Barista

I just had to post some praise where it is due. Klipsch, there is a reason people keep buying your products (Well, other than they sound wonderful). It's the customer service! Don't ever let that go! A few weeks ago, my wife was playing with the dogs in the living room. She mistakenly threw a dog toy into the top woofer of my RF-5s. Damaged the woofer pretty bad (Creased the driver & cone). Needless to say I was pretty bummed (errrr.. destroyed was more like it). So I gave Klipsch a call the next day and within 5 minutes had a new woofer on the way. There was harmony in the world.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> A couple of days past, and my wife gave me a ring at work and told me the new woofer had arrived. After a pretty rough day I came home to happily restore my RF-5s to their original like new quality. Looking at the box it was physically crushed (as was I). The woofer was hanging out of the side of the box, the basket was cracked and split in two places, and the driver was punched in. FedEx had its way with this box, in a very, very bad way (Think cable guy times 10!). Well, I was crushed. Great! Now I've got to deal with FedEx, get Klipsch to file a claim. Bla, bla, bla. I've got enough going on in my daily live to waste my time dealing with this. So my wife said she would take care of it. She called Klipsch and spoke to Greg in the parts department. Not only did Greg take care of her, but he said he would ship the replacement next day, no questions asked. Unfortunately, the speaker was back ordered. A short time after she got off the phone with him, he called her back to let her know they looked around and had found an extra for us. It shipped out that day and would arrive the next. It arrived next day, beautiful shape. My RF-5s are back to their original like new quality. Again, there was harmony in the world. People, THAT is customer service. THAT is why Ill always buy Klipsch! Good job to Greg and to everyone at Klipsch involved for making another Klipsch owner for life.

Good Read. And I can see his argument. The main point he's trying to emphasize is that digital technology (at 44,000 times a second, with 16 bits of resolution (65535 points of voltage/amplitude (32767+, 32767-, one point being 0))) is incapable of sampling the full spectrum of audio that we hear. In order to truly sample our perceivable spectrum, including transients and combinations of frequencies would require a sample rate of 1Mhz. Analog essentially has resolution beyond the scope of our perception. So current digital technology will flub up various transients, where analog would fully realize them. Think of music as a painting. If you took a digital picture of a painting at 640x480, you will forever only have a image of 640x480 in resolution, where as taking the painting itself in it's true physical form, you will be able to zoom into an almost infinite detail of the surface, and the only limitation you will have, will be your equipment itself. Anything analog is infinite in it's resolution, where as digital will only take you so deep in detail before you hit a brick wall. So any master recorded digitally, it's limit will be defined from the start. Where something analog could always be improved upon. ------------------ Barista T. Bill --------------- Vintage Sony PS-T3 TT w/ Shure M97xE (Rega P2 & Grado Gold in wishbook) Sony 333ES For PreAmp (Building custom PreAmp W/ +-.2db RIAA Phono Stage) Sound Valves VTA-70i w/ Electo Harmonix EL-34 Tubes Klipch RF-5

Boychu, Welcome to the HiFi Obsession! Stay around here too long and you'll be playing vinyl and burning tubes. You'll find a great group of people around here! Many folks here tent to enjoy tube amps if your looking for music reproduction. IMHO, tubes tend to smooth out some of the harshness of the horns. I can then leave SS for my theater needs. Not that Klipsch sound bad with SS, not at all. From my experience, they sound wonderful in every respect no matter what I have powered them with. However, Klipsch are very sensitive speakers and with the great efficiency, they tend to mate well with many of the low power tube amps. As many before me have said, Horns and Tubes are a match made in heaven! Good Hunting! ------------------ Barista T. Bill --------------- Vintage Sony PS-T3 TT w/ Shure M97xE (Rega P2 & Grado Gold in wishbook) Sony 333ES For PreAmp (Building custom PreAmp W/ +-.2db RIAA Phono Stage) Sound Valves VTA-70i w/ Electo Harmonix EL-34 Tubes Klipch RF-5

Sorry, didn't see someone beat me to it. Please disreguard..... AOpen on board Vacume Tube Sound Motherboard I figured you guys might apreciate this. Want that tube sound on your PC? Well, now you can have it! ------------------ Barista T. Bill --------------- Vintage Sony PS-T3 TT w/ Shure M97xE (Rega P2 & Grado Gold in wishbook) Sony 333ES For PreAmp (Building custom PreAmp W/ +-.2db RIAA Phono Stage) Sound Valves VTA-70i w/ Electo Harmonix EL-34 Tubes Klipch RF-5 This message has been edited by Barista on 06-05-2002 at 09:14 AM

As a newbie, I must add a big THANKSs> to all you folks for being so kind and quick to share your wealth of knowledge. There are so many people in this world that are snub nosed if you're not waving a fist full of dollars, or over 30. You won't find that here, you guys have been very kind and accepting. That's the way things should be, all in the good spirit of music lovers everywhere. Of all the boards I visit, this is my favorite. It may not be the most active, but definitely the most enjoyable. There is a terrific group of folks here. Some funny, some rash, some hard headed, some learning, and some legends with their immense knowledge of the tried and true. The discussions that go on around here are very often terrific, open minded, and thought provoking. Everything a good forum should represent. Since I got my first Klipsch, littler over a few months ago, I've bought and built a tube amp, moved my living room around at least 10 times, changed speaker wires at least 5 times, played vinyl more than CDs, bought more vinyl than CDs, and read more speaker and audio circuit design books than my brain can stand without exploding. This place has the passion, comradery, and excitement that make you want to spend hours staring into that black abyss of those confounded horns. It's nice having a group of people to discuss the minute things that 99% of the population could care less about. I don't know about you guys, but almost everyone I know "In the real world" thinks I'm nuts. The looks on the faces of people when I tell them I have a tube amp, and listen to vinyl is just priceless. LOL, it's as if I was from outer space. It's nice to meet people who share the same passion (err, addiction?) for high end audio. For that I am truly honored to spend my time amongst the likes of you guys. Barista T. Bill --------------- Vintage Sony PS-T3 TT w/ Shure M97xE (Rega P2 & Grado Gold in wishbook) Sony 333ES For PreAmp (Building custom PreAmp W/ +-.2db RAII Phono Stage) Sound Valves VTA-70i w/ Electo Harmonix EL-34 Tubes Klipch RF-5 This message has been edited by Barista on 05-31-2002 at 10:10 AM

As for as the SR-60's go and comfort, they are extremely comfortable in my opinion. Like I said, I use them at work for periods of 5+ hours almost daily. While anything sitting on your ears for that long can have an fatigue impact, the SR-60s impact is very minimal. Especially since they went to a new full foam ear pad (instead of the foam with the hole in the middle). My ears are rather sensitive as well, I went through 3 different phones beforehand for this exact reason. Yes, the Grado's are a little tight out of the box, but like the instructions say, you must stretch them out by pulling them apart somewhat to loosen the headband. Once they are adjusted/stretched to fit your head, they sit very lightly on your ears. I'm not sure about the SR-40s, but I would recommend you not get anything less that the SR-60s simply because the SR-40s are not of the same design. I can't emphasize enough buying the right thing the first time. It's cheaper to wait and spend a little bit more now and get the right product the first time, instead of buying something you will not be totally satisfied with in the long run. I have owned some of Sony's top end phones. Ear Clip Design Sony's, MDR-V150 Supra-aural Design Sony's, and MDR-V700DJ Sony's. The MDR-V700DJs do sound very, very nice, but will cost you 2x as much. Also, they were of a closed design (Sealing your ears inside the phones from outside air pressure). This is great if you are listening in a environment with lots of loud noise, as they will seal you from that environment. Personally, I don't like sealed designs anymore simply because the sound isn't very natural. Open designs have a airy, openness to them, that sounds like your listening to a room of speakers. Closed designs sound more like the music is coming from inside your head. The open/closed design debate is strictly of personal preference (Much like Tubes vs. SS), and each person will enjoy different things. If you are looking for that "Speaker Enclosure" sound away from home, in the Grado's you'll find it. ------------------ Barista T. Bill

I realized everything your looking at was at or below $20, and Grado's are like $70. Man, eBay your cat, or something. For $50 more, you can get the only headphone you will ever need, and one of truly Audiophile grade. I just can't say enough about these headphones (in fact I'm using them now hehehe). They are WELL worth every penny of their price and you'll never need anything more. You would just have to experience them yourself to understand. ------------------ Barista T. Bill

Personally, I would opt for some Grado's if your looking for a natural "Speaker" like sound of incredible quality. Grado SR-60 I got a pair of these about 5 months ago, and they are simply unbelievable. From what I read, you'll be lucky to find anything comparable for under 3x the price (Unless you get a better Grado model). The sound is very natural and revealing (Due to the open design), it's like being in a room of Klipsch speakers. In fact, they sound as good or better than my Klipsch RF-5s. Also they are extremely comfortable, I wear mine at work for very extended periods (5+ Hours at a time) with no ear fatigue, and that is of BIG importance to me. They have an incredible frequency response, and a perfectly flat curve. No EQ is needed to get a full sound and they are easily driven by portable CD players or PC Sound Cards. These things hit lows that my Klipsch only dream of. I can't speak of the others you listed, but I can guarantee that you would be simply blown away with the Grado SR-60s. For $69, you'll not reach that level of audio in the real world for under $4000 or better. It's definitely THE headphone for the Audiophile, with no budget. Link to Grado Labs ------------------ Barista T. Bill

Mike, see my origional first post, and review of my RF-5s. IMHO, they are incredable speakers, and you won't find much to touch them in this price range. However, I would say, if you can consider the RF-7s, I would. They have a little more Umphhh than the 5s, though they sound tonally identicle. Klipsch RF-5 - My Jaw is on the floor Any specific questions you have, shoot. I still stand behind everything I said in that thread. These are truely amazing speakers, and they sound incredable with tubes. Good luck, you can't go wrong with a set of 5s! ------------------ Barista T. Bill This message has been edited by Barista on 05-20-2002 at 12:31 PM

Mike, here is another option... Get some Electro Harmonix EL-34s. They are basically replicas of the origional Mullard reference tube from 1966. Here is a chart of the EH EL-34 Vs. The Origional Mullard. Clickity Click! Clickity Click A full quad shouldn't cost you anymore than $80 (I've seen them with matched pairs for $60). I've got a set on my Sound Valves VTA-70i and they sound wonderful. Plenty of bass, and very punchy. Nice smooth sound overall. Very pleasing. They aren't exactly Mullards, but they are the closest thing you will find without spending 4X as much. Good Luck! ------------------ Barista T. Bill This message has been edited by Barista on 05-20-2002 at 11:31 AM

I've found much of my rare vinyl on www.ebay.com All that I have recieved have been loyal to the condition, and well worth the price. You can get a lot of good records for way less they you would pay at a retail shop. ------------------ Barista T. Bill

The room about 15Wx18.5L, with a vault from 6.5F-9.5R. It basically is like a movie theater vaulting from front to back. The RF-5s set about 2.5 from the front wall and are about 3 from each side wall, centered in the room. The focal point is about 10 from the face of the speakers. Each speaker is toed in so that when you sit in the focal point, you can not see ether speaker side, you are staring them dead on. Are there any good shareware room simulation programs out there to help with speaker placement? Anyway, dont get me wrong, it sound amazing even flat, but sounds better with a hint of EQing. ------------------ Barista T. Bill

I take it many people here do not equalize their source materials; rather take the signal flat through pre-amps whose sole purpose is simply to add gain and/or attenuate the signal. As I understand it, equalization circuits can often alter the phase of the source signal, aside from boosting or cutting various frequencies. While striving for the most truthful musical reproduction, one could agree that equalization would be something to avoid. However, no room, listener, or speaker is ever the same, so accepting a signal flat is very credulous of ones equipment and listening environment. Ive been very torn between doing away with equalization completely, and running the source flat. Last night I built a simple passive attenuator so that I could run audio straight from my CD player to my tube amp, without passing the signal through any advanced circuitry. Even with passive attenuation, I had ample volume, and never reached the max signal. The results were less than stellar sonically. There did seem to be a little more clarity, but the music lacked some of the bottom end punch I enjoy so much, and usually compensate for through the pre-amp on my receiver. Since I lack a subwoofer, I more often bump up the bass quite substantially, leave the mid flat or minus 1-2 points, and add 2-3 points to the treble. Leaving the signal flat, regardless of my source, results in music that is less dramatic, a little muddy, and for the most part less pleasing. This really had me contemplating the sonic gain though a more civilized pre-amp (Say Creek, Rotel, Foreplay, Sound Valves etc). Do these caliber pre-amps add boost to hand picked frequencies to give them a signature sound, or do they focus on linear attenuation? It seems that most pre-amps of this level lack any equalization at all, and Im not sure I could be satisfied with that. What are some opinions for, or against equalization? ------------------ Barista T. Bill

Colin, I didn't even think about the forplay, though I've read many good things about it. That is definitely an optin worthy of consideration. The price is definataly right. ------------------ Barista T. Bill

Equipment: Sony 5 Disc Changer Sony Vintage ('77) PS-T3 Turntable with Shure V15VxMR Cartridge Sony 333ES (as Preamp and for Solid State Comparisons) Sound Valves VTA-70i Tube Amplifier Klipsch RF-5 Mains VTA-70i Specifications: Price: $899 Kit 35W RMS Class AB 15W RMS Class A Frequency Response: 10-50,000Hz THD: <.25% @ 1000Hz, <.7% 20-20,000Hz Hum & Noise: Inaudible, less than -85db below rated power unweighted. Sensitivity: 1.3V RMS for maximum output power Power Consumption: 190 watts, 120 Volts, 50/60Hz (Capable of 220V) Tubes: (2) 6GH8A Gain Stage, (4) EL34 Electro-Harmonix Output (All Tubes Matched and Included in Kit) Size: 13W x 10.5D x 7H Weight: 32Lbs About the VTA-70i: After much debate I picked up a Sound Valves VTA-70i tube amplifier. The VTA-70i is essentially the modernized version of the old Dynaco ST-70 that was so popular and respected in the 60s and even today. Its a push-pull design embracing the same low open-loop gain philosophy from the original famous for its exceptionally low Transient Intermodulation Distortion. The VTA-70i is very similar to its original predecessor, though much of the original troublesome point-to-point wiring, and rectifier circuit has been modernized or all but eliminated by a double sided Epoxy fiberglass PCB board. Assembly: Great instructions, with a nice bit of background on tube amps, the original Dynaco ST-70 design philosophy, as well as what has been changed, and why. Sound Valves states a 5 hour construction time, though I was able to do so under 2.5 hours (Taking time to verify all actions thoroughly after assembly). The kit consists of 26 basic steps including mechanical and soldering, along with a nice checklist to cover before initial fire up. The amp is also capable of being wired for 220V, if you choose, and a 15Amp minimum circuit is required for 120V operation. The actual assembly did miss the first step of wiring up the hot lead from the power cord, but the first diagram made it obvious (as does basic understanding of Ok, this wont work without a hot lead!). Once completed, the tubes were installed and the kit was turned on and the low bias LED came to life. After about 2 minutes the Hi bias LED slowly faded into existence. Tube biasing is done though a little pot in between two blue LEDs with the supplied diddle stick. Two LEDs per channel (Low & Hi) on the amp face help determine proper biasing. To bias, simply wait for the tubes to warm (15 Minutes or so) and turn the pot so that each LED is lit equally. Easy? You bet! Aesthetics: The VTA-70i remains loyal to the original layout of the ST-70, though the chromed chassis has been replaced with a flat black finish, matching more so with modern components. The front is a ¼ thick piece of black anodized aluminum, with 4 blue LEDS for Hi and Low biasing of each channel, as well as the general silk screen labeling. Tube biasing is a synch, and can easily be checked at a distance by simply matching LED intensity for each channel. A neat little side note, when the amp is playing the LEDS will flicker as the draw of current intensifies on the tubes. It adds a nice touch, and a little eye candy to the already nice red/orange glow of the six tubes. All components are of respectable quality and finish staying loyal to the 1% tolerances we all are familiar with. However, one of the output transformers was dented, I assume through shipping. After removing the transformer plate and hammering out the dent it is hardly noticeable by anyone other than myself. The VTA-70i has a very modern yet retro look, maintaining a no frills, all business demeanor. It matches well with current equipment, and gives the whole system a very seriously technical look. Sound: Though the tubes should still need time to burn in, the initial sound is still worthy of evaluation. First off, the amp is absolutely silent. There is no perceivable hum or noise, just dead silence. This pleasantly surprised me, as I expected more noise and analog hisss from a tube amp. I did some basic A/B compassions using various source materials I am familiar with. Each passage would be played taking effort to maintain an adequate 90db SPL between the Sony SS and VTA-70i so that each comparison would not be biased by the volume. After playing a few passages once on the tube, and next on the SS my initial impression was how much fuller the tubes sounded. There seemed to be more depth in the sound field where instruments tended to pop out more at you. There were more mid-bass frequencies, which could explain the presence of fullness. Even though the SPL remained essentially the same, the tubes seemed to generate more umph as I could feel more of the sound in my legs, chest, and though vibrating objects around me. Bass response is more than adequate, and very punchy. Bass drums had a clean pop to them, and snares were equally as snappy. The amp still retained very high-frequency response, and didnt roll off high transients as much as I thought it would. In fact, I had to bump the treble back -1 db from the SS comparisons. Everything was there, and in adequate quantities. Which is good, as its better to have too much, than not enough. Going back to the Sony SS left one feeling a bit empty. The music seemed to take a step back, and produced a dry, limp sound. Though the resolution and clarity did remain, the overall sound seemed more produced, and less live, especially with some Creedence Vinyl, or other vintage recordings. Vinyl Sources, such as CCR, Jimi, Ella, seemed to really shine. The guitar and bass had the same kind of presence I experience with seeing live performances where tube amplification had been employed. Bass was very reminiscent of the old Ampeg tube bass cabinet I used to play personally, and had a real personality to it. Very sweet sound that was easy on the ears, even at high levels. Even with high transient peaks around 100db, I was unable to detect any clipping, each performance was reproduced with the accuracy and clarity I would expect from a amp of this level. Volume was no problem, as I was able to attain more than adequate high SPL levels with ease, so the power is there, and in abundance. Final thoughts: Very pleasing in about all respects, I am highly satisfied. I highly recommend this amp to anyone seeking a minimalist, tube amplifier with adequate power. Throw in a pre-amp of your liking and you have a system capable of blowing your hair back with ease, and sending you into a tube audio nirvana. Personally, I need to find something other than the Sony ES Pre, but its all I have right now. Even though, the quality is very impressive, and surpassed the quality of internal amplifier of the Solid State Sony ES. Care should be taken though, as the intensity was vas very subtle, and left my ears ringing before I had realized things were getting a little loud. Even at high levels, there was little fatigue that is sometimes associated with horns. All things considered its an excellent tube amp following the well established philosophies of its predecessor. The Dynaco ST-70 was a quality kit respected even to this day, and the VTA-70i is the modern day equivalent taking no loss from the original conception. ------------------ Barista T. Bill This message has been edited by Barista on 05-13-2002 at 02:15 PM