Les Lammers
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Posts posted by Les Lammers
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On 5/17/2019 at 12:53 PM, Marvel said:
That looks pretty bad. Still, even Gotham Audio is hedging and not attacking the possible quality of the new products. What would you expect from someone who made their fortune in real estate?
https://www.westernelectric.com/company/management.html
Mr. Whitener also founded the Tube Depot in 2000.
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1 hour ago, kevinmi said:
I don't know if the wood sides are going to make it sound better, but I do know that my Cary SLP-98P preamp and Dennis Had Hotrod amp are a match made in heaven with my K-Horns!
I sure it is a great match. I'm driving Heresy III's with a new to me Inspire PSE . It, like the Hot Rod, can run quite a few power tubes. Dennis's Inspire amps all perform WAY above their price point.
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On 5/10/2019 at 9:10 AM, MICHAEL NIELSEN said:
Please I need your advice.
I have just bought some Herresy speakers, and now I have got interested in a subwoofer Klipsch R-12SW, but my chinese tube amplifier only have 4 inputs and 1 output (for speakers). Is it possible to connect the subwoofer to the amplifier or should I just forget it?Thank you
MICHAEL
I have Heresy 3's and added a http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2mk5.html This one will work with your amp. Set up was a piece of cake.
I did not think I needed a sub until I got one. Big difference. I suggest calling HSU. They were are very helpful. I thought I need two subs. The rep said try one first. He was right. No regrets.
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On 5/17/2019 at 5:01 PM, maxatzori said:
Hi guys ,my very first post on this fantastic forum which I follow from Italy .
I am a proud owner of a pair of Cornwall III , I use 2 amplifications at the moment ,one is a Hybrib integrated amp Unison research Unico 100 with tubes on the pre- amp section and mosfet (180 W)on the power side ,I am quite satisfied with it but I was looking for some more refined middles and some more precise scene , I therefore got a pair of Primalunas the Prologue 3 as pre amp and the prologue 5 power amp with KT88s .The previous owner changed all the tubes with Mullards Cryo ... When I tried the amp I found a very precise and strong base with some very fine and precise scene but the high end is horribly strident... I therefore put back the original PL tubes which I have to say are better than the Mullards .
Having said all that ,do you have any experience with some other brands or types of tubes that will sound good with Cornwall’s -KT88s ,EL 34s,KT77s as the PL has auto bias I can tube roll with confidence....
i basically really like the KT88 as it’s powerful ,dynamic,precise but exceeds at the top end ,so I was looking for something similar but with smoother highs ...
thanks for for your help guys
Ciao
Max
You may want to talk with Kevin Deal at Upscale Audio. He is a Prima Luna and Klipsch dealer. The input tubes have more impact on the sound than the power tubes.
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Trust your ears. It's that simple. If it sounds better to you it is better. 😉
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On 5/12/2019 at 1:08 PM, kevinmi said:
I did the same thing, and after selling off all my vinyl and amassing a 1000 cd collection, years later I went back to vinyl.
Me too. But now my CD's get little play because of the convenience of Tidal. Perhaps CD's will go the way of the LP? I did get back into vinyl but bailed again ten years ago.
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On 4/26/2019 at 11:06 PM, mopardave said:
So that depends on phono stage huh? Maybe I should have asked what phono stage to use first. So, what phono stage is preferred?
I bailed on vinyl but did have this phono stage: http://softone.a.la9.jp/english/Model4/m4-1.htm It was outstanding and, IMHO, a bargain. Softone is an under the radar Japanese company. I still have their Model 3 CD player and use it as a transport.
I gave up on vinyl for many reasons, mainly convenience. If you have a pretty good collection of LP's go for it but before going down the rabbit hole be certain that it's the right choice for you. 😉
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1 hour ago, DjOverdose said:
Hi Again. I would like to ask your opinion on this. Currently I have a custom made Tube Pre amp and power amp. Power amp is a KT120 rated at roughly around 80WPC its powering my Klipsch RP 280F. I know its waaayyy to much for the speakers though they sound really good. however curiosity strikes again and was thinking if a 2A3 power Tube can power these Floorstanders. I know they are 98dB but is it enough for a 3-3.5W power amp? anyone tried this combo?
It might be enough power depending on the music you prefer. IMHO, flea power is best with 100db+ speakers. YMMV.
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1 hour ago, Schu said:
2a3 more betta...
I to am considering a nice 2a3 out of canada... then I just saw a really nice 2 watt 45 amp for sale and I am wondering what the Sonics differences are between a low watt 2a3 and a 45?
The 45 is my favorite SET. I had a Jeff Korneff 45 spooky real and the ELM solid plate 45 is amazing. 2A3's have more power and are quite nice too. You should listen to both before deciding. Dennis Had, founder of Cary Audio, is building 300B, 2A3 and 45 amps and selling them on epay.
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6 hours ago, Kalifornian said:
Examples??
Check these out. You get your monies worth and more. The builder has a good bit of experience too. 😉
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On 4/29/2019 at 2:31 AM, pbphoto said:
I have had a pair of H3's for 6 years now. 1) Nothing below ~50hz - you will need a sub that can blend in well. 2) They sound so good, you will want to buy more Klipsch speakers.
I've had H3's for about 6-7 years. When I had them in corners I did not feel I needed a subwoofer. I moved and could not place them in corners so I added a HSU sub.
The H3's are fine speakers. 👍
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On 4/27/2019 at 11:25 PM, kink56 said:
Okay I have mostly been using SS amps of varying quality from the lowly NAD, up through vintage Marantz, and to the upper (for me) Electron Kinetics and Threshold. My OCD (I'm on the spectrum) has had me changing out amps and speakers like crazy these last few years. Well. Now I have PrimaLuna Prologue 6 mono blocks and a PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium preamp. Now my OCD can concentrate on tube rolling. Not any cheaper, but at least a lot less WORK than changing out amps sometimes even on a weekly basis. (having had a few on hand at most times).
Let me say, this is truly the way to go. Decent tube gear really improves the sound of my Klipsch in almost all aspects. Now let the tube collecting begin!! (I have already rolled a few and yes they can make a difference). Try it, you may like it.
You will get more out of rolling 12AXX tubes than power tubes.
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Nelson Pass is experimenting with the Korg Nutube. It's not a tube but is supposed to sound like a DHT. Pretty cool.
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On 4/11/2019 at 10:39 PM, rplace said:
Is it my imagination or is it possible that a quad of EL34s is noisier in an amp quad kt88s?
EL34 are PrimaLuna branded. KT88 are valve art.
Anyone know who makes PL's tubes?
I'd like to get a nice quad of EL34s. Open to suggestions.
On 4/11/2019 at 10:39 PM, rplace said:Perhaps call Upscale Audio and see what they recommend. 👍
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On 1/15/2019 at 9:42 PM, Westcoastdrums said:
You are going to LOVE them. Just my biased prediction of course after owning a pair myself. They killed it for the price on those speakers. A shootout with other new speakers in the price range wouldn't be fair me thinks.... Congrats
+ 1 I like mine. 😎
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9 hours ago, Ramair428cjxr7 said:
It came with 6 sprauge orange drops and a silicone diode terminal strip for selenium rectifier or something do those pieces go onto the board that can be upgraded for better performance or is that something else ? Is that recommend ? It also came with NOS big bottle 6cac and gz34 tubes so if I upgrade board do I still use them ? Thanks in advance and sorry for any cornfusion
I would take the amp to a local tech to get your questions answered and make sure it is ready to be a daily user.
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On 3/9/2019 at 12:12 AM, KayR311 said:
Hi all,
Newbie to the Klipsch board but long time vinyl dj and analog guy
I need your help. I'm building a home set up for my dj gear (ie. all analog rotary mixer and all turntables), playing disco, 80s, and early & modern electronic music. I've got Heresy IIIs and a sub on my list and I'm having trouble what amp to choose. I wasn't trying to spend "too" much (around $1K and under) but here's what I've narrow down in terms of integrated amps (hoping to connect a few other inputs, maybe a digital input, but sound quality is priority #1) - all of which are around 50w which I'm hoping would power the speakers enough. I know there are much better amps and pre+amp combos, but I'm trying to take it easy for my wife's sake ;) I've read around and on here of people saying more power to the Heresys will drive them to sound better but I'm thinking these should do the trick.
Heed Elixer - class A
NAD C 368 - hybrid class D
Cambridge CXA60/CXA80 - class A/B
PS Sprout 100 - class D
NAD D3045 V2 - class D
Marantz PM7005 - discrete circuitry
Peach Tree Decco125 - class D
Cheers
This will do everything you want to do. Tubes & Klipsch 😍.
https://www.noteworthyaudio.com/products/cayin-cs55a-integrated-tube-amplifier
FWIW, I read that the newer Klipsch speakers don't play well with class D amps. If you get one be sure you can return it.
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17 hours ago, bkwa1959 said:
I have a Dennis Had SEP amp that has Russian winged C 6550 tubes and I am looking for a little deeper bass ,has anyone used Gold lion KT-88's and if so could you give me your thoughts on the sound
I have an Inspire amp driving Heresy III's. What speakers are you driving?? There is only so much you can do for better bass rolling tubes. You may want to consider a subwoofer. I did not think I needed one until I bought one.
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On 3/9/2019 at 7:31 PM, y2keglide said:
So I often see the debate about tubes VS solid state but that's not my question.
I've read tubes are warmer and have better sound quality (debatable for some) but high power solid state really cranks at higher volumes.
I listen a wide variety of genres of music which got me to thinking. I might want to hear tubes for something like Satchmo and Ella doing Summertime or Lady day doing
Fine and mellow one day and later on I might be in a rock mood and want to really blast Get you Wings from Aerosmith or some Led Zep or SRV etc.
So I got to thinking "why not set up some switching and have both?"
I'm looking at a few different pieces including a new The Dynaco ST-70 Series 3 rated 35wpc and a used Phase Linear I have a line on rated 250wpc.
I also have a Kenwood Eleven G receiver 125wpc and a Marantz 2240 currently.
Anyone else doing this? Am I all wrong headed? Your thoughts?
The quality of the watts is more important than quantity. I've been a tube guy for 25+ years. When I bought an Inspire tube amp and preamp from Dennis Had I took the combo to a friends house. He has Volti Audio modified Klipch Belles. I have Heresy III's. We hooked up my gear with Pope 6V6's, Maybe 2-3 watts in triode. Jaws dropped. My Heresy's were certainly out classed though they are good speakers. 10-20 quality tube watts will rock your world and also sing you a lullaby with your K-Horns.
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On 1/14/2019 at 12:01 PM, LeftEyeShooter said:
Thank you all for the input. Not having the dexterity, nor the ambition, I'll continue to enjoy my little Chinese amp with two small tubes, and hopefully, later on, buy a decent quality tube amp!
There seems to be quite a few Line Magnetic amps for sale in Europe. They are well made and highly regarded.
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I bought one of these. One of the few pre amps with tone controls. Absolutely no regrets.
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On 2/28/2019 at 7:13 PM, HiFiRuss71 said:
I'm in the UK. That's why it's nice to be on a US forum, throw a question oout there late at night and wake up to a barage of replies in the morning! To address some of the answers:
Jubilees - Too big and frankly somewhat fuggly. That goes double for the PA speaker. Sorry, but the Fortes and Cornwalls tick my aesthetic boxes.
Interesting comment on the Hereseys plus sub(s) as I currently run the Arendal Monitors with an Arendal Sub 1, the latter being the only bit to enjoy EQ. I get the benefits of EQ'd bass, prefering to choose the right speakers for the space and bass manage them. One Sub 1 (14" driver, 500W RMS ,1kW peak) is a bit light for my taste, especially as I can now run stereo EQ'd subs. However, I don't want stands and if I bought Hereseys; would always be left wondering what if....
Alas, beyond Hereseys, it's nigh on impossible to find pre-loved Klipsch over here, nevermind MkIs and IIs of anything. I'm pretty sure that the F3s are the right choice for the space, given that they offer up more latitude for positioning and in the last day or so, a potential bargain has transpired. A Klipsch dealer has a pair of Walnut F3s, one of which was dropped by a courier. The plinth is smashed and a top corner dented. The plinth is being replaced and as I know a good cabinet maker, repair of the corner and even a wholsale re-veneer is possible - Why couldn't they have dropped an oak pair with the lambs wool grill?!?!? At a maximum of £2.5k (saving £1,5k) I think they're probably a shoe in, if I like them on demo.
I've also found a pair of Quad II Eighties, boxed and immaculate for £3k, plus said dealer not only does Anthem and Quad, but also has Icon Audio MB90 MkIIs on demo- they would seem a potentially perfect match given the mode switching. For those not familiar with Anthem ARC, you can limit the maximum frequency EQ is applied to and in the varoius incarnations I've owed and reviewed it in, I've never felt compelled to use it above 300Hz and more usually 150Hz. An STR Pre with the Sabre DACs and all the digital inputs I require is looking attractive. Apparently, the phono stage is more than competant too, he says looking a 200 LPs in storage.
I wouldn't say budget isn't important (why spend more if you can spend less?) but I do have an opportunity to drop £10k on a wholesale system revamp, if what I hear for each component impresses. With my history of DIY speaker and subwoofer building, plus involvement in the Arendals, I will go speaker first and get that right. I will use the demo opportunity to listen to some valves (tubes) and if it really floats my boat, try and screw a deal out of the dealer. The pre can can wait, because the M-Dac+ has some of the best digital filters at any price.
Thanks for the input and if there's anything else you'd like to thow out there as a thought, I'm all ears!
Russ
I'd give the dented F III's a listen and simply trust your ears. Better yet, try to get the dealer to let you try them at home. If they make you smile, re-veneer them to suit your taste.
Amplification? 20 watts is more than enough for the F III's and your disco desires. Dennis Had, retired founder of Cary Audio, is building amps and selling them on the auction site. He has a 20 watt single ended pentode amp that you may want to look into. It can run almost any tube, 6V6's - KT-150's and you can mix tubes. Like a pair of KT77's and KT88's etc.
I bought one of his amps about 4 years ago and will never sell it. Mine is a SEP triode strapped. About 5 watts with 6L6GA's. My favorite tube in my rig. I'm driving Heresy III's with an HSU sub and have plenty of power. Get a pint or three and Google Inspire amplifier. Search this forum too.
The first pic was sent by Dennis as the build progressed.
Sorry, I did not see your post about buying an amp before I posted.
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23 minutes ago, Jeffrey D. Medwin said:
Comment : When things sound wrong, it may be the result, not of the inserted piece, but a bogus piece in front of it. AMPS , Les, are the biggest turkeys of all, NOT speakers. Maybe the wide bandwidth wiring was allowing you to hear the nasties in your amp, like a electrolytic capacitor. The amps I build all my past 4 decades go FAR FAR beyond the Dennis Had " Inspire" - or whats out there and commonly used,. You may have heard the wire " right", but the problem was not the wire!! That is my point to you. In the finest of systems, nothing beats pure silver, Siltech, Ensemble, etc., but thats a $10K bill to do it right.
Howdy Jeff,
I went on a conscious quest to scale down my rig. I simply got tired of the chase. When I got the Inspire gear I took it to a friends house and we hooked it up to his Volti Audio modified Klipsch Belles. My Inspire is triode strapped and I had Pope 6V6's in it with a 5Z3 rectifier. We were both amazed and it held it's own when we ran his 2A3 and 45 amps. IMHO, the biggest issue in audio is poor recordings/digital transfers. $10K for wire is not in my future. 😉
Peace,
Les
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On 2/26/2018 at 9:53 AM, avguytx said:
So all he's doing mainly is just "dolling" them up and not so much updating the guts of the amp? There were lots of weak links in those original ST-70's including power tranny, 5ar4 rectifier, driver boards, etc. But they were built for a price point back then; if updated, that helps them a lot, but... I personally went with a new Tubes4HiFi/Latino VTA ST-70 kit which gave me the "look" but with all updated guts. Larger output trannies, larger power transformer, more options on tubes, not reliant on a pair of 7199 driver tubes and over-taxing the rectifier tube, new thicker chassis, and on and on. My wife thinks the regular look of the VTA ST-70 looks great because it has that "vintage look" to it and she doesn't give two poops about audio. For now, everything is in the living room but, thankfully, we're building a new house and all my goodies will go upstairs to a dedicated audio room.
I have no regrets buying the VTA ST-70 kit amp using 6550 output tubes. I enjoyed the process and it's an outstanding amp one year later after building it; nary a problem. You can also buy one already assembled and you might even look on Audiokarma as there had been a couple of the VTA ST-120's for sale on there. I almost went with one of those. I will probably order one of the Dynaco cages for mine from one of the other vendors just because I like the looks and it will mean less dusting of the tubes. ha.
Will more than 'dolls them up'. Talk to him for specifics.
I need your help. I'm building a home set up for my dj gear (ie. all analog rotary mixer and all turntables), playing disco, 80s, and early & modern electronic music. I've got Heresy IIIs and a sub on my list and I'm having trouble what amp to choose. I wasn't trying to spend "too" much (around $1K and under) but here's what I've narrow down in terms of integrated amps (hoping to connect a few other inputs, maybe a digital input, but sound quality is priority #1) - all of which are around 50w which I'm hoping would power the speakers enough. I know there are much better amps and pre+amp combos, but I'm trying to take it easy for my wife's sake ;) I've read around and on here of people saying more power to the Heresys will drive them to sound better but I'm thinking these should do the trick. 
Western Electric plant - Rossville, GA
in Talkin' Tubes
Posted
Tube Depot is solid. Time will tell if the new WE 300B will be top dog or a starry eyed idea.