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Rjk1972

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    Tube amp and pre or Tube integrated recommendations for Cornwall 1s

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    On 3/21/2017 at 6:36 PM, Supernaskov said:

    Hey everybody, didn't want to start a separate topic for my question so posting here:

    Will Leben CS-300xs be enough to drive my Cornwalls III in a 20 by 20 ft room ? 99% listening to vinyl, nothing extreme/heavy or very loud, but still a bit concerned whether this little guy can handle a room of such size.

     

    p.s. auditioning is not possible unfortunately since I am looking at a very good second hand deal and should i decide to go with it, need to pick it up this Friday.

    Totally enough. That's a great little amp. Congratulations. What do you think of it?

    Tube amp and pre or Tube integrated recommendations for Cornwall 1s

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    On 2/24/2017 at 10:41 AM, ScottR said:

    Your the second persons that's said that about Decware to me. I'm adding Audio Research to my list of gear I'm going to listen to. It would be nice to buy an amp made in the U.S. but I definitely am not looking for solid state sound.

     

    I've read the some about the counterfeit gear and parts coming out of China and about Line Magnetics grey market problems. Never read anything about tube confusion and dealers though. The gear does look nice. I'm given two of their amps a listen too but will probably pass for those reasons. 

     

    I'm going to pick up the Cornwalls now. Can't wait to get them set up.

     

    I see your using the Belden and Duelunde cables that are recommended by Jeff Day and others. What do you think? I am not really a cable guy but that is pretty affordable wire. 

    I'm not saying Decware and ARC are bad, just too sterile for me. Just for reference I really like the sound of my Fisher 500c. It's been my go-to for the last 3 years. She really never disappoints.

     

    If you checkout the Steve Hoffman forums and audiokarma youll find lots of info about Line Magnetic. I think their amps sound great.

     

    I'm not a big believer in cables myself. I like Belden, Mogami, and recently Duelund speaker cable. The Belden and Duelund really do work well together. Personally I've not heard anything to make me believe expensive speaker cable gives you anything more than a slightly different colorations. 

    • Like 1

    Tube amp and pre or Tube integrated recommendations for Cornwall 1s

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    7 hours ago, ScottR said:

    Great to here. I checked out their Instagram. Very nice looking gear. Thanks for the recommendation. Your amps look beautiful. What were you running before? 

     

    I listened to In Utero on my way into work today. Tragic loss.

    Lots of great gear recommended. I had written a nice long post but I guess I messed up some how. 

     

    Anyways. I would just add a couple of things. I like my tube gear to have great tone and what I consider to be a nice tube like sound. Personally I found all the Audio Research gear I've heard in the last 20 years to be on the analytical side of the scale. I'd put Shindo on the other side, the warm, great tone side. I found Decware to be on the analytical side not to far from Audio Research gear. Leben I'd put on the Shindo side. CJ gear is just to fuzzy for me but I haven't heard any of there stuff in the last 10 years. Line Magnetic, despite being from China, pretty nice gear. Great build quality and sound. My only problem with them is that they seem to always be having some grey market/counterfeit/dealers not knowing what tubes are currently coming in there amps problems. Leben gear I just love. It's fantastic I've heard the CS300, CS600, the rs660p, the RS30eq, and their full function preamp. Just amazing gear, but really pricey.

     

    I read your speaker thread. You'll love those Cornwalls. I think we have pretty similar tastes. I'm also anxiously awaiting Forte 3 but either way I will never be parting with my 85 Cornwalls. I wouldn't do much to mod those Cornwalls either. Just replace the caps in the crossovers with some good ones. I'm going to redo mine with Jupiter Flat Stacks this summer when work slows down. 

    • Like 1

    Tube amp and pre or Tube integrated recommendations for Cornwall 1s

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    9 hours ago, OldSkool77 said:

    Scott, since you asked my opinion of my amps, I will give it. Please know that I'm NOT affiliated with any amp manufacturers. I have NO dog in this fight, so to speak. I'm a music lover, period. In fact, typing this while listening to Nirvana. RIP Kurt...you would have been 50 today. :(

     

    What I love about Toolshed amps is the sound and construction quality, attention to detail and custom options that Toolshed offers. You can choose exotic woods and custom, etched metal artwork that you can design. I had a palm tree design that I wanted and it turned out killer. The volume knob goes to 11...although I doubt that I'll ever play it that loud. The indicator lights on the amps even use vintage glass jewels from the late 1950's. Those details translate into a "work of art", at least for me. I didn't want a cookie-cutter amp. I  wanted something that my neighbor didn't have. Check out Toolshedamps on instagram for more custom pics. They can build it anyway you want.

     

    The amps arrived VERY well-packed and perfect. I haven't had a single issue and I don't expect to. All I get is glorious music and they pair perfectly with my Heresy 3. I know that the builder, Matt, mentioned that he also owns Klipsch speakers...Fortes, maybe? Great synergy...and this is not my first tube-amp rodeo. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't change a thing.

     

    Scott, welcome. You have been given many outstanding amp suggestions to choose from and I wish you the best.

     

    Just can't believe it's been so long. Listening to my LP of Unplugged. They were a great band. 

     

     

    • Like 1

    *cough* CES 2017 *cough*

    in Klipsch News

    Posted

    On 1/6/2017 at 10:03 AM, Grizzog said:

    I will also be in line for the Forte III.

    What do other companies have available at that price point that will come anywhere near the forte performance?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

    I'm sure people will be comparing them to internet direct manufacturers like Tekton and Zu Audio. The problem with those two is that their speakers aren't as efficient as they state. They always test around 93db. Pretty good for dynamic drivers but they also don't really measure that well and are built more like DIY speakers. Really though, there is nothing that will compare to these Forte 3 at 3800.00. At 98db and a solid 30hz-20khz response they will own their spot in the market place. That doesn't even take into account their attractiveness and the inherent "Wife Acceptance Factor". These look to be a real winner. Can't wait to hear them. 

     

    That 1000 dollar integrated looks interesting too. I'll definitely be grabbing one of The Three for the kitchen and maybe a pair of The Six for bedroom duty. This is the best line up I've seen from Klipsch since the Chorus 2 came out. Keeping my fingers crossed and hoping the sound of the Forte 3s live up to expectations because I have never had this hard a time picking between finishes of a speaker. That California Walnut finish with the light colored grill vs the black with anniversary grills is going to keep me up at night.

    • Like 1

    Forte III

    in General Klipsch Info

    Posted

    1 hour ago, Rxonmymind said:

    Be careful what you wish for. Many, many "speakers of today" are made in China. 

    Sadly many of the speaker that have employed today's tech seem to have become to bright, built cheaply and won't have the quality they did years ago before abandoning their country. (There are exceptions)

    So I'll gladly have a speaker built of quality, employing "my neighbor" while at the same time perhaps be a little bit behind the times in sound. If that were true. There seems to be a formula here that works if looking at my local ads are any indication of Klipsch desirability. I see none. So it's steady as she goes and stay the course.

    Finally, let's be honest here. There is no perfect speaker. I assure you I can go out and buy that Dynaudio Consequence, or Martin Logan Neolith speaker and "wish" they would do this & that with it. That goes for any live opera, gig, symphony, CD, records etc and as long as were human we'll never be happy with it.

    Just sit back and enjoy the performance.

     

    Exactly. All speakers are a compromise. I remember hearing a pair of Magico at AXPONA a couple of years ago and thinking "wow what's all the hype about". I always have found it amusing how my fellow audiophiles and the industry magazines tend to fuss about how Klipsch don't measure perfect. Then they give rave reviews to brands like Audio Note and Devore that also don't measure "like they should". Now I love those two brands of speakers. In fact I like all their models. Just seems funny how people seem to pounce on Klipsch for using old tech that doesn't hold up to modern measurements while praising other companies that do similar things and throwing them on lists like "Class A" recommended components.

    • Like 1

    Forte III

    in General Klipsch Info

    Posted

    5 hours ago, Dawson's Ridge said:

     You are apparently a real believer in Klipsch product. For Klipsch sake, let's hope there are not too many more dedicated owners like you out there.   

    Don't get me wrong. I will find a way listen to them but I really do enjoy the Klipsch Heritage and "Extended Heritage Range". I remember when they sold all of them in a shop called Here's Radio in L.A., great stuff. Back then the natural compatition there were from a few upstart speaker companies called Vandersteen, Snell, Mirage, and B&W. You tell people you really liked the Chorus 2s and people would be all over you recommending one of those other models. Well 25 years later a minty pair of those same Cornwall, Chorus or Forte are still in demand and go for decent Money and go surprisingly quickly for their size. Old models from those other brands, not so much. I hope my local Best Buy has them in their Magnolia Show Room. If they don't I'll be taking a road trip.

    • Like 1

    The "Ultimate Gem" SEP is here!

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    1 hour ago, mojomc said:

     

    I can confirm there is a lot of information in PE. Maynard pointed me towards it a while back. Navigation takes some getting used to but is worth it. I'm taking my sweet time since it'll be a while before I do any DIY. My current residence, complete with a 3 and 6 year old and an understanding wife up until I commandeer the dining room, which is what it would take, won't allow it and I have too many other priorities right now. I'm slowly going through and learning where I can so that when the time comes, ie 'we move', I'll be ready. Hoping to see a build thread from someone. Who's it gonna be? 

     

    I feel your pain. It took awhile to find a spot to set up. Luckily I have a patio room that come the end of March will be getting a work bench to go in front of a large screened window with a fan in it doing exhaust duties. As for a build. Well I spent a few hours yesterday and today watching some pretty cool soldering videos on YouTube and in one of them the guy was demonstrating how to solder and desolder resistors and caps on the circuit boards. So now I am in possession of three decent boards with a dozen and a half components to desolder and solder. Right now I'm looking for a soldering station and the tools I'll need and a good multimeter and of course doing a lot of reading. Also just sent an email to the guy behind the Spudkit. So hopefully I'll have everything I need and be practiced enough to to start the build in March. Then if all goes well I'd like to move on to the amp in this thread. Maybe with some uprated transformers. Then do a good rebuild on a Fisher x100 I have. Should be a fun year.

    The "Ultimate Gem" SEP is here!

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    4 hours ago, tube fanatic said:

    Unfortunately, I don't have any amps available as kits.  You may want to check out the Spudkit which was featured in another thread very recently. Either that, or the Bottlehead S.E.X. amplifier.  As to setting up a basic shop, if you have the time to do some reading, log onto the American Radio History site and start reading Popular Electronics beginning with the first issue in October '54.  You will find many articles about basic electronics, testing, tools, setting up a beginner's shop, and just about anything else you would want to know. Back in the day, many newcomers to electronics learned from those magazines.  

     

    http://www.americanradiohistory.com/Popular-Electronics-Guide.htm

     

    Maynard

    Great. Those old magazines are amazing. Lol loved the smoke alarm with vacuum tubes. 

     

    Just wondering. Have you ever designed a no holds barred tube amp?

    Forte III

    in General Klipsch Info

    Posted

    17 hours ago, Dawson's Ridge said:

    You have a friendly audience here but Klipsch Heritage barely gets a blip of interest in the serious audiophile marketplace. Many associate Klipsch with cheap product sold at Best Buy. Whether or not Klipsch Heritage sounds better or not (debatable) the majority would rather have a Sonus Faber on display in their living room.  

    Sonus Faber are awful. I have yet to hear a pair of that overpriced Italian furniture that I care for. 

     

    These Forte 3 are the first new manufacture speakers that I've been excited about under 5 grand. Up till I heard about these three days ago I was looking at Audio Note, Devore or Tannoy as possible replacements down the road for my Cornwalls. Can't wait to hear these.

    • Like 3

    The "Ultimate Gem" SEP is here!

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    So after going through a few tube amps and still sorting out my most recent purchase, I have come to the conclusion that I really need to become compitant at repairing, restoring, and ultimately building my own amp. 

     

    So basically I am looking for some recommendations for the equipment I need, like a soldering station, multimeter and other tools and equipment and a good amp kit to start off with. I'm looking to get into doing this for the long haul. I'd also like to be able to make my own interconnects, re cap speaker crossovers and ultimately build a first class tube amp with top notch parts and iron. So I'd like start out with some decent equipment that I wouldn't need to upgrade for awhile.

     

    Any and all suggestions and help would be appreciated. My speakers are a pair of 1985 Cornwall 1s. I would love to start out with one of Maynard's designs if it's possible to buy as a kit with a chassis. Are there any other popular kits here that would be a good learning experience? 

     

    Thanks in advance. 

    Fastrac Cornwall horn pros and cons

    in Technical/Restorations

    Posted

    2 hours ago, justinsweber said:

    I've owned all 3horns. If you want stock k55 the the fastrac is the BEST. Yes is sounds different... better not harmful to my earns. If you can afford he eliptr-, nothing beats it. 

    I thought the eliptrac wouldn't fit in a Cornwall. I was actually going to consider a different midrange driver if just the horn swap didn't get me what I was looking for.

    Fastrac Cornwall horn pros and cons

    in Technical/Restorations

    Posted

    This is great. Thanks for all the opinions and information. 

     

    So I have a totally novice question. There is mention of a k700 horn and a K600 horn when referring to Cornwalls. What is the difference and when did they change? 

     

    So it sounds like what everyone is saying is that the Fastrac Horn has a.better polar response which means it maintains its composure and holds its dispersion pattern better than the Klipsch midrange horns that come with the Cornwall. Is this correct?

     

    Chris A, thanks the dumbed down detailed answer. I really appreciate it. So what is FC and is it being different going to amount to any noticeable changes. I understand some crossover changes to make the Fastrac Horn ideal. On the ALK page it is stated that the horns can be swapped with no changes but that the crossovers should be changed. Would you know of the ALK crossover addresses what is needed for the Fastrac Horn. About the 510/K69 combo. Is there anyone that makes a kit to make that swap for Cornwalls and a way to get a set of crossovers made for that setup?

     

    Deang, are you the gentleman behind Althea? Do the crossovers you make address the changes that need to be addressed for different mid horns? The one for sale in the Garage Sale section looked great. 

     

    Thanks

     

     

    Fastrac Cornwall horn pros and cons

    in Technical/Restorations

    Posted

    Thanks for the responses. I get the not wanting to cut them. Mine are a minty, beautiful pair of CWO with risers. 

     

    I've come across some comments about them. Sort of more generalizations. People saying g things like they measure worse than the stock horn and have a horrible polar response.

     

    I'm not interested in bi or tri amping with actives. I've heard a few systems that went that route and outside really expensive Genelex and ATC speakers haven't heard anything I like. I have a sweet little Toolshed Amps customized EL84 amp arriving this week. My system as is is pretty good. A NOS Valve restored 500c retubed with all nice NOS tubes. A Rega DACr and Rega RP6 with a 2m Blue and my 1985 Cornwall 1s.

     

    I'm looking for a little more smooth/lushness and detail than I have right now and maybe a little more bass and extension up top in my speakers. My crossovers are the original 31 year old crossovers. So I trying to figure out if I should go with the ALK crossover / Fastrac modification or just get a really nicely rebuilt set of crossovers, something like the Cornwall crossovers in the Garage Sale section.

     

    So what is the "polar response" of a drive and what does it measure.

     

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