jnorv

John, when you talk of modeling the horn, do you mean some numerical solution to the Navier-Stokes equations? I have been out of that business for some time, but hear that there have been great advances in numerical solutions. What with all of the computing power at our finger tips now. J Norvell

I got a pair of them in last Thursday and am still trying to decide. I was gone over the weekend to the Chicago horn meeting and have not had much time with them. My first impression was favorable. However when I measured the resonant frequency, it is higher than the Klipsch unit. Not sure if how important that is. I think I was more impressed with the Altec VOT that I heard in Chicago. I am looking to pick up a pair of their HF horns for a starter. Jnorv

My first impression of the Layne K 55 replacement is very good. It does seem to have a better response in the lower frequencies. I did have to adjust my ALK xovers from 3-0 (-7.9 db) to 3-x (-11.3 db). It will be interesting to see have they respond to a break-in period. I think I am glad that I did it. Will have to listen more and do a couple of swaps back to the originals. I am also going to measure the resonance frequencies on them and the originnals to see if there is the difference that Layne claims K-B, I am off to Chicago this weekend for the Chi-town horn fest. I will let you know my schedule next week so you can come by for a listen. I am here most every day. Jim This message has been edited by jnorv on 07-24-2002 at 10:47 PM

I ordered a pair of those drivers from Layne last week. They should be here tomorrow. I was willing to throw $150 at the system just to see if Layne knows anything. I am also looking into a pair of the Woofers with the idea of increasing the rear chamber volume and then porting the rear chamber, similar to the big Altec's. KB, I see that you are in Wanlut Creek. Aftier I get thme installed, you might think of coming down to SJ for a listen. I also have La Scalas. J Norvell This message has been edited by jnorv on 07-23-2002 at 10:16 PM

What is the upper useful frequency of the 2123J's? J Norvell

I have the solution for the acoustic resistance and reactance at the throat of a finite exponential horn, which is the classical result that Klipsch and everybody else has used for years. Does any body know where the corresponding solution for the tractrix horn can be found? J Norvell

I have been reading of late that the bass on La Scalas can be improved by adding several cubic feet to the rear chamber and then porting it. I havent run the numbers yet, but am thinking of giving it a try. By replacing the bottom panel with a box/riser, the mod would not be permanent. Any body have any suggestions on a starting point? J Norvell

With the woofer out and setting on my desk, I ran it through the freq range of about 40 to 100 Hz. at about 60 Hz, I started to get the same noise. Turns out it was exciting a vibration mode in the desk. I bolted it back in using Allen cap screws and the problem seems to have gone away. I also think I am getting better base response from that side now. I have dinged voice coils in the past, and the effect is bad across the full frequency spectrum. This was only over a small freq band. J Norvell

I am still in the diagnostic mode. The mounting screws seemed to be tight. I have replaced them with Allen head caps (easier to use in the constrained space). I am going to put the original back in and check it with a stethoscope to further locate the sound. It only occurs during transient, standup base note in the 60 Hz range. Makes it hard to provoke. Unfortunately for me that is one of my favorite instruments in the right hands, Mingus comes to mind. From reading the Layne literature and some posts here, it would seem that there is a pro-33 woofer that has been used in some LSs. The JBL 2205 T/S parameters are a reasonable match to the k-33 and sounds it. I may wait until after the Chi-Town horn get together before making any decision. Jim N

It appears that I have a bad woofer in one of my 25 year old La Scala's. Picked up a "noise" on low bass notes, most noticeable on standup bases. Sort of a buzzing but at a frequency of several hundred Hz, but excited by a 60 Hz bass note. Replaced it with a JBL 2205A that I had and the problem went away. The question is, do I buy Klipsch replacements or go to Layne (http://layneaudio.hypermart.net/repair.htm) for their upgrade K-33s for 50% more money? And, also, for the upgraded mid range drivers at the same time? Jim Norvell This message has been edited by jnorv on 07-12-2002 at 08:41 PM

I have picked up a strange transient buzz in one of my LS bass bins. At ~95 db and at about 60 Hz, there is a higher freq buzzing, short duration. The music has to be in a transient for it to happen. It is loudest if I put my hear to the center of the back of the bass unit. I have one Chet Backer CD that I first noticed it on. If I run a sweep from 40 to 100 Hz, I do not get the noise. I pulled the bottom off and everything appears tight. With the bottom off, there is no buzzing, but then the base level is way down with out the back chamber. I have not pulled the woofer yet. That is tomorrow mornings project. Almost sounds as if that 45 degree block that runs vertically opposite the throat is loose. Any suggestions? Jim N Just pulled the woofer. No surprises. No cracks. The surround and the spider appear to be in good shape. Just 25 years worth of dust and a small spider web or 2. The cabinet is solid. Small cone deflections dont appear to give any scratching sounds like a bad coil. I may hook it up on the bench and see what happens. But that really will be tomorrow. Jim This message has been edited by jnorv on 07-12-2002 at 01:12 AM

I lived on Upland Pl. and I think the bar was out by where McMillan and Taft come together.

I have a factory wired Assemblage with TJ Mesh output tubes. Jim

Damn, Just when I decided to drive over to Dallas and pick up that pair of cheap Dunlavy's, the 300B's and the LS's start to sound more like that 3 piece standup in that bar in Cinci in '67. J Norvell

I would decouple the outout (Khorns) from the input by moving the input acrocss the room. First order $.10/ft zip should clear up that problem.

I have been told that the big problem with SET;s is the output tranniies. That they saturate and cause all sorts of distoriton problems. What are the relavent prarmeters that one would look for? J Norvell

I am looking for an enexpensive(sp) but "good" cartidge. I am mostly into SACD but would like to get the best from my old LP's. I gave up my Sumico BPS to my neighbor across the steet because she listens to LP's all the time.

I will have to admit that I did abandon my entry CE 775 for a 777. It is on par with my CEC 2. Does not play the Multi channel, however. Not that I have gone to MC yet. jnorv

Another option would be to go with an entry level SACD player. They can be had for about $250 and the CD performance is quite good. Plus you get the upgrade to SACD. Jim N

Al, since we are on the subject of inductors, what is your opinion of the Alpha Core ribbon inductors compared to the Litz wire ones. They are about the same price, I think. Jim N

Any similarity of the music content at those points?

I like my Rowland Consonance preamp. It doesn't seem to intrude on the music that it processes. Plus I like the control it gives me. Full microprocessor controlled with each input (6, including a Phono) having it's own level setting. Can be had on Audiogon for ~$1200.

For the pair.

If you follow Al's parts list, it is right at $200, and worth every penny of it. This message has been edited by jnorv on 06-30-2002 at 08:19 PM

I was thinking of coming to the Chi-town Horn Fest, but with all of those earthquakes back there, I don't know if it is safe. J Norvell San Jose, Ca