[Atlas Sound/ Klipsch equal?]

I think I've answered some of my own questions. I brought home an 18-Range Analog Multitester from Radio Shack. I set the function selector to RX1 in Ohms, touched the probes to each other, and used the Ohms Adjust to bring the pointer to "0" on the scale. I disconnected both speaker wires from the push/pull Tru-sonic terminals, and attached the probes. The reading in Ohms was close to 11. At this point I've only tested one, and expect a similiar result from the other.

[Atlas Sound/ Klipsch equal?]

Thanks Ed. Now, how do I measure DC resistance? Do the woofers need to be disconnected from their present crossover terminals to do so? I have a Radio Shack in the neighborhood, and would be happy to invest in a meter of some sort.

The University SA-HF driver units are rated at 16 Ohms and 30 watts. Is this a better match than the Atlas PD-4V driver, or not?

Chris

This message has been edited by mungkiman on 06-11-2002 at 08:02 PM

[Atlas Sound/ Klipsch equal?]

I thought about building Klipschorns, but the degree of difficulty is daunting. From the recent projects I've read about on this forum, I would really like to build some University Classics. The cabinetry will still be exacting, but with less labor than the Klipschorns.

These PD4V's came out of old Speakerlab Khorns, which is why I asked about the drivers. I also have University SA-HF drivers mounted to K1000 horns. I don't see an Ohm rating on the drivers, also rated for 30 watts. The K-77's are the older type ('59?).

Can the impedance on the woofer be changed? These are the hammer-tone blue basket 15" Tru-Sonic 103-LX. The rear "can" is stamped at 16 Ohms, as well as "tested and approved by Klipsch & Assoc. Dec 14th 1958". I thought the woofers would be drop-in components for a Klipsch/University project at first, but it doesn't sound likely.

As far as trying my hand at a crossover project, I find that daunting as well since I don't have the knowledge yet to understand how they work. I was hoping to have all/most of the components for an exceptional, proven speaker. With the right components, I would be happy to buy the correct crossovers.

Anyone want to share a copy of the University Classic plans? Thanks again,

Chris

[Atlas Sound/ Klipsch equal?]

<EDIT>

This message has been edited by mungkiman on 06-10-2002 at 07:22 PM

[Atlas Sound/ Klipsch equal?]

djk,

I am ignorant in the ways of crossover networks, and many things Klipsch.

If I can find the right network (Al K?), is there a specific application for the Atlas drivers? I would like to build a set of cabinets, and would entertain suggestions. I also own K-77 tweeters, and Tru-Sonic 15" 103-LX woofers stamped 16 Ohms.

This message has been edited by mungkiman on 06-10-2002 at 07:19 PM

[Atlas Sound/ Klipsch equal?]

I have a pair of Atlas Sound PD-4V drivers. They were purchased with thin plastic/fiberglass horns, the same dimensions as K400/401. The drivers are rated for 30 watts and 16 Ohms. Are these equivalent to anything produced by or for Klipsch for a midrange horn? Thanks for your help.

Chris

[McIntosh newbie questions]

I am new to McIntosh equipment, and if any of you can help me, I would be grateful. I just got a C28 preamp and MC2505 solid state amplifier, but no manuals. I would appreciate a reference or a copy of the appropriate manuals.

In the meantime, I would like to hook up the speakers, and need some guidance. On the rear of the amp, the speaker wire terminals are marked: C 4 8 16. Which side of the speaker wire goes to the "C"? If it is backwards, will they be out of phase? Please explain.

I will probably be driving a pair of '59 Shorthorn 15's with the amp rather than my La Scalas, as the amp is not high powered. The La Scalas are listed on the Klipsch site as having 8 ohm impedence, but nothing is listed for the Shorthorns. How do I determine which terminal to choose?

Any help with these questions and a resource for manuals would be appreciated. Thanks.

[shorthorn info?]

Can anyone tell me what grill cloth was used in '59, and if I can still get some? These Shorthorns came with woven wicker/cane covers. The main weave (large fiber) is beige and white, and the background weave is black and beige. This may be original or not, but needs to be replaced. Any information would be appreciated.

[shorthorn info?]

Capt'n Bob,

I was hoping I might hear from you. I found a pair of '59 shorthorn-15's last weekend, and posted this thread while I was deciding to buy them. Searching for shorthorn "threads" in this forum, I found your statement that you liked your shorthorns. I do too. The woofers (tested and approved in '58) are 15" blue basket Tru-sonic 103LX's, the mids are aluminum K1000 horns with University drivers, and the tweeters have K-77's. It is K-ortho and has the crossover network. ¿Are there mods to the network that would improve anything?

I also have a pair of La Scalas. They certainly have a better upper bass/lower mid, but the La Scalas are almost too much for my 12'X16' living room! (Especially when sitting on the K-horn cabs I mentioned in my "Newbie La Scala/K-horn project" thread). Thanks for contributing to that one too. For those wondering, the La Scalas are still intact.

I realize the qualifications of the Heresy, but appreciate the Shorthorn nonetheless. I bought the pair, and will (probably) never buy Heresys.

Sincere thanks also to Khorn58 for your response.

This message has been edited by mungkiman on 05-08-2002 at 07:34 PM

[shorthorn info?]

What can anyone tell me about the shorthorn 12 and 15? Does anyone have a picture/brochure? Why was it introduced, and why was it discontinued? The Klipsch site lists the components, but little else. Thanks to anyone that can provide the pros and cons of the shorthorns, as well as any technical and/or pricing information.

[newbie la scala/k-horn project]

Capt'n Bob,

Thanks for your help. The tops of these La Scalas are held on by 12 screws; 2 in the back, 4 in the front, and 3 on each side. Your description of replacing the woofers (removing the TOP) will help me tremendously. I have to remove the squawker and tweeter anyways to "mock-up" my Speakerlab cabinets with the Klipsch components.

Can anyone help with my crossover question? I have the La Scalas with crossover type "AA". Will I have to modify anything for the crossovers to be suitable in the K-horns?

Many thanks to all. I'm pleased this thread was of interest to so many people. I have learned fantastic history, found clarification, and have been impressed with the way you all work together to help newbie's like me.

I will still post pictures of these cabinets as soon as I am able.

[newbie la scala/k-horn project]

John,

I will endeavor to post pictures, but that will likely take several days to accomplish. Please be patient. The La Scalas do not have an open top like the picture, so I'm still curious how easily the woofers will be removed.

I have another question for you. In your original response to my project questions, you answered that my La Scala components would be ideal for Klipschorn cabinets. Do I need a different crossover set-up for K-horns than I have for the La Scalas, type "AA"? I know very little about crossovers, but can cut wire and solder. Any thoughts or advice? Thanks.

[newbie la scala/k-horn project]

Q-man,

If these La Scalas (with the access panel inside) weren't Klipsch built, I would be quite surprised. The cabinets are stamped with the serial numbers in addition to the stickers. They were inspected by Iris Powell, and tested by NW Bradford.

Anybody else out there with '73 La Scalas (or an old enough brochure) that can help me figure this out? Thanks.

Serial# 1L885/6

[newbie la scala/k-horn project]

John,

The La Scalas are black lacquer. There is no model name listed on the stickers:

Type K-447

Serial 1L 885/6

There is definitely not an access panel on the bottom. There is, however, what might be an access panel inside! Below the K400 horn is a 13"X17" panel screwed to the top of the bass chamber. The base of the AA network is then screwed onto the panel.

Even after removing the midrange horn, visibility would be extremely limited. Still, I greatly appreciate you insisting that Klipsch would never sell a product that couldn't be serviced. That statement got me to look more closely, and finally inside. I had dismissed this panel earlier, thinking IT was the base of the networks. Not so.

Well now it seems that I may be able to switch all components from the La Scalas into the K-horn cabinets, and back to the original cabinets if I choose. The "blind" work aspect may be tedious, and I hope I don't damage anything by accident.

Thanks again for your help. I will post results when I have the time to start tinkering. I do not have a digital camera or scanner, but I appreciate your offer to scan photos for me. If you or anyone else would like to see pictures of these access panels (or cabinets) I would be happy to send you a photo.

[newbie la scala/k-horn project]

I have had these La Scalas on their sides and upside down.

I'm positive that the sides (3, not 4) are nailed into the bottom plate. I'm also positive that this is original factory construction for these utility cabinets. I could cut out the bottom plates, ruining them, and re-assemble with new painted wood, but I don't want to.

I will follow E-bay, but may buy new from Klipsch. Just thought I would try the forum first.

[newbie la scala/k-horn project]

Gil (and everyone else following this thread),

I have been on vacation for nearly 2 weeks, and apologize for the delay in correspondence.

You all know I am apprehensive about cutting the woofers out of my La Scalas simply for an acoustical experiment. I hope I have another option...

I would like to buy 2 Klipsch woofers to put in the speakerlab cabinets (the other components are an easy swap), rather than "open up" the La Scalas. This might be a reasonably economic way to do my project, with nothing irreversible.

What would be the best source for a replacement Klipschorn woofer? Remember, if it makes a difference for compatibility, that the other components are from 1973. I have seen woofers on E-bay, but I would appreciate learning of other quality options.

What, specifically, should I be looking for?

Thanks to everyone involved.

[newbie la scala/k-horn project]

Gil,

Thank you for your considerate and thorough response to my questions. I am sure these are Speakerlab kits. It will be easy enough to swap the accessible components, but getting to the La Scala woofers will be a challenge. These La Scala cabinets, black "utility" finish, have bottoms that are nailed in from all 4 sides.

My true interest in all of this is to "hear" a Klipschorn again. I don't like the idea of performing surgery on the La Scalas, partly because I might like them back as La Scalas when I can afford a true pair of Klipschorns.

Something also tells me that if I were to take on a project as large as trying to build from scratch, I should follow PWK plans rather than Speakerlab's version.

I should have plans to look at soon (Thanks for the offers, guys!), so I will endeavor to locate the notch you mentioned on plan, and in these cabinets. I understand the principle, but not the location.

I will post again when I decide to start cutting, or if I think I can afford some true Klipschorns.

Again, thanks Gil, for the background/history, suggestions, and facts. I truly appreciate your knowledge, and your willingness to share it.

[newbie la scala/k-horn project]

Thanks to everyone who has participated in this forum. I think these cabinets are a Speakerlab kit. The construction is quite good, but the material is mostly particle board with some plywood. The cabinets are inexpensive enough that I would consider buying them to tear them apart and see how they were made. I could use the pieces as templates, and build new cabinets with better materials. Has anyone done this?

Can anyone help me identify the woofer in these, before I decide to remove them and measure the slot they fire through? They are 15", the back of the cone is ink-stamped C-189, and the back of the square magnet is ink-stamped 15FPHH4D 677708. Any ideas of what they are?

A little more: The mid-range horns are fiberglass, with Atlas Sound PD-4V drivers. The tweeters are not marked. The crossovers(?) are Essential Sound Products L-Pads. The sound is good but not great.

The easy thing for me to do would be to put the La Scalas (upside down) on top of the K-horn lowers, play the unknown woofers through the AA crossovers, and see how they sound before tearing apart all 4 cabinets. I could keep my La Scalas intact, I could combine or swap components, or I could build new from scratch. If anyone can help I.D. my woofers, it might help to define my project.

Hetmann, I would enjoy seeing your project documented. Hetmann and Big"D", if either of you would be willing to share xerox copies of your plans, I would be willing to pay for your time. I know they are available on E-bay, but I would rather help defer your costs than fill his pockets again.I would also be willing to share any knowledge I gain in this process.

Sincerest thanks to all.

[newbie la scala/k-horn project]

Thanks for your help thus far, John. Where exactly is the slot that the woofer fires through? There are 4 slots, 2 high and 2 low, that measure approximately 3"X13". These slots are 1/2 an arms length inside the cabinets, and difficult to measure precisely. Let me know if I am measuring in the correct spot. Thanks again.

[newbie la scala/k-horn project]

I would appreciate any advice you can offer to my situation:

Currently, I own a pair of stock La Scalas. I was told they were manufactured in 1973. I have the opportunity to purchase K-horn cabinets, and was thinking about building some K-horns from the La Scala components:

Type K-447

K-77 driver for tweeters

K-55-V driver for K400 horn

¿Woofer (can't see yet)?

Ser# 1L885/6

Crossover type AA

I would appreciate guidance from anyone with specific, helpful knowledge, or a reference to another forum discussion on the subject. Thank you very much.

[La Scalas: circa?]

Thanks for your help, John. I have read several forum discussions at your suggestion, and will leave my speakers alone. I am new to all of this, and truly appreciate the compilation of knowledge available here.

[La Scalas: circa?]

Thanks for the info. These are my first Klipsch speakers, and they sound great. As far as I can tell, they are stock from the factory. I don't need to fix something that ain't broke, but if there are upgrades that I should consider, I would appreciate that knowledge.

[La Scalas: circa?]

Can you tell me when my La Scalas were built?

Type K447

Ser# IL885/6

Crossover type AA

K-55-V drivers have K400 horns

Any information would be appreciated. These speakers are not for sale.