steve

Just got out of the music room..it was Nickelback "Silver Side Up", Joni Mitchell "Hejira" and "Mingus"John Mellencamp "Uh Huh" Rod Stewart "Every Picture Tells A Story", Rolling Stones "Voodoo Lounge" and a whole lotta other stuff..I like the new, but always revert to the old..back and forth, forth and back..waiting for me "new" gear to arrive though..I erroneously sold my Assemblage 300B SET amp this summer..but the gentleman I sold it to needs more power so I bought it back! Should get it this week! I am salivating..best amp I ever had..and I bought a Rega Planet CD player on eBay..took Kelly's advice on this one..and I can't wait to hear it..next weekend is gonna be a blast! Happy listening all, Steve

I have to agree here..I've been on this BB since '99..and yes I have a very low number of posts, but I read more than I comment. Probably a good thing. I had a bad comment or two about Kelly when I first started posting, and it was my lack of reading all posts carefully..totally my problem. We all have things to say here, and we may not all agree with the advice that is handed out..but you don't have to take it if you don't want to..I personally like the advice Kelly gives, and others like Craig and Dean and well, most of the big time posters. It's a great read, and I learn a lot. I don't necessarily take all of it to heart, but sometimes I'll give it a go, hey every tweak, especially the cheap ones! are welcome. Again, Kelly doesn't need my defending him either, but let's keep this forum as a medium to discuss positive things, or resolve problems..not start them..just my two cents! Steve

Tom, surprisingly enough, A2D really wasn't promoted very well..I was just such a Waters fan, that I was always keeping my eyes open for new releases..and I stumbled across it! You will hear Pink Floyd no doubt, as Roger was the heart of PF (my opinion) but like Max says, the soundstage is incredible! Be prepared to hear something new everytime you play it! And yes, you'll be looking over your shoulder from time to time!! Steve

Hey Max! Agreed! "Amused to Death" has some great soundstaging doesn't it? Do the horses disappear into the wall to your right..like WAY into the wall..outside the wall?? That's a great album! I hated to see Roger Waters leave the Floyd..I still credit him for dark Side of the Moon.. Also, it's funny you mentioned that album..I used to subscribe to Stereophile, just for the product reviews, maybe to get some insight how the rich folk live, but they reviewed Roger Waters A2D album..and they basically said it sucked! So I cancelled my sub ..I figured if they didn't like that music, then they weren't giving me accurate stereo reviews..after all, if we don't like the same music, how can I compare the equipment?? Great to hear from someone else who appreciates the effort put into the mix! Regards, Steve

let's see..riding motorcycles..dirt bikes mostly, have a Yam YZ490 and a everyday rider Hon XR400..have owned Yam 125/360s/YZ400/YZ645..a Kaw 250 thrown in the mix..and a new 88 HD 1200 Sportster Deluxe at one time, but we only have 5 miles of paved roads here..so guess the Motocrossers win..I rebuild engines, both small and large..have done many Chev small blocks, Jeep 6's etc. Tinkering in the shop is most relaxing! Music is my most intense hobby, 1900 CDs 800+ LPs, swapping equipment regularily (with exception of my 83 KHorns) Love my job of 27 years, Alaska Airlines, so actually consider THAT a hobby, aviation buff. Don, I used to own 3 pinball machines..had "Big House" which was my fave, "Strikes and Spares", and another one , though the name eludes me at the time. Must be due to my other hobby, beer tasting. Snowmachining is another favorite..never run outta things to do! Steve

Rowooo actually, I like the Adcom alright, but I also tried a Sony that was better..that will make you shudder! It did me! I took Kelly's (MobileHomeless) advice and bought a Rega Planet on eBay today! I will post my findings when I get it! Yes I have a few CDs (1900) and a few albums (800) but that is just part of my addiction! I trade up/out/down/up on electronics all the time! Always looking for that "perfect" sound..what an addiction! Steve

Hey Don it's me...Steve..the guy who bought your Cornwalls..listen..we're going thru the same thing..I thought I had a need for "more" bass, than what I thought my Khorns of 20 years should be putting out. That's why I jumped on your Cornies..and when I got them, I had visions of not being tied to the corners with Khorns, maybe selling them etc. Well, I think the Cornwalls are marvelous speakers! BUT! When I A/B'd them both..I gotta tell ya..the Klipschorns are definitely the leader of the pack! The accuracy of the Horn, and the clarity is more detailed than the Cornwall..they are two different sounds..like QMan said..the bass is a lot more accurate! I feel the Cornwall can be a "set anywhere sound great" speaker, but when you have the placement, and room for the proper setup, there's no comparison to the KHorn. In my humble opinion, you need a lot bigger room. I actually bought a house for my Khorns 20 years ago, as they wouldn't fit in my apartment. I too was very disappointed in the sound what with a small room. Let me add this..after we moved into the new house I originally had the speaks in a living room with a raised floor i.e. crawlspace underneath, and the room resonated with bass! Almost too much! As not to disturb my wife when sleeping, we built an outboard dedicated music room, approx. 15 x 21 feet, where all the music gear resides now. However, this was constructed on a concrete foundation, with berber carpet overlaid..I must admit I was disappointed at first, as the bass wasn't anywhere close to the sound it had in the living room. However...it was a lot more accurate! And yes I too "grew accustomed" to it..and yes, I (at first) shared your opinion that I was settling for less. But after hearing "more bass" from the Cornwalls then switching back to the Klipschorns, it wasn't "more" but more distorted i.e. less accurate. It was like the difference I heard from the KHorns alone from different room placement! And after A/Bing, I realized I like the clarity of the Khorns better than the Cornwalls. Not to say that both speakers aren't some of the best out there..they are, as all Heritage speakers are.. Now for the bad news..I sold my Assemblage tube amp a few months ago, thinking I needed solid state for better sound..what a mistake that was! See above posts! I am definitely going back to tubes..after I save up a bit more.. Now for the good news..I ahave found a happy medium for the Khorns and the Cornwalls..I run them both off the same taps, and with the efficiency difference of 104db/98.5 db they sound great together..the bass on the cornwalls isn't overbearing, but the highs go a bit higher than the Khorns..they really compliment each other. Don, I must say that if I had to make a choice, I'd take the Khorns..hands down (in a proper room) I have to admit I'm glad you didn't AB them, coz if you did, you'd have done the same..keep em both! Come on up and listen to them! Best Regards, Steve

This is what I was using to power my 82 KHorns up til about 2 months ago..I (regrettably) sold the Assemblage 300B SET thinking I needed SS for more bass..well, I got more bass from the SS but lost the details on string/horn music..live and learn. Still experimenting..Have a pair of Cornwalls (thanx to Don "BigBusa") coming to I can compare them and the KHorns..I have this component swapping disease that a lot of other posters apparently are afflicted with.. You guys have some GREAT looking systems out there! Regards, Steve

that WD40 trick kinda surpises me too..actually, it stands for Water Displacement, and it was the 40th formula tried. Hence the name.Works great as a rust inhibitor. And attracts fish when sprayed on a lure. Etc.. I knew this one clown who said that starter fluid cleaned contacts. Well, one of the guys who heard this thought it was a good idea..and sprayed it on his amplifier contacts. The overspray melted the circuit boards. So..don't try everything you hear..watch someone else do it first..ha ha. Steve

thanx Craig. I'l keep that in mind about the Scott preamps..will have to keep an eye out on Ebay..and I do need a phono input..I still have close to 800 albums..although most have been replaced on CD for convenience. All info greatly appreciated! Regards, Steve

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw all the (positive) responses! What a great support group, yes things have changed since I visited last! Thanx to all who answered. Mdeneen, thanx for the backing on tone controls. I do like them, especially when it comes to a little extra bass. In answer to Leok's question, the Adcom has a bypass output, and I have employed this..and yes Leok, you're right in a sense..the REST of the music is less muddled with the tone controls completely out of the circuit, but the bottom end is lacking. I still suspect it's the structure of the room..but I can't do much about it now..(at least I don't think I can!) NOS, I have no pref for new, or used..as long as it works, and sounds good. I'm pretty open to all suggestions..welcome them really! Tony, Marvel, Cutthroat-thanx for the many suggestions. Will research them and see if they fit the bill for me! Again, thanx guys for the help. Glad to be checking out the BB again. Regards, Steve

but the response was usually of a demeaning nature..like I was the only one who asked the question! But I'll try it again.. Currently I use an Adcom preamp (the GFP565, SS, touted as a great preamp a number of years ago) and an Assemblage 300B SET tube amp (8 watts a side) I am pleased with the sound, mated to my '83 KHorns (I am the original owner) but I'd like to find a tube preamp with (yes..) tone controls! OK..I can feel the eyebrows arching! But let me explain! My music room is 14 x 21 but it has a concrete floor, covered by berber carpet. I used to have the speakers in a room with wood based floors, and the bass response was a lot greater! So now I compensate with tone controls. (no, can't move 'em back to old room..will keep wife awake!) So I guess this is a twofold question. (1) Any suggestions for a good tube preamp with tone controls?? (2) Thinking I may have got it backwards..should I go to a tube preamp with NO tone controls, and go with a SS amp for the increased bass response?? I'm not dying here, as I love the sound I have, but I'd like a little more bass output (without a sub..tried it, unnatural..didn't like it!) Anything over 90DB (yes, I measured) starts getting too shrill, bass goes away) Thanx for all serious responses! Steve

I have to agree with Greg..don't even think about a sub with the Khorns..I've had me 83's since they were new..tried numerous amps..both SS and tubes...right now I'm hooked up with an Adcom SS preamp GFP-565 and an Assemblage tube amp SET-300B..the sound is amazing..all equipment will sound good but bear in mind these speakers are so sensitive you'll never push the volume dial past 9 or 10 o'clock. Great choice..you're done buying speakers! As for the rest of equipment..get ready for a never ending shopping trip! Steve

Rob I bought a pair of Heresys on eBay and experienced the same sound you describe, in one speaker. I noticed it more when the volume was up. Turns out (as described in earlier posts, above) that there was excessive air leaks in both speakers, as the previous owner had apparently removed the speaker risers, but failed to plug the holes. Both woofers had bottomed out, since the speakers were no longer sealed..but I had only noticed the one popping. I turned it up a little louder and noticed the other doing the same thing. (mind you the volume was loud, but not distorted) Anyway, I only discovered the problem after getting excellent advice from posters on this BB. I ended up calling Klipsch and replacing both woofers, $90.00 apiece. I bought these and thought I got a great deal, but after replacing the woofers, turns out I broke even i.e. a "normal" price, Ah well..they were for a second system, as I have KHorns for my main set up. Anyway, just my 2¢ worth..your problem sounded familiar. Regards, Steve

Hi Kris although I don't have a tubed preamp (yet) I have an Assemblage SET tube amp that I have owned for about 3 years, and love it. I've rolled my 6SN7 tube, and what with Kenrad, RCA, Sylvania, Tungsol, etc. I have found that my favorite all around tube is the Sylvania 6SN7GT-VT231, and the second best is the RCA VT231 dark glass..but that's my humble opinion. Although the Tungsol seems to get the best raves, it's a little too detailed in my system (Khorns). Maybe a tube preamp will change all that.. Regards, Steve

Gotta go with Kelly on this one, 100%..HT and 2 channel don't go together..different animals for pure enjoyment of each..each application requires different equipment..would you 4 wheel in your Lambourghini?? Do the quarter mile in your CJ-7?? Steve

Hey Jeff I have '82 KHorns..bought new..haven't changed a thing about them except snipping the tweeter filter wire like you mentioned earlier..of course I waited 18 years to do that! I have AK crossovers, and have been pleased with them. I ran SS gear until about 3 years ago, when I got an SET tube amp (8 watts per side) and never looked back! And I listen to rock and roll- as I'm sure you do..loud..and I never get the volume control past 4 (on a scale of 10) on the preamp (ok, maybe pushing 5 on low level recordings) and the place is rocking! Bear in mind, ONE WATT will drive these speakers to 104 DB@ 1 meter (approx 3 feet) so you really don't need 600+ watts! Really! Like John said, listen to them awhile..make no changes immediately. Believe me, you'll have plenty of time to drive yourself nuts later! Congrats on the KHorn purchase! Steve

I haven't posted in quite awhile. But to answer MaxG's question..it's a resounding YES! That's what my weekend nights are reserved for! Listening to music. I have been obsessed with music since I was 8 years old..I never got over it. Started with the Beatles, and I never looked back. Although I probably took the main stream route, i.e. Aerosmith, America, Alice Cooper, Ace, AC DC, Allman Brothers, Argent, Association..well OK so much for the "A"s..you get the picture..and when I'm not LISTENING in the music room, I have music in the background, in my shop, when rebuilding engines, working on cars, wiring in remote starters..if not there, always in the cars/trucks..I guess the only time I don't listen to music is when I'm at work. As for going back to the old equipment..yeah, I sometimes think of that. I too remember having that fold up turntable, with detachable speakers..and of course trying to modify it after heaing my Dad's Sansui amp and Akai speakers, and that Garrard turntable. I think we all cherish those memories of growing up with our "cheap" equipment..I think it was more the mood, and the times, when we first heard that music which we cling so dear to..BUT..that said.. I started with Klipsch Heresys when I was 19..I finally got KHorns when I turned 26..had em ever since..(I'm old now..46!! Hah!) anyway..I always remember how I loved those Heresys, so bought another pair to supplement the system, and this I can truly say.. YES they're great speakers..but NO..I wouldn't go back to them, only them..there is a big difference in the sound, and memories or not..nothing can replace the way the way the music sounds now.. Yes, MaxG..we are out there listening to music..just always trying to achieve the best sound we can!! Steve

Andy.. also reading your answer to Randy. 20 feet apart is too close?? MIne are 21 feet apart (room is 17 x 21)..I think that's just fine although we all know the KHorns are capable of filling a small stadium! If this is the case, why are most speaker cable pairs 8 feet or less?? Ha! Steve ------------------ Happiness is coming

Hi Andy as for the difference in the Adcom SS versus the Assemblage SET (bear in mind I failed to mention the Assemblage replaced an Adcom poweramp-the GFA 545 II)..yeah, there's a lot of difference. The Adcom was really OK until I got the 300B SET..then I A-B'd them..and the Adcom really showed it's shortcomings..the details were so much more pronounced with the tube amp...and not near as bright!! I must admit I still like the Adcom preamp (the GFP565)..but have been venturing into the tube preamp territory..but as I have stated before, wanting one with tone controls..(I have been advised by BB posters more knowledgeable than I that tube preamps with tone controls are few and far between) as I have had bad past experiences with preamps without tone controls..maybe I haven't hit the right combination of components . I just can't fathom the idea of playing some Ted Nugent, Steppenwolf, Cream, Savoy Brown, Foghat..well..you get the idea, without throwing some more bass on now and then! Anyway..I do think that tubes are better than SS for clarity..and with HORNS they're almost required!! Good listening! Steve ------------------ Happiness is coming This message has been edited by steve on 08-08-2002 at 12:06 AM

Hi Andy a post I can actually offer my listening experience! I have '82 KHorns, run an Adcom GCD750 CD player, Adcom GFP565 preamp, and an Assemblage 300B-set tube amp..I was intrigued by the Decware Zen amp, especially by the price, and ordered one, after an extensive conversation with Steve, the amp creator. Much to his credit, he is a very knowledgeable person, and more than happy to discuss stereo problems/matching and mismatching components etc. After I got the amp, I took his advice, and bypassed the preamp completely, going CD to Decware directly. Well..it's probably me, but I didn't care for the extremely sterile sound..I prefer a preamp. Anyway, I put the GFP565 in the signal path, and I was very impressed with the outcome! You should see this amp..it's extremely small! And tube replacement is just 30 bucks or so, full complement! Extremely appealing. Low to medium listening levels were amazing, the amp being very revealing for the bucks laid down. That said..when the party was started, and you approached loud listening levels (and I'm not talking ear bleeding levels, just pleasantly loud) the amp just hit a brick wall. It didn't distort, it just couldn't chug no more. When I put the 300B back in place, I could see the difference immediately. Much to his credit, Steve makes a great product for the price..but I had to send it back. If he could just make it a 8-10 watt amp..he probably couldn't sell them fast enough. By the by..I love my Assemblage..it's made by a spinoff company of Sonic Frontiers..more than you want to put out (1600.00 with all the upgrades, and assembled..I'm no tech) but I'd recommend it to anyone. Sam Tellig wrote about it in Stereophile.. Good hunting! Steve ------------------ Happiness is coming

mdeneen..I tried an equalizer in the system, a year or so again..not a high dollar one, but just to see how bad I could mess it up. Anyway, I fiddled with it til I thought it sounded like what I wanted to hear..then I switched it off. Man, had I muddled up the sound! I definitely agree with Kelly here..but I also have some recordings that I add bass and treble to, then bypass the tone controls..and I must say..I like the added tone effect. Oh well..I'm sure all sources are not equal! Let me know how the EQ works in your system! Tony..well let's say I can't just throw good money after bad, and I'm not made of money..but am fortunate enough to have a wonderful wife who has -no- problem with my hobby! She says I could have a lot worse..she's watched me buy and sell equipment, and never complains. But, that said, I want to make sure my next investment is a good one, or a keeper if you will. I won't say money is no object, but I'm pretty flexible. Guy..I'll have to check into that Marantz preamp. I owned Marantz stuff in my teens and liked it a lot. But that was a long time ago! I'm kinda waiting to see if Kelly will steer me in the right direction..if there is one! Thanx all! Steve ------------------ Happiness is coming

Appreciate both of your answers,both very informative! Kelly, I just have a bad memory of a preamp w/no tone controls, and that was a highly Adcom touted GFP750..I learned to hate that thing! I even sent it back to Adcom and they admitted it was "bright" but within specs. They replaced it (much to their credit)but I never was happy eith it. I sold both the preamp and their GFA5002 and went back to the preamp I have now. I really do like the tone controls, and can bypass them with this particular preamp. And I replaced the amp with the SET. You mention that my search for a tubed preamp may not be a good match for my 300B SET. Besides an equalizer (I tend to shy away from these, I can really muddle up the sound with the wide array of switches!) what preamp am I looking for? Should I just stay where I am? I'm not dissatisfied with what I have, I'm like a lot of others out there, always looking for the "perfect" sound. Obsessed, if you will. Mdeneen, thanx for the detailed answer. Although I've been a musicholic forever, it helps to know all the technical stuff. Is that an equalizer that you run in your system? Thanx again, Steve ------------------ Happiness is coming This message has been edited by steve on 07-29-2002 at 12:37 PM

I just ran through all cached 2 channel topics, and although I saw a few that addressed preamp topics, be it ss or tube preamps, I didn't see any that recommended preamps with tone controls. MobileHomeless (Kelly) always has knowledgeable advice, some opinionated, some specification oriented but all interesting and appreciated, at least by what I have witnessed. So I'll direct this question to you Kelly, but all else, please chime in. I hold Klipsch owners in high regard, as we seem to differ from the rest of "normal" stereo owners. Kelly, I read some of your posts that say tone controls are an unnecesarry addition, although I see you do like the intregrated Eico amp. I appreciate your opinion, but I do like tone controls on some things. I bypass tone controls on a well recorded source, but sometimes I feel the need to add some treble, or bass. I am currently running an Adcom GFP565 preamp, but would like to switch to a tubed preamp with tone controls..without spending a fortune..this would mate up to my Assemblage tube amp (300B SET) and 1982 KHorns..CD is Adcom GCD750 .. so can you guys point me in the right direction? Without saying tone controls are unnecessary?? Thanx all-I really enjoy this BB, have learned to read more-write less.. Steve ------------------ Happiness is coming This message has been edited by steve on 07-29-2002 at 12:50 AM

just re-read the whole thread, and I owe an apology to Kelly.he never did agree with Dean..I read his original message incorrectly. Sorry MH.. But I stick by the rest of my post.. Steve ------------------ Happiness is coming