Trippigs

The FUG site on Facebook had a photo of a Symphonetta with the top off! So I now know the one on the right is original.....great. It is a folded horn design with a single coaxial driver. Someone spent quite some time modifying the one on the left but I think the cabinet can be properly restored. Taking the top off might be a challenge. I plan on cleaning and hooking them up tomorrow....gonna be fun

Good question! I have yet to hook them up.....got caught up with the insides. But will tomorrow

I got the speakers today and am pleased given what I paid. They have consecutive serial numbers. The cabinets and grills are in very good condition. One is missing a back panel. Upon opening the other back panel I realized the internal configurations are not alike. Only one has a doghouse ( like LaScalas) which makes sense given the relationship with Klipsch. Only one has ports. The workmanship in the modifications is good. Just gotta figure out which is correct

Hi Dave...this is in keeping with my gut feel. A sleeper brand, good quality, a devout following, some collector appeal, rare, etc. I am going to move forward so wish me luck Thanks for the feedback

I have an opportunity to purchase a pair but don’t know much about them.....only know what is captured on vintage sales flyers. I haven’t seen them in person but photos indicate the cabinets to be in great condition. Have requested photos of the insides. Does anyone have an opinion or experience with this model which seems pretty rare? Thanks in advance

The McIntosh arrived today and I wanted to share a few photos. The vendor suggested I relocate the components to a new spot to shorten the speaker wires and to provide better air circulation. I just listened to The Beatles White Album and can tell the bass is more pronounced than with my vintage Knight tube amp. And I can tell the bump from 15wpc to 105wpc. I am not too verbose about audio but I like this McIntosh. Also, I think it is beautiful!

The light blanket I am currently using is a cotton baby blanket so I will continue using it for now. An a/c is not in cards at this point because I don’t want to cut into the walls and the windows will accept on. However, a free standing dehumidifier could work. Thanks for all the comments

The workshop was just completed in December 2017 and it was very well insulated so this should help mitigate both concerns. However, this is central Arkansas where 20 degrees to 90 degrees is typical and summertime humidity is generally oppressive @ >80%. I don’t yet have a good feel for what the year round conditions will be inside but it was very cold in January 2018 and I was able to tinker around out there without being miserable. I will likely install a small gas heater but really don’t want to mess with AC or dehumidifier unless I have to. So cold conditions can be managed pretty easily but that leaves heat and humidity. Is there any type of removable cover to put on the McIntosh that would help?

I recently purchased one and am waiting on it to arrive. The vendor in North Little Rock will deliver to Hot Springs and set it up. Never had any McIntosh equipment so I am pretty excited. Going to use this with Industrial LaScalas and a modified vintage AR turntable. This 2 channel setup is in my workshop which is new, clean, dry and insulated but doesn’t currently have heat and air. I do have natural gas run to it so I will likely install a small gas heater before next winter. Would you worry about using the McIntosh in this environment? I am currently using a vintage Knight tube amp and just cover it up with a light blanket when not in use.....seems to work ok.

Yep...you are right. Bob would rebuild my AL3 crossovers for $160. I travel through Russellville on occasion and might take the opportunity to meet Bob and drop the crossovers off as well. Thanks to all for the feedback and suggestions

Definitely above my skill set. I previously spoke with Bob Crites and purchased his CT 120 tweeters. We discussed getting new replacement crossovers as well but I did not ask about testing the original ones. Normally I would be skeptical about asking someone who sells new products to test my old products for function....but not with Bob as his sterling reputation is well deserved.

Well heck....I don’t happen to have that testing equipment laying around! I appreciate your reply and will go to plan B which is to keep what I have until I feel adventurous.

Is there any way to test the preformance of a crossover with a multimeter? I have a pair of 1985 vintage Industrial LaScala loudspeakers and the AL3 crossovers are original. I understand they are not likely to be in spec but would like to determine this empirically rather than sonically. Any thoughts?

I also use an AR-XA with a Syrinx LE1 tonearm. Purchased it from an enthusiast who tweaked it with a new motor, wiring, cabling, platter polishing, base painting, plinth refinishing , dust cover polishing, new springs and washers, etc. i was a little leery it would be temperamental because this is my first modified turntable. But alas, it is very basic and reliable so I love it.

On Craigslist for $1200 no affiliations

Lost240 i sent you another e-mail. Thanks

Hello Lost240 i just sent an email to you

Well a McIntosh MA252 was one recommendation to my insurance......it is a hybrid design combining a tube preamp and a solid state amp. Both are 100 wpc and audiophile quality. I would be a bit surprised if they agree but they have not said no.

Got an update for ya......insurance is still thinking about replacement value for the Hafler gear but I think they will respond positively. It is tricky because it has not been made since ~1980 although still high quality. On another note.....does anyone have an opinion on Integra equipment? All I know is that it is the Onkyo upper end line. The lightening also took out a moderate Pioneer VSXS520 and I wonder if the Integra DSX3 is a reasonable replacement. I need a AVR with a phono input which limits choice Thanks so much

I agree with the Thorens recommendation unless you get fanatical. I purchased a TD160 brand new in 1976 and used it till last year. A fellow offer me more than I could turn down so I sold it....in original box with COD sticker and all packaging. Never had any professional service done except oiling. They are indeed built very well.

Well how about.....that is smart and I would have never thought about this opportunity. Here are a couple of photos of my workshop setup which is were the Knight equipment resides along with the modified ARXA table and industrial LaScalas. Our home builder made this heavyweight cabinet from leftover wood!

This is likely more than what I want to tackle. Might think differently if I had restoration skills.....otherwise paying going shop rates isn’t too appealing. However, a bit intrigued about purchasing for resale. I would have escaped the furniture shop with less expense by purchasing the amps rather than what my wife bought!

Hi Maynard i am in Hot Springs,AR and certainly would appreciate a name or two. Just last week I took some lightening damaged audio equipment (Hafler DH200 and DH101) to a local technician for an evaluation.....report was not good for my needs so I am selling them. I also took the KG250 and a Knight KG-765 AM-FM-MX for him to check out. He cleaned the KG250 selector switch , straighten some tube pins and pronounced both as working OK. He is a very nice and experienced fellow but I don’t think tubes are his thing.

Yesterday I found a pair of Heathkit tube amps in an upscale vintage furniture shop. There is a Heathkit WA-1 and a Heathkit W-2M......they are $200 for the pair. The owner wasn’t present so I couldn’t ask any questions. Might these mono amps be run together as stereo?

This is the first tube equipment I have owned. Purchased it about a year ago and have used it sparingly because we moved. Had a little trouble with the rotary selector switch but a shot of Detox seems to fix it. Yesterday it popped while running it with LaScalas and an AR XA table. The KG was fully warmed it when the popping first happened. It continued at the average of three times per album side. The pops come through the speakers which is concerning. Any ideas as to what is causing this???