mojomc

So lately I've been thinking about vinyl. I actually have a few albums from over the years but no way to play them and I would love to grow a collection. I'm looking for any advice anyone out here may have to offer on players. Phono preamp is not required. I have an HK730 that I can use up to get started. Automatic isn't a requirement. I've read about the heavily reviewed and liked Audio-Technica AT-LP120-USB. I don't have a need at all for USB and in all fairness I'd prefer that the RCA cables not be part of the unit but this seems to be fairly common on cheaper units anyway. Any advice or recommendations are welcome and appreciated. Thanks for reading.

I've been trying to consume all the information I can as time allows. I would love to assemble a DIY unit. Most likely a kit in my case. DHT amps may be a little much for a beginner but who knows, by the time I get around to it I may change my mind. The stereomour by bottlehead seems popular.

As it stands today

So several months ago I joined the forum and made a post or two which led to a long and informational email exchange with Maynard. He took the time to ask my listening preferences, room layout. He even asked me to take some rough voltage measurements going to the LaScalas and what we found was what we all should already know by now. At my listening levels, generally around 85db in my spot, I was only using an average of 0.0625 watts. So after some further back and forth I settled on taking a chance on one of Maynard's creations. Most who have been on the forum have no doubt already seen but here it is again. Hammond xfmrs, 12AX7 and 6BX7GT tubes producing a glorious 1.3 WPC. I compare it to my home theater setup which consists of KLF-30s and an older Denon AVR-2800. Listening to 2 channel on the KLFs through is Denon is lifeless and dead to me. The sounds are all there but without life. At least that's how I explain it. But if I take the time to connect Maynard's amp to the KLFs man oh man does the music they make come to life. Here's where I'd like to mention that I've read a lot of low end deficiencies of S.E.T. amps but I have not detected this in my listening and I've tried. I've done A/B listening with the KLFs using both the Denon and the S.E.T. using sources tunes from artists such as Outkast and Beastie Boys. Never did the bass seem to be weaker with the S.E.T. than it did with the SS Denon. I continue to be impressed everyday that we listen. Also attached is a look at our listening room for now. It's not quite deep enough but we're in the process of completing some renovations in order to move into something a little bigger with a dedicated listening room. As we all know Maynard is a top shelf individual willing to put the time and effort into making sure that needs are met and any questions are answered. I've very much enjoyed our email exchanges and look forward to more in the future. I've been slowly trying to build a knowledge base so that someday I can tackle a DIY project. So thank you to Maynard for his willingness to share his designs and to provide knowledge and assistance. I'd also like to thank the forum members for everyone's contributions. It's been a pleasure reading through active members posts and gathering information and ideas! I look forward to further interactions. I have been contemplating a 2 way cornscala build for the bedroom. Brent

I recognize that homemade stand. I bought my KLF-30s from him. A very kind and talkative Vietnamese gentleman. It was a pleasure dealing with him!

I guess my thoughts on this, which are limited is "what is the definition of loud"? A flea power SET amp with less two watts drives my LS or KLF30s to over 100dB effortlessly. I personally consider this to be loud but nothing is shaking on the walls. The sound is clean and clear and the bass thumps with almost the same authority on my KLFs as when driven by my HK730. I noticed no appreciative diminishing low bass.

Titanium diaphragms in the post. Should arrive tomorrow.

Yup they came from cedar park, tx. I called him within an hour of his posting, no pics were included. After talking for about 20 mins, I told him I was making the drive the next day after church.

The LaScalas are separate running in two channel only. The tweeter upgrade is on the near future radar. The gentleman, Terry, was a real pleasure. We sat around listening to some jazz talking about his adventures in audio. He had quite the collection but he's now downsizing. I was probably there a couple of hours.

Scored these from a Vietnamese gentleman yesterday for $700 and an 8 hour round trip. They are a solid 9/10. No baffle rattle. In fact they both are rock solid for now. He was the second owner but has had them for the last 12 years. I haven't looked inside the tower. I think with the LaScalas covering our more refined listening and now having the KLF-30s and the matching C7 center and S6 surrounds we have what should be a rock'n home theater while dishing out some window rattling rock and roll. So excited to have these KLF-30s! Let the RAWK begin!

KLIPSCH corner tower horn speaker http://fayar.craigslist.org/ele/5785242802.html No affiliation. Looks like they need a little love.

Anyone in the area interested in helping a forum member out? I'm interested in these but cannot invest the time and energy to go 8 hours to have the deal fall through or in the midst of travel a 3 hour delay on their end, etc. If someone local has nothing better to do and is willing, send me a pm. If not, there are more legends out there somewhere... Many thanks!

If only they were 3ish hrs closer. 8 hrs one way is a bit too much for a day trip.

If you decide to part with the mentioned klf30's and the price is fair I would be very interested. I'm located in central AR. GLWS!

What are you using for a pre in your setup Schu? I'm still investigating SET tube amp options and depending on the direction taken a preamp may be in my future. Also, I'm starting a new fund for some Klipschorns some day.

HK730 procured! Many thanks jimjimbo. A SMOOTH, hassle-free transaction! A short review can be found here:

So about a week ago I completed recapping the AA crossovers in our 1977 LS and at the same time received an HK730 that I obtained from a forum member here, jimjimbo. The unit showed up very well packaged but unfortunately I did not get to connect it the day it arrived. Anticipation mounted! Come Saturday I had some time to reinstall the crossovers and hook up the unit. Upon turning on the power and supplying some James Brown something magical began to transpire. Immediately our two sons, ages 6 and 3, began to smile, laugh, and dance all over the room followed by Mom and Dad. We spent the entire day just listening and enjoying, no TV. Later, again instead of the TV, we listened to a local sports broadcast and once again the detail was amazing. Fast forward almost a week and the TV has barely been used. We've started listening to piano and classical during dinnertime and the response from the kids has been phenomenal. They calm down and eat better! Thank you Klipsch, HK and jimjimbo for sharing this vintage piece of gear! We couldn't be happier with the LS and garage sale purchased HK730 combo! .

So I'm recapping the same crossover in a pair of 77 LS. I noticed the insulation in the wire is pretty brittle and was thinking of replacing all the wire along with the caps. 2.5 questions Is replacing the wire a good idea/necessary? Any recommendation as to what size and quality to use from parts connexion? Thanks for any input!

Thanks. Your posts and many member's comments for that matter made the choice pretty easy. Now I just have to find one. Fingers x'd.

Located in central Arkansas. Looking for a working HK730 to drive a set of LS while I put more due diligence into researching tube amp possibilities. Many Thanks

Located in central Arkansas. Here's some info from a post over on the 2 ch forum. Some quite varied responses between the two forums. All are helpful viewpoints to consider. Room size 16x16 (decided to use spare room for listening) 10ft ceilings Speaker placement - 10-12ft center to center Listening distance - 10ish ft Loudness - Mostly listening level but occasionally turn it up to hear in the back yard Music genres - Rock (Black Crowes), Blues, Jazz and for my Mom, Neil Diamond Source - Digital. An HTPC I put together. Output via auzentech dedicated sound card. All files were encoded FLAC from source cds by myself. @robert_kc I actually ran across a few postings here regarding the Inspire that prompted me to do a few follow up searches but I never did get his seller ID. Thanks! They do certainly sound well built. On the list

Well the Genesis @ 2800k is more than I can muster. However, the Renaissance 4 hits the budget. I'll take a closer look.

Thanks for the replies. All things to think about. With the speakers came a bit of $$ intended to be used for this purpose. I'd like to see it used to its fullest potential. I'drather be able to get a receiver or amp from someone local or a well respected member here on the forum that is rebuilt and/or proven. I've always had good luck doing this on other sites and this community seems respectable as long as due diligence is adhered to. Thanks again and any suggestion at all is welcome!

So I have a pair of 1977 LaScalas that I'm looking to run in 2 channel only for listening to music. I have a limited budget of <1200 and would like to hear any suggestions for driving the LS. From what little I've read it seems a SET amp is preferred. Can something decent that isn't a Chinese kit be had in this range. Source will be lossless digital ripped from CDs. Also, if anyone has any recommended reference sites for learning about tube amps, I'd greatly appreciate it.

I can deaden the room, no problem. We can probably move a love seat. This is a new idea that has recently taken shape. Initially I was going to setup in the living room but SO approved the plans to use the extra room. I can move the speakers to the corners. I was planning on placing them on the same wall as the window. I'll take a look into the vintage Yamaha receivers. Thanks also for the info on the ALK Universal. It was a thought. I'll get with Bob Crites regarding gaskets and caps. On the subject of subs I'll look into the kits mentioned. Thankee!