whell

The RT-707 or 909 still pop up on Ebay every so often. These are/were great decks: well made, quaility components, and good sound quality. In terms of tape sound quality versus source sound quality, there is always some "loss" when a signal is transferred to tape, but the quality is still darn good. If you really want to go crazy, I've seen systems with external processors such as dbx processors that do a great job of offsetting some of the signal loss while expanding the dynamic range of the recording. ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

How do you define "coloration", though. I'm not being nit-picky here, but if in two different listening situation on two different sets of equipment, the detail was there, I'm wondering if that level of detail is "supposed to" be there. Coloration suggests that the speaker is adding something that really isn't there, yet what I heard was not harshness or an "overbright" quality....at least, not to me. ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

First off, let me say that the Klipsch speakers I enjoy listening to have some of the clearest sound I've ever had in my listening room. My wife even comments that the musicians/vocalists sound like they are in the room with us. Now, seg to this weekend, when the wife is out for the weekend and hubby is left at home to play. I'm assembling a little 2nd system with good quality, vintage components (with the exception of the CD player) in my basement. The basement is relatively unfinished, exposed beams and cement walls. However, some of the components I've been able to assemble are good quality: -Kenwood KA-9100 integrated amp (found at a garage sale for $50!) -Infinity SM 100 speakers (pretty good sound for not being horny, and also just like the pair I had in college) -Denon CD/DVD player DVD1000 Pulled out a copy of a Crosby Stills and Nash CSN album, and played it for a while on the "vintage" system. I was immediately impressed by the detail in the upper midrange and trebble. Much more pronounced highs than my Klipsch/Marantz system. To determine if the Kenwood was making the system "overbright", I brought the Infinitys upstairs, and hooked them up to my main system (see below). Sure enough, there was the same emphasis on detail as I had heard downstairs. It actually was a pleasing effect to me, there was a "shimmer and sizzle" to the guitar strings and cymbals" that is not there with my RF-3's. But for overall clarity and balance, I still prefer my Klipsch. Soooo...here is the question: If the RF-3's are supposed to render high frequncies through 20K HZ, what is the reason that this "sizzle" is present on the Infinity, but not the Klipsch system? Is it an obvious answer, like "The designers of the RF-3's were after tonal balance rather than an emphasis on one part of the audio spectrum? Or is it something else? Thanks for your thoughts! ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

Thanks for all your help with this little project of mine! ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

I'm sure my wife would love for me to have these in our living room! ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

I think I've got it now ( a picture is worth 1000 words, I guess!). Last question: do I modify the incoming cables (to the amp) for both the left and right channels as shown in your diagram (since I've got 2 channels into the amp)? ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

Oops, you lost me, mdeneen. Again, my electronics grounding is not the best. Is there a diagram or schmatic that you could refer me to? ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

When reading and/or responding to this post, please calibrate your frame of reference, since my "electronics education" is pretty limited. That being said, I am cobbling together a second system with an old Kenwood KA 9100 integrated amp as the centerpiece. I have an old pro amplifier that I would like to use to drive an old passive sub that I've found, and connect the old amp to the pre-outs of the Kenwood. Don't want to send the full range audio signal to the amp, just, say, the bottom 60 - 80 hz. Can I build a simple, non complicated crossover, and connect it between the Kenwood's pre-outs and the old amp's inputs? Given the nature of this system, I don't want to spend alot of cabbage on this if I don't have to. Thanks for any suggestions on this! ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

In my case, with a 27" 1986 Vintage RCA Colortrack 2000 TV, audio is the most important consideration. I'm just happy that when I switch the power on for my RCA, that it still power up! ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

You might search on "wire" or "cable" on this forum, and get a number of opinions on this topic. From what I've seen, the gereral opinion is that esoteric speaker wire is not required. Good quality OFC cable, 16 guage for short runs and 14 guage for longer runs, is sufficient. I've got the RF-3/RC-3 speakers hooked up with Kimber 4VS Cable, but I didn't spend a fortune for it. Upgraded from good quality OFC braided cable (Audioquest), and couldn't detect any appreciable differences. If I had a multi-thousand dollar amp/preamp combo, I might consider going crazy with wire and cable. However, my system, as is yours, is modest in comparison to some others out there. The cost/benefit of spending $5+ a foot on speaker wire just isn't supported, with my equipment, IMHO. If you still want to upgrade, possibly for future equipment purchases, spend some time on Ebay, Audioreview, or Audiogon. You might find some reasonable deals on gently used cable that acheive your objective without putting a huge dent in your wallet. ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

As with any merger, you look and see what the involved parties say at the time of the merger, then sit back, watch and see what really happens. Here is the section of the press release that bears watching: Commenting on the deal, Tatsuo Kabumoto, CEO of Marantz stated, The combination of Denon and Marantz, backed by world class companies like Ripplewood Holdings and Philips, establishes a platform on which we intend to build the world class company in the premium audio visual space. Marantz regards the establishment of D&M Holdings as yet another important strategic step forward for the company following its acquisition of trademark rights and sales subsidiaries operating in Europe and the US from Philips last May, he added. AND Mitsushige Sakamoto, CEO of DENON said, leveraging the synergies of the merger and integrating DENONs digital A/V technology with Marantzs video and wireless technology, D&M Holdings will secure its position as a leading competitor in the home theatre market. You wonder from this what brands will be retained to market what products. Will the new company market audio products under the Denon name, and video products under the Marantz name? As a Marantz owner, I appreciate the sound of a Marantz product, but fully recognize that Denon has more market share and name recognition to the average electronics consumer. Just some idle thoughts.... ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD This message has been edited by whell on 05-13-2002 at 01:48 PM

At the risk of beating this subject to death: I've got a 5.1 setup currently. For better or worse, my room does not allow for the addition of a center-rear channel (I've got a huge picture window across the back of my listening room!). However, I am using RB-5's as my rears, and have them positioned to slightly to the rear and slightly above the listener's ear. The overall effect on movies is quite good. I have toyed with the idea of replacing the RB-5's with RS-3's (to accompany my RF-3 L/R and my RC-3 center). What stops me every time is that I also listen to music on my home theater system (don't have the $$$ or the room for a dedicated 2 channel system). With the specter of multi-channel music potenitally gaining popularlity, I can't justify a speaker designed primarly for diffuse rear effects being used as a discrete channel for music. In fact, I own a few DTS surround disks. The 5.1 effect, for me, is not a "realistic" presentation of the soundstage, I often find myself listening to my 5.1 DTS music disks in 2 channel! There are a few disks that are somewhat convincing on 5.1 channel (Diane Krall's "Love Scenes" comes close). Therefore, the RB-5's remain in place for now. ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

I think that the H/K rep you spoke to was correct in his assessment of the consumer "need" for 7.1 systems. If one wishes to gamble on the future of home audio, go ahead and buy the 7.1 set up of your choice. But to me, it clearly is still a gamble. The available supply of software supporting 7.1 is slim. And there is no guarantee that distributors will be pumping 7.1 software into the market anytime soon. If it were me, and I was pleased overall with the sound of my system, I would not be overly concerned with buying 7.1 capable electronics right now. I'd give the software market some time to catch up with electronics. ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

One thought: very few home theater receivers have more than 5 channels of amplification built in. Most receivers provide "pre-out" jacks, which are designed to feed the signal for a 6th or 7th channel to an external amplifier. ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

Depends on which package you are interested in. The Quintet package can be driven with a relatively inexpensive HT receiver. However, if you crave accurate reproduction of movie soundtracks and music, and are interested in the RFII package, you can look at higher quality receivers, or go wild and look at separate components. ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

Welcome to the world of the upgrade bug. Next think you know, you'll be upgrading interconnects and speaker cable with reckless abandon! :-) I also found that upgrading the amplification in my system produced favorable results: deeeper bass extension, wider sound stage, etc. The amplifier sections of receivers are OK, but separate amplifiers that are well designed/built have much greater control over the speakers, and can handle greater loads at higher volume levels. Even at lower volumes, a separate amp has benefits. COngratulations on your purchase. ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

Listen to both before you buy, preferably on equipment and speakers that are at least similar to the equipment that will be connected to the receivers in your set up at home. Second, contact a local repair electronics shop and ask which brand they repair most frequently between the two manufacturers. Let these two factors be the ones that help you make your decision. FYI: when I undertook this same exercise, I ended up with a Marantz receiver. I gave up some features (most of which, quite frankly, I never would have used), but I now own a very well designed, very reliable unit with excellent audio and HT reproduction. Also, I won both the SR19EX receiver and Marantz's MM9000 amp. I hear no fan noise from either unit. ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

Might not be worth it. Frankly, I think that, unless you listen to DVD's regularly, particularly DVD Audio, that you're probably well enough served by the RC-3II. ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

Let me be the first to say that if you are interested in selling your RS-3's, I'd be glad to take them off your hands! ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

Here I go again, talking up Marantz. The SR19EX I own is 6.1 capable, and sounds great with my Reference 3 setup. It has 5 channels of ampification built in. Marantz also makes a line of relatively inexpensive monoblock amps that have received great reviews. If you want 6.1 or 7.1, I'd buy a pair of these connect them to the pre outs of the L/R channels of the receiver, and let the receiver's built in amps power the other channels of your HT setup. By the way, given the limited availability of 6.1 or 7.1 DVD's, I wouldn't rush into setting up the additional rear channel(s). I've decided to wait until the software is more extensively available before I commit to the hardware expense. ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

This is probably one of the benefits of owning Klipsch products: one does not have the need for an amplifier that could also substitute as a power plant for a small city! Separates have their place in the Klipsch world for individuals who crave the finest sound reporduction and want amplification from products that use premium components. However, the Krell amps such as the one pictured, and other simillar products, are of great use in driving finicky, low efficiency speaker to reference SPL's without an audible loss in sound quality. Klipsch speakers do not have these requirements. In my comparatively modest system, I have an outboard amp connected to my receiver's pre-outs. This combination allows my RF-3's optimum bass extension, and a wider soundstage. However, I might not have made this extra expenditure (for the amp) if I did not find the amp at a bargain price. At some point, I may opt for a separate pre-processor, particularly if surround technology leaps beyond the technology employed in my receiver. However, for now, I could not be more pleased with the sound reproduction of my system. FYI: Rented "Behind Enemy Lines" this weekend and watched it in DTS Surround. What a great job the studio did of delivering on the full potential of the DVD/DTS capabilities. Check it out! ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

As you might guess, I'm partial to Marantz gear, love the way it sounds with my Klipsch. Used/demo Marantz gear of the '01 vintage might fit the bill, too. I've become a fan of letting other folks pay retail for new gear, and then buying it a little later after the original buyer gets bitten by the upgrade bug. Some "audiophiles" change out their gear more often than I change my underwear...... ....or is that too much information?!?! ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

Let me also place a vote for the Marantz. My SR-19EX reciever paired with my Reference 3 series 5.1 setup sounds warm, clear and very satisfying. ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

Instead of the Panasonic (assuming its a 2 channel receiver), I'm wondering if this would be a good opportunity to look at some quality used gear, to save money. Some old Marantz, Pioneer or well built Yamaha gear might fit the bill. ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD

I toe in my RF-3's toward my listening position, and like to overall imporivement in imaging. Not huge, but noticable. As far as vintage equipment, I still have an old Rotel RX-803 receiver that is still kicking. It is rated at 75 wpc, but how many 75 wpc receivers do you know of that have heat sink fins across the back?? It has pr-out/in jacks, and when I was a part time mobile disk jockey during my high-school and college days, I used to plug a mixer into the input jacks and use it as a back up amplifier in smaller halls. It kicks *** for 5 - 6 hours at 3/4 volume!! Swear to God that this thing will never die! ------------------ Mike - Livonia, MI Klipsch RF-3 L/R Klipsch RC-3 Center Klipsch RB-5 rears HSU Research VF-2 Sub Marantz SR-19EX receiver Marantz MM-9000 Amp NAD T550 DVD Adcom GCD 700 CD