Jump to content

ScottR

Regulars
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    26

  • Joined

  • Last visited

 Content Type 

Posts posted by ScottR

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

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    On 2/26/2017 at 7:36 PM, Rjk1972 said:

    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. 

    I realized I am only about a three hour drive from you on my trip into the city. I see you've got some nice gear including a Fisher 500c restored by NOS Valves.

     

    Gave lots of gear a listen. I think I've narrowed it down to Leben, Line Magnetic, or possibly Toolshed Amps. Luxman integrateds are quite nice too. The Leben CS600 was fantastic. Lots of tube goodness and some solid bass and power. I was really not impressed with the Audio Research gear. I agree the are almost solid state sounding.

     

    @Rjk1972 you have a PM

    Forte III

    in General Klipsch Info

    Posted

    3 hours ago, jjptkd said:

     

     Have you done anything to your Cornwalls as far as updates? There's another thread that points out the need to update the crossover to a B-2 if yours don't already have them, fresh caps are needed if they do and they're still stock. There's also a new mid driver Bob Crites sells the A-55g which could be a dramatic step up depending on which driver you have already. Also the CT-120 tweeters are a huge upgrade over the stock k-77's-- I have the A-55g's and CT-120's in my Heresy HIP's and they sound absolutely wonderful, just wish they had a bit more bass. As noted in the other thread you can always sell your stock parts to recoup some of the cost so total investment isn't too high.

    I just picked them up last week. I did open them up and look at the insides. The crossovers are B-3 and they were bought new in October of 84 and are in amazing shape. I am going to do the Crites crossover rebuild. 

     

    From everything I have read it's the size of the Midrange horn that is the limiting factor on these Cornwalls, if you can call them limited. They sound great but I am looking forward to giving the Forte 3s a listen. I am really curious how the Klipsch sound can be evolved with all the new technology out there. My Cornwalls will always be keepers but I am thinking the Forte 3s will be great with some nice tube gear. 

    • Like 1

    Forte III

    in General Klipsch Info

    Posted

    I would think getting a sub to integrate with the folded horn enclosed woofer would be hard. Personally I find getting really good sub integration is a pain and needs a dedicated listening room. 

     

    Loving my Cornwalls but am anxiously awaiting hearing the Forte 3.

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

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    On 2/20/2017 at 8:48 PM, Rjk1972 said:

    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. 

    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. 

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

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    22 hours ago, JMON said:

    I can highly recommend the Juicy Music pCAT amplifiers.  The trouble is they are no longer made and difficult to find for sale.  They will play plenty loud with Cornwalls.  Juicy music also has some nice matching preamps, but likewise would only be available used.  Of the JM products, the pCATs are my favorite.

     

    If you don't need extreme volume levels, Single Ended Triodes (SETs) can also be very nice and should also be looked at if high volume isn't a requirement.  I found that a 2A3 SET amp satisfied my volume levels for about 98% of my listening with Khorns.  If you don't spend all your budget and have similar listening habits as me, you can allocate some of it for another amp to cover that additional 2%.

     

    I've also been happy with the Cary gear that I have owned.

    I am pretty sold on tubes. None of the SS gear I've heard is doing it for me. I'm interested in going to a SET amp or a SEP amp but am worried about speakers. If go that route I'd only be able to run real efficient horn speakers. I can't wait to get my Cornwalls but if I wanted to try the new Tannoy classic line I'd be out of luck. I read the new Ardens will only be 91db. Anyone try running low power tube amps on something other than Klipsch?

     

    And has anyone heard of a release date for the Forte 3?

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

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    2 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.

     

    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.

    • Like 1

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

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    7 hours ago, tube fanatic said:

    Scott, there are two guys you should speak with on the phone before buying anything.  One is Bob Latino:

     

    http://www.tubes4hifi.com/bob.htm

     

    The other is Steve Deckert:

     

    http://www.decware.com/newsite/homepage.html

     

    Both have products which are excellent and interface well with Klipsch speakers.  And, Deckert offers a 30 day return privilege as well as a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser.  It's rare to see any of their products come up on the used market.

     

    Remember as well that cosmetics can, in some cases, add a great deal to the cost.  If that's important to you, then by all means don't think about it.  But, I agree with Michael that if you are looking for an amp which offers the best of both worlds, including absolutely meticulous under-chassis construction, go with Leben:

     

    http://lebenhifi.com/products.html

     

    Maynard

    I could go either way on cosmetics and actually prefer to see the tubes but the significant other is not a fan and has cats. She does however like some of the prettier tube gear I've shown her pictures of. So it's a balance act sadly. I will check them out though and am going to listen to Leben gear next week. 

     

    Thanks

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

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    12 minutes ago, TubeHiFiNut said:

    You will get tons of recommendations, mine included. 

     

    Please try to arrange an audition of the gear you are considering in your room driving your speakers. 

    I've found that is only really possible for the more main stream gear. I'm going to hear Line Magnetic and Leben next week. I heard a Rega Elex but that sounded supprisingly close to my NAD. 

     

    The most interesting amps I've come across so far are the VRDs, the Toolshed Audio amps, and the Quicksilver Horn Monos. I am thinking auditioning those will be pretty difficult.

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

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    9 hours ago, tube fanatic said:

    Scott, although you have a budget of $4k, it may not be necessary to spend anything approaching that amount to achieve your goal.  A careful assessment of your listening requirements should be done first:  how loudly do you listen, how far from the speakers do you sit when listening, what type of music do you enjoy?  The nice thing about Klipsch speakers is their high sensitivity/efficiency which often eliminates the need to go with very high power.  If you post more details, we can get some idea of just how much power you will need to satisfy those requirements.

     

    Maynard

    Hi Maynard,

     

    My room is 14x18 and my listening spot is about 10 feet from the speakers.  The room has hard wood floors but has a large area rug in front of the speakers and a couch and a pair of chairs and a large soft fabric ottoman as a coffee table, so it's not a very live room. 

     

    I listen at moderate levels mostly. Definitely don't try to approach love Rock concert sound volumes but do like to play it at what most people would consider loud once in awhile. The speaker will be going up against the wall in corners.

     

    I listen to a wide variety of music including jazz, blues, and classical, but about 60% is rock.

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

    in Talkin' Tubes

    Posted

    Just purchased a nice pair of Cornwall 1s and am looking for Recommendations for a tube amp and pre or a tube integrated to drive them with. I'm not a fan of Rogue Audio's Integrateds and would like to keep it close to 4 grand. I am planning on given a listen to the Forte 3s when they come out as the wife would significantly prefer a pair of those in the living room, so something that would match nicely with those as well would be great.

    • Like 1

    Hi, new here, have a Heritage question

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    Great information. I want to thank everyone for taking the time to answer my questions. I listened to them today and they sounded very nice with my modest little integrated so I purchased them and will be picking them up next Wednesday. They're huge and I need to borrow a friend's van. Got a great price on them so I can now start looking for a tube amp and when those Forte 3s come out go give them a listen. On the advice of Tube Fanatic I'm going to go started a thread in the tube section. Thanks again.

    Hi, new here, have a Heritage question

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    10 hours ago, dwilawyer said:

    We have pretty similar musical tastes.  

     

    The Forte III I have not heard personally, but some close friends have, they have CW3s at home.  You can ask @dtel or Christy and ask what they thought. They listened to close to final prototypes of Forte III and they said they loved them  However, I didn't ask them how they compared to their Cornwalls.  I am sure Dtel will add what he can.

    I am definitely gonna look at the Forte 3 when it comes out. I'm going on Friday to look at the Cornwalls. They want 800 for the pair. Mostly they just want them out of the house I think. I am bringing my NAD and Oppo to listen with since their son took all the electronics. Is there anything specific I should look for?

    Hi, new here, have a Heritage question

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    15 hours ago, dwilawyer said:

    What are the probabilities? 

     

    Probably will greatly prefer Khorns over Cornwalls and will probably prefer CWS over HIIIs.

     

    You are going from very good low sensitive speakers to very good, low distortion, high sensitivity speakers.  The horn loaded bass in the Khorns is what sets those apart from anything you have ever heard before.  Those on your long wall will soind mightily impressive, they will look great to.

     

    What kinds of music do you generally listen to?

    Lots of classic and 80s rock. Jimmy Buffett to the Rolling Stones. Soundtrack LPs like Camelot and just about everything. Jazz and Spanish Guitar, Albums like Ella Fitzgerald Song Book and Al Di Meola. Even some classic music. I have quite a few original pressings of the RCA Living Stereo series. I just ordered the new pressing of Stevie Ray Vaughan The Sky is Crying from Acoustic Sounds. I'm really liking the looks of the Khorns and am entertaining the idea of making a push to get a pair but despite wanting a pair will probably end up with the Cornwalls. The new Forte 3 also looked pretty nice. Any idea when they are coming out? How they'll sound compared to a pair of Cornwalls?

    Hi, new here, have a Heritage question

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted · Edited by ScottR

    4 hours ago, ricktate said:

    My guess is you will get the Cornwalls and listen to them on your current set up and be happy as can be....then later maybe crossover upgrade. You do not NEED tubes.....but you just may want tubes. Not my place to say ,,,I would give your Nad a chance before throwing it out the back door.

      You did not mention what you have now for speakers????

    I'm running an NAD C315 over a pair of B&W 602 S2 with an Oppo 83se and Linn LP12 with an Ortofon OM20. It's a nice unobtrusive, small system. In fact my turntable hasn't been set up in 4 years but recently we decided I could get a good set up with a nice rack of gear and some great sound.

     

    P.S.

     

    Phonostage is an older Lehmann Black Cube.

    Hi, new here, have a Heritage question

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    Thanks for all the replies. The speakers would go in corners on the wall. I don't know about Khorns it. Those look quite impressive but it's not so much about budget as it is size, it was all I could do to talk the wife into the Cornwalls and she's still on the fence.

     

    So it seems most people really prefer a pair of original Cornwalls to the new Heresy 3.

     

     

    Hi, new here, have a Heritage question

    in 2-Channel Home Audio

    Posted

    41 minutes ago, tube fanatic said:

    The Talkin' Tubes section of the forum has significant information available about using all kinds of tube amps with Klipsch speakers.  It's a great place to post all of your questions.  In my opinion, Klipsch speakers and single ended amps are the proverbial marriage made in heaven.  Where are you located?

     

    Maynard

    I will check out that section. Thanks. I'm locate in New York. About 45 minutes south of Rochester. Seems like the only route to go with Klipsch is tubed.

×
×
  • Create New...