why is the link I saved to my favorites file attached to a Netscape icon? It's the only link (out of 200-300) that appears that way. All the rest have IE icons. Chris

JMON, When I got them they were raw Birch treated with Linseed oil. They had also been stored under a house for 10+ years and had exterior housepaint overpray on them. I sanded and sort of stripped them. Then I took them to a local refinishing shop where they sanded more, stained, and then sealed them. Lastly, you are correct, they are a "Designer" series pair. Chris

Kelly/Craig, The site makes me want get another vintage amp. Kelly's sites are always very easy to navigate. They also seem very easy on the eyes. I'm sure that sounds weird, but so many sites either appear obnoxious, unprofessional or both. MH's work always appears seamless. You never get the feeling you're missing something. I'm going to try and find an excuse to be a customer. Hmmmm...maybe a third system.... Regards, Chris

jt, My CW's were not as much a modification as they were a reclamation. I spent less than $200.00 total. I do agree with you about keeping things as stock as makes sense. At the same time collector value is not important to me. When it comes to audio gear I like to listen. If a new technology (eg. capacitors, etc.) will do a better job or last longer I'm all for it. Right now, I have Fisher X-101 integrated tube amp in for reclamation with the famed Mike Zuccaro. Can't wait to get it back. It's going to be in a second system in my garage. Mike Z thinks so many of today's popular modifications are BS. His pholosophy seems to be get it back to original spec and that's it. Right now I'm listening to Alison Krause on vinyl and she makes you almost want to cry. You really ought take a listen to some vinyl. Regards, Chris

The owner to the shop that refinished my speakers told me not to use any wax or oil on the new finish. Just wipe with a damp cloth. He claimed oils and waxes do very little other than attract dust and dirt. It's been a little over a year now and they still look brand new. On the hunt for another pair of raw, "Designer" Cornwall's, Chris

I use my CW's for both 2 channel music and HT. Switching between the amps is much easier with banana plugs. And, I have to admit, they do look kinda cool. As far as the wire inside is concerned, the original was fairly nasty looking (25+ years old). Replacing it was very easy. Don't knock it 'till ya try it, Chris

Dean, Enjoy every minute. They go by oh so fast. Wait 'till you see the NOS material in the diapers. It's hard to believe they make such foul stuff. Congratulations!! Chris

Mike, Check out the Tuner Info website. www.geocities.com/tunerinfo Really great info. Kelly will say biased, but isn't that a little of the Tuna calling the Anchovy "Stinky"? Just kidding. Regards, Chris

fini, The speakers originally were owned by my roommate (circa 1976). Long story short, he shipped them to me about 2 years ago. The factory finish was raw. My buddy applied only Linseed Oil. They were stored under his house for about ten years and even had exterior house paint overspray on them. I took the hardware out of them and sanded...and sanded...and sanded. Then I oiled...and oiled. Finally they looked passable. But the Linseed Oil had yellowed the wood over time and my wife demanded a complete makeover before they would be allowed in the house. Enter "The Strip Joint" in Redondo Beach, California. For $60.00 they completely refinished them to my wifes specs. She picked the color. They look mahhhhvalous. I just got a new digital camera for Chanukah/Christmas (There's both at our house.). I will be doing a small photo essay of them soon. Regards, Chris PS I am already looking for another pair to finish the same way.

Keith, You may be talking about my speakers. Is this the picture you saw? Regards, Chris

As far as upgrading the binding posts, it's very easy to replace them with something better. I used Cardas Rhodium(sp?) for mine. I also replaced the wire inside with silver wire and gold spades. Now, when it comes to the crossovers there is some seriously divided opinion around here. Do a search here in "Updating Older Speakers" and "2-Channel Audio" using one or more of the following - crossover (s) ALK B Network Type B You'll get WAY more info than you need. LOL! Good Luck, Chris PS You may want to post the letters stamped in the edges of your cabinets (or written on the tag pasted on the back, if you can still read it) along with what type of woofer/squawker/tweeter are inside. This helps people know where you are starting from.

jazman, No, it didn't come with the Western Electric 300B's. Supposedly they do now. I bought the WE's from a dealer here in Southern California that sells them for a little over $400.00 a pair (w/all the correct paperwork). He probably shouldn't be selling them that cheap, but has been doing so for quite awhile. Regards, Chris

I am the owner of a Cary SEI300B. I bought it very slightly used for $2,000 off Audiogon. I audtioned ARC, Manley, AirTight and Art Audio before buying the Cary. I thought it represented a good bang for the buck compromise that works well for me. And I am continually impressed with their after sale service. When I make the move to monoblocs, Cary will be at the top of the list. Although, a pair of Art Audio Jota's (among many others) will get strong consideration. Maybe I'll get lucky and get a line on a pair of CAD-300SE's with the power supply Kelly speaks of. I'm pretty sure the "sound improvement curve" gets pretty shallow as you get up in that price range. Anyway...Cary, Decware, Fisher, Eico, AudioNote, Manley, VTL, Jolida, ASL, etc., etc., etc. Who cares? It's the sound in YOUR house that matters. My house sounds just fine. Happy listening, Chris (happily listening to Dvorak's "Symphony For A New World")

Before buying an older tuner, take a look at this link - http://www.geocities.com/tunerinfo/shootouts.html I'm sure it's been posted before. These guys are passionate about they're tuners. Right now they are in the midst of a drawn out tuner comparison. The Sumo Charlie was just compared and faired ok at best. There are many other tuners out there for lots less dough that can do the job. Check it out for yourself. Good Luck, Chris

Sounds great. I live in Los Angeles were we are blessed with KLON...er...ah...KKJZ. One of the best Jazz stations in the country. Don't ya just love Chuck Niles? "Those cats can really blow..." Regards, Chris

This thread kinda reminds me of a time gone by.... Does anyone remember when you were about 8 years old and you'd be walkin' around with a couple of your buddies and someone would say, "Stay away from that house, that's were old man Holsten lives. He's the meanest guy on the block. I heard he broke some kid's arm just for walkin' on his grass!". Then the next kid would say, "Aw, he's not so bad. My parents are friends with him. Ya just have to know him". Just then...a crotchety, stooped over, old man comes hobbling out of the house..flailing his cane and screaming, "Get off my grass, you useless little solid state lovers! Get out of here or I'll beat you with my vintage tube amp!" We ran all the way home and spun some vinyl. Those were the days. Regards, Chris

Airline freight forwarders (and the major airlines themselves sometimes sell them at their freight facilities) usually have a cardboard box called an "E" Container. They go for about $15.00 each. I shipped a pair of Cornwall cabinets to a Klipsch BB member in Omaha from Southern California last summer using 2 of them. I wrapped the cabinets in AstroFoil and they fit fine. I don't know how much bigger K-Horn cabinets are, but you could use 2 "E" containers together no problem. If I recall correctly, UPS Ground was about $60.00 for the pair. Hope this helps, Chris

Yankee, Your points are all well taken. At the same time they read a tad harsh. Sometimes I try to remember the old saying, "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar". Kelly is one of the most respected posters we have on this board. Opinionated? Sure, but he usually coats it with a thick layer of honey. Get the drift? Regards, Chris PS I live in a glass house.

I found these tubes in a couple of older radio repair shops and was wondering if Kelly or any of the other experts out there might have some info/opinions. I have 3 of these - Sylvania GTB Chrome Tops - These sound very nice, relaxed. Very low noise. I have 3 of these - Raytheon (1 made in Japan, 2 made in USA - all look the same) - Haven't tried these yet. I only have 2 of these - GE Black Glass (came in Philco boxes) Since I only have 2 and my Cary amp needs 3, I'm not sure which positions to try these in. Any help with indentification, vintage, etc., would be great. Thanks, Chris

Couldn't agree more with Kelly. HT and two channel music do not mix well. I have separate speaker cables for my HT amp and two channel amp. I tried a switch box but found that it isn't hard at all to just switch the cables on the back of my CW's between the 2 amps. Not to mention that since getting into tubes/horns/vinyl my family spends far more time listening to music than before. So much so, that I am moving the HT system into an unused bedroom so as to get all the cable mess away from my 2 channel gear and further improve the sound. While listening to music you can...talk, read, cook, play a board game, build a tube amp kit, walk around, help your kids with homework, or just sit and listen to the music. While watching HT, you can sit and watch, or....uh....eat, sit and watch.