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J hawk Buy the Pioneer 49 TX

HBD They no longer sell the brown cloth grills--only the brown cloth! I told them that they offer the new H-II's with brown cloth grills BUT since they couldn't find a part # for it---they couldn't sell it to me!! So, I gave up and just ordered the cloth How would you go about changing the black to brown cloth on the grills?? Tks Dave

Trader Just ordered some brown cloth from Klipsch and intend to take off the black cloth I have on the spkr grills and replace with the brown cloth What technique did you use to stretch the cloth and apply it to the "grill" material?? Tks Dave

Is there a potential problem to the reciever/amp running outdoor speakers--moisture etc?

Keith That is a terrific web site Thanks alot Dave

Henry Picked up a 2001 build trio on E Bay--so I'm set---with 5 H-II's and two Academy's as rear surrounds (not to mention twin SVS subs--POW) Had tested upside down and it did sound very good--so I'm sure that's my config for the center. Agreed---want 'em downtown also---second choice would be East side facing the Arch and skyline if they build another bridge down there too. IMO---they could play on the moon and draw 3 mil. Tks Dave

HI HW I was in on your diaglog some time ago----I finally ended up with three more H-II's for the center and surrounds and will use two Academy's as the rear surrounds (found another Academy to match the one I had been using as a center)---there is NO question that the Heresy II as a center is better than the Academy (as good as that was). Fortunately I do have the room to position the heresy vertically in my cabinet (having made a slight mod in same to do this) My Q is---do you think it best to sit the H-II upside down (Woofer on top) ( in order to get the tweet and sqwak closest to the picture?? (the H-II is on top of the RPTV) Hey---are you all out in St Charlie going to pony up for that new Birdo's ball park? Tks Dave

HBDR Having never seen a "good" Klipsch veneer from the ones I have----not sure if mine are "good" or not. However, having now applied the stain/sealer coat I am completely happy with the result thus far. Today will be the first of 3 coats of Minwax Satin Poly Plan to have these finished by Sunday night and will post some pics on Monday I am not overly concerned about the veneer's perfection as again, these are being incorporated into and oak HT cab and two bookcases (the surrounds) so, I am looking for the overall "look" / color as the intent is to "blend" them into the decor. As the stain I have used is identical as used on the cabs---the color IS a perfect match. Have this Q for you, however, I think I will want to convert the black grill cloth to brown on atleast two of these three (possibly on all 5 I now own). Is it feasible to remove the black cloth and replace with brown? and what technic would I use if possible. If not possible---what material is the grill "backing" made of (could just recreate them myself and get some cloth from Klipsch or wherever) Tks Dave

Here's a preliminary update on my project The Heresey II's arrived with speaker stands-(surprise) so, I was able to take one and experiment Went to HD and bought pints of refinisher---Acetone and lacquer thinner and used each product on three of the stand's four sides----the result was that lacquer thinner is the WINNER---(refinisher a close second--acetone---forget it)----the lacquer thinner with 0000 wool took the black lacquer finish off like throwing butter in a frying pan---amazingly easy . Then sanded the one side and applied my stain of choice----result was a PERFECT match to my cabinet---PERFECT. Last night prepped the three H-II's with masking tape and plastic protection---by end of this weekend--I'll have the finished products and will then post some pics before and after as well as my step by step guide to this process. By the way--based on how easily the thinner removed the Klipsch finish-----the factory finish is worthless (as far as protection and durability)---the finish must be a one step spray which includes the black pigment and the lacquer---I can't see how that finish could possibly stand the test of time ---thank you Klipsch ! More Later---Dave

HBDR Thanks for the thoughtful advice I'm not sure what the substrate is on these Heresy II's Hopefully it IS NOT MDF----and it is plywood instead Does anyone know? Tks Dave

I have 3 heresyII's coming at me in the black oak lacquered finish and I want to take them down to bare wood and refinish to match some oak cabs I will put them all in. What is the recommended technique to do this (mechanical only--eg sanding it off---OR chemical stripper--then sanding etc?) Any input would be appreciated Tks Dave

Correct---H E I see that Viking "thing" and just assume it's the Horn man----anyway----I think we should all take a vote and make that avatar yours and yours only ! You wear it perfectly Dave

Horn-E Another thing to consider is that your "old Sony" that may have cost several hundred $----is probably inferior to the $150 retail players now out there---this DVD thing is evolving so quickly with such mass mfg volumes--this technology is leap frogging far more than any of the others---and there promises to be more "built in obsolence" in this component than any of the others---displays, AVR's etc etc for several more years-----plus---from what I read---there aren't any really clear picks on DVD out there--each one seems to have a quirk or two---chroma bug or what have you.--plus so much of the output of these things is dependent on the software quality or lack there of. I'd spend a grand on one right now---if there was that ONE that stood out---it really is confusing. That I think is why everyone is on the edge of their chairs waiting for some hands on with the new Denon pieces due out this month and next-----"on paper" either has the potential to be the ONE player (though neither will have SACD for now---DVD-A only). But, for my $---I'm going with DVD-A anyway as it looks like this format might be the broadest supported---in Japan. Apparently Sony and I believe Phillips are playing the old "hard to get" as in licensing games with SACD---much more than is occuring in DVD-A--- Whatever or whichever---definitely recommend the DVD audio type format---it really is outstanding---ideal for our Klipsch set ups Regards, Dave

FYI the Pioneer 47A is getting panned on the other forums----suggest you check the AVS forum on this and other player recommendations---I find them to be the most informative---still think that it takes a much bigger screen to really get the "bang" (video) out of an expensive player IMHO-----DVD audio, however is fantastic---and REALLY worth the extra $ (provided you AVR or whatever--has the analog inputs---at least 6 of 'em. my 2 cents--Dave

2 more Heresies !---or find a pair of Academies !!

Rowoo If yours is satin OAK---then take some 80 grit and go after it by hand---be very careful if using a belt sander----an orbital would be kinder (less likely to penetrate throught he veneer)----then ?---I'm trying to confirm what stain and final finish to use to restore it to the oak oil appearance--want to confirm the other posters thoughts directly with Klipsch before proceeding-----hope they'll call me back. Tks Dave

Kain That's a "loaded" question----I see you seem to have a 36" Sony display----in that case---I wouldn't spend too much---probably don't even need progressive scan (though they are so cheap now---why not?) Want DVD A or SACD capability?----(you should). then get that playback feature for sure--(assuming your Sony AVR has 5.1 analog inputs). IMO----you need to be into at least 55" of display before investing in an expensive DVD-progressive scan model---your 36" TV is great---but I don't think you'd get enough bang out of an expensive player---wouldn't see enough difference if any from a very basic (good) unit---one you can buy for $150 retail---But get the new audio format capability----for sure---in that case--the new Denon 1600/3800 players are getting some pre release good opinion----maybe the Panny RP 91--or if you want SACD---maybe the PHillips Q50--- my 2 cents--Dave

Crash--Doug I'm no lawyer---but have been a consumer electronics rep for 25 years and rep and have repped some of the big boys--Japanese and Korean. 99% of this stuff is sales and marketing---I don't know how Klipsch can make that statement " --- "---guess I better read my warranty card---However it just can't be enforceable---Hey, the reality is that Klipsch or any other mfg isn't out to get the consumer----they all bend over backwards to make sure that any end result is a satisfied consumer------One of the great things about the internet is that one can now search world wide---we aren't restricted to geography anymore (or at least not nearly as much as we used to be). So, forget about the guy 5 miles away--whoever it was calling around---can't call all over the world can he? Dave

Crash This is one of my pet peeves as well. But, understand that Klipsch or any other mfg has the right--legal and otherwise to limit their distribution--they can tell WalMart--NO--we won't sell our stuff to you.Other high end lines eg Pioneer Elite etc use a similar marketing strategy---this is their prerogative HOWEVER, 1)it really never works (for a consumer wishing to work for the better "deal") I know, as I've picked up new Pioneer Elite and Mits Diamond models at WAY BELOW "MAP" pricing ---"minimum advertised price". There is always an "authorized dealer" moving product "sideways" to relieve inventory or just build some volume with the particular mfg. (a lot of the Japanese CE mfg's have volume incentive rebate programs based on volume bought--and have co op adv accruals all tied to volume) These "program items" go straight to the dealer's bottom line profit. 2)These MARKETING PRACTICES, however, have NOTHING to do with a product's warranty and the mfg's obligation to the consumer--end purchaser to HONOR that warranty (regardless of where that consumer purchased the product)Now, should the consumer end up with a product whose warranty has been voided (cabinet opened---SN# changed etc etc---by the selling dealer---"unaurthorized" or authroized)) then that consumer may be denied warranty coverage by the mfg----in such a case---the consumer's recourse is with the seller/dealer (so always try to buy from a reputable dealer--one who you believe will deliver what they advertise---if sold as new then---it needs to be NEW--untampered with product with mfg warranty in taxct--not voided). So, you are correct, BUT----it's okay and perfectly legal for the mfg to limit their distribution in order to better control their business and to maintain dealer profit margins (and at the same time their own). BUT---DON'T BE CONFUSED !----this has NOTHING to do with the end product's warranty and the mfg's obligation to honor the terms of same---REGARDLESS of who sold it to whom. So, unite consumers !---it's okay to do the "American" thing and shop shop shop for the best deal on the market----mfg's warranty coverage is unaffected---buy where you find the best "deal"---value. Dave

Kain This one and it's "cheap sister" the 1600 are getting rave pre release reviews. I'm hunting for a new DVD with DVD Audio piece.----Watch the AVS forum for the best info on the Denon pieces----there is a spirited thread "subject 1600" going on---with some great input from a Denon product guy----"Denon Jeff" he's being peppered with Q's and is very responsive. I'm waiting for both to deliver and for some early user reviews before taking the plunge----but "on paper" both look very enticing Regards Dave

Hey, easy guys Charlie, thanks for the personal interaction lesson. Bob G---my post was only meant as constructive---I'm a BIG Klipsch fan---just reciting my experience---not making it up. AND certainly not angling for any special treatment. Keith---the person is: Jeff Talmadge Product Manager DENON Electronics (USA), Inc.--- this guy is all over the AVS forum---especially in the DVD hardware area. It's almost like it's his full time job. Very impressive (I have never owned an Denon product)plus he really knows his competition (Pioneer etc). Just 'cause you love someone doesn't mean you can't criticize once in awhile--does it? Tks Dave

I hope this is taken by all (including Klipsch--if they ever watfch this board) as some constructive criticism. As evidenced by my posts over the past few months (and hopefully sincere helpful replies---where I think I can add something)I'm a passionate Klipsch fan. HOWEVER I think that Klipsch's customer support leaves a whole lot to be desired. Does anyone else feel that way? I've been all over the various forums "Spot" "AVS"--you name one I think I've been there. In most cases I find that either the forum moderator or even some mfg reps etc are actively involved in the discussions. Their input provides some great informatioin and insight into an issue. Denon and SVS personnel are particularily attentive in this regard. I can't even get Klipsch to answer an e mail!(I've yet to get any reply on one I sent over one week ago)When I've tried to call them I end up in voice mail (and never get called back). Only some real persistence gets me any information from Klipsch HQ (like insisting to be left on hold until someone will talk to me etc). Seldom have I ever seen a Klipsch person involve themselves in this forum. The "heavy lifting" is apparently left to the "foot soldiers" --Horn Ed and the many other regulars (all of which deserve free Klipsch belt buckles if you ask me !). Hey, I love this stuff----and am as "high" on the Klipsch product as anyone (I even DO buy new Klipsch too--not just used) Now, I hope this "*****" doesn't get me black balled/listed---I am not a trouble maker---I just think Klipsch ought to invest a little in customer/consumer support Their fine product line warrants it. Klipsch Grade Card: Product---A Customer support---D My 2 cents---Dave

Keith IMO---5.1 is where it's at----the sound is awesome vs 2 channel---this new format is as exciting to me as HT--it's a real keeper and I believe particularily well suited for the Klipsch line---I use my side surrounds in the 5.1 mode--and it took a little getting use to, but not for long Dave

Spell Mitsubishi---MITS ! In my research---it boilded down to a Mits or a Pioneer Elite---the Mits is the better value IMO---Dave

GW 49TX---GREAT PICK ! Have enjoyed mine since mid January---wait until you run it through the "auto speaker calibration" set up---you won't believe it and in fact MAY NOT need the Rat Shack SPL meter at all (except maybe for the sub set up---but maybe not even then). I"ve got an all Klipsch array---so speaker matching/calibration wasn't a big deal anyway---but I can tell you that I have tweaked my setting after the auto calibrate and find I can't beat it--period---so I gave up tweaking So, get even more excited about your 49TX pick (the Denon 5803 doesn't match--IMHO)I can tell you that it is one purchase for which I NEVER had a twinge of buyers remorse Enjoy ! Dave