ChuckAb3

The hybrid integrated amps I've either listened to (i.e., Vincent) or read about seem to put tubes in the pre- and SS in the power amp stages. The explanation I've heard is to get the sound of tubes while also retaining the "slam" of SS in the bass. This approach seems common.

I am very happily driving Cornwall III's with a Parasound SS pre-amp and amp. I used to have a Marantz integrated which did a fine job, as well. If you go SS, you might want to check out both lines of amps as both pair well with Klipsch. It's just me, but I prefer the crisp reproduction of music with SS as opposed to the lush (and to my ear seemingly less accurate) sound of tubes. Everyone has an opinion on this and none of them are "wrong." Just gotta figure out what you like. OTOH, I like the sound of tubes for MAKING music. I play a Hammond B-3 with a Leslie tone cabinet and it's tubes all the way. Go figure. Good luck and cheers!!

Prayers on the way from Colorado. God Bless you both. Chuck

I would think the CW's would have to get the nod for 2 channel listening. The 7's would be a better choice for HT since they can be matched with other speakers such as a center channel. Back to 2 channel - if that's your focus, you can probably do better than a Yamaha receiver. I was surprised some years ago when I moved from a receiver to a nice Marantz integrated and then again when I upgraded to Parasound separates. Better amps made the CW's come alive, and they sounded pretty good to start with! Best of luck.

Way to go, Cal. Sounds like you have corners you can work with and you will be successful. Thanks for sharing.

I've come up with a theory about at least some of the folks who prefer some of the so-called high end, high $$$ stuff. They really hate live music. They raise constant complaints about listener "fatigue", "brightness", etc.of any horn loaded speaker. Their ears are way too sensitive for great dynamics and the accurate reproduction of live sound!! I've heard some of the high $$$ stuff they extoll and, to my ears, it sounds artificially laid back, plush and not "live". I'll take my Klipsch Heritage and my KLF-30's any day. On the other hand, there's some really high dollar horn speakers out there like Tannoy which I'd love to hear and would likely want to own if I could afford them. Oh well.To each his own.

I seem to recall reading in the forum (don't remember how long ago) that some models and production years for Sansui produced the best amps with the kind of sound some of you are describing. Anyone know which ones and what they are going for?

When auditioning speakers or amps, I usually take some Wagner overtures with me along with something more contemporary. Need to hear the full range of sound!!

I grew up with both speakers and both are excellent. Given the choice, I'd choose the K-Horn without hesitation. The reason? Sound stage and bass response. Lots of folks spend a lot of time and money trying to find just the right sub to fill in what's missing on the La Scala's low end. If I had the corners, I'd have K-Horns.

That's a fine and touching story. Thanks for sharing it.

When I really want to hear what our 2 ch system can do, I pull out some really good quality vinyl. I'm no purist and have gobs of cd's, but it just ain't the same!!

Can't comment on the 4, but I can tell you that the C-7 is a terrific center and it's sonically matched with the 30's. I can't believe that a speaker which is not a match would be better. I have an all KLF HT. I previously used Synergy surrounds and center and was never very pleased with the system, except for the 30's. I couldn't believe the difference after I added the C-7 as the center and KLF-10's as the surrounds/rears.

Our favorite is cooking it directly on the grill without husk and without foil, just after the main bbq entre' is ready. It's already rolled in soft butter then apply kosher salt, pepper and garlic powder. Ya gotta watch it so it doesn't get TOO dark but it's great. It's ready in under 10 minutes. Add more butter and salt if desired. Can't wait for bbq season, which, in Colorado, can strike at any time (even in-between spring snows)!! The only drawback is corn isn't in season for a while.

Wouldn't have any interest at that price, but speaker prices seem to be up this past year or so. Somebody will bite.

Your last post says a lot. If I had any reluctance to get into tubes, or nagging feeling that there was a SS unit I might like as well or better, a listening test (A-B test if possible) would be in order. I was ready to pull the trigger on a Vincent hybrid amp, or so I thought. I took an old pair of Heresy's to the dealer so I could hear the amp on a horn loaded speaker and get some idea what it would sound like on my Cornwalls. Sounded really good, but somewhat muted in tweeter range. Then I compared it to Parasound SS separates. No muting on the high end, good mids and good bass. It was a fairly close call, but I wound up buying the Parasounds. Same old story others are pointing out - this is really subjective and your ears are the only ones that matter. Best of luck!!

Finally watched Mission Impossible from 2011. Not a fan of Tom ("the Oprah sofa jumper") Cruise but I have to admit he did a good job. Good escape movie.

Agree with Youngjj on Pro-Ject Debut. Good table and it comes with a decent cart. Would stay away from the USB version, however, since the built-in phono pre-amp is NOT reliable (mine died just outside the warranty period) and it takes away one's flexibility to use other pre-amps. Let us know what you decide.

Is stereo (or high fidelity) the new spotted owl??

With Cornwalls, you don't need to be so concerned with amp power as amp (signal) quality. I've run mine with as little as 35wpc and as much as 150 wpc. The quality issue is pretty subjective. Some prefer tubes and some prefer ss. Some like a good integrated and others prefer separates. If you can, experiment a little and see what you like best. Welcome and good luck! Let us know where you come out.

Welcome!! I have a strong bias for Marantz in HT, whether AVR's or separates. I've had nothing but great sound since I got rid of an old AVR and went to Marantz.They have a fairly wide array of prices, too. Glad to have you aboard. Chuck

Perhaps I missed it ....what amp/processor or AVR are you using?

Great to know the company will be around and producing its better speakers, or at least it sounds that way. Just as an aside, and while I support the idea of buying new stuff, I'd be more inclined to buy new and spend that kind of money if Klipsch did a better job of placing higher end products with audio dealers so we could see and hear them close up. And, no, I don't mean the stuff you see at Best Buy. I realize the brick and mortar stores are fading away, but I need hands-on involvement with a pricey item before I make the leap.

For me personally, I agree with Cornman. In the broader context, "reference" seems to have become a marketing term used to tout a manufacturer's best stuff. Klipsch may be the exception since many prefer Heritage to Reference. Also Palladium (which I have not heard) is supposed to be top of the line.

A great talent who paved the way for many others. Thanks, Boxx.

I'd either leave negative feedback or no feedback ... no way should he get positive feedback. As others have mentioned, that just misleads the next guy who considers buying from him. Good luck!!