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D Jenson

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Everything posted by D Jenson

  1. I agree with your statement about expectation bias. That is why I always listen for weeks at a time before making a final decision. Buyer bliss fades and the "truth" sets in. Can you sit for hours and listen without hearing fatigue. Do you want to listen for hours at a time and find it hard to stop listening. Your body will tell you the truth over time. The addition of the REL212/SX to my Khorns has put me in the state of not wanting to stop listening again. The improvement is so noticeable that I feel I need to listen to all of my music again to hear what I was missing before listening with the REL.
  2. I am running the Klipschorns full range. I believe the 212/SX is integrated nicely as sound is present around and in front of me. There is no sense of any speaker standing out. I have not noticed any distortion since adding the SW. I never noticed any distortion with the Klipschorns before the REL either. The overall system clarity has improved with the SW. I am now able to understand words in songs that I could not make out without the lyrics pre 212/SX. Also, I listen to broadcast TV or any movies 4K etc at lower volumes since adding the REL. The Improved clarity has allowed me to listen at lower levels to actually hear more details. I would have loved to pick up the new Klipsch Horn SW but space did not allow for it. There is a new sense of satisfaction when experiencing music or video that I have not quite felt before. The Klipschorn and REL experience is other worldly.
  3. All I know is, everyone noticed significant differences between the low and high level sound presentation in a number of songs listened to over a 2-3 week period. We all liked the high level connection better, YMMV.
  4. I started using the line level hookup suggested in a REL video for high sensitivity speakers. I quickly found out that I was turning the REL off on some songs because everything was better with the Khorns alone. After several weeks I switched to the high level connection and the difference was much better and consistent sound. High level is definitely the way to go. I am going to pick up the Baseline Blue cable and give it a shot. If I don't notice any improvement after a break in period I will return it. I am hoping for the improvement mentioned in the REL videos and other first hand user write ups. The A/V journey is a long and enjoyable one. I must say in 50 years of this hobby, the addition of the 212/SX is one of the very best additions that I have made. Pondering that second one already....ponder, ponder, ponder.
  5. The REL website matched the 212/SX with Khorns, so I went with that. The soundstage is bigger, sometimes wider than the speakers on good recordings. My head snaps around to the location when that happens. The system sound clarity is also better. I listen at lower levels now because of the increased clarity. I have always been happy with the bass from the Khorns but that is where the biggest and most positive change has taken place. My neighbor, a drummer, has always liked the bass of the Khorns but he also loves the improvement in detail and quality. We hear subtle details not heard in familiar recordings before adding the REL. It is not a matter of more bass, the REL is rated to 18Hz. Drums sound different. You really notice the difference between a mallet or stick hit. I feel the texture in the mallet hit that I never did before. The stick hit is a little sharper than w/o the REL. Overall, after and during a listening session l enter a state of complete satisfaction and calmness. I have never quite experienced that before. I thought about 2 RELs, and that may happen. But I have to say, I am wondering how much better the sound can get. I will add the REL Bassline Blue cable for sure. The 212/SX may still be breaking in as the sound has improved over the last two weeks. At this point I do not "need" the second REL but I may want that last little bit of improvement.
  6. I picked up a REL 212/SX to run with my Khorns. Unexpectedly great Improvement in overall sound.
  7. OMG, my wife is the same way. On the gas until she has to step on the brakes........hard. I am not allowed to say anything to her about it anymore, it's been 40+ years. Whenever my wife drives and I am in the car, I drop the visor on my hat so I can't see anything. That is the only way not to raise the blood pressure.
  8. That's the way it goes.
  9. I heard my first Cornwall of any version this past summer, CW IV. After hearing them twice, I was thinking I might want them instead of my new 2013 Khorns. I thought they were amazing. Then something happened. My Anthem AVM70 had a firmware update which messed up the Anthem for a few weeks. I was then forced to connect my VPI Prime Signature to my McIntosh C50 and MC302. Oddly enough, the sound was better than I have ever heard from my system. No subwoofers available or the Anthem Room correction SW, ARC. Thanks to the firmware update, I am not interested in the CW IVs for my main system anymore. But, if I had a second AV room I would buy the CW IVs for sure. I would highly recommend the CW IVs for anyone with room constrictions that wouldn't permit Khorns Just my two cents worth. Cheers
  10. I search out and listen to any genre. I am looking for a good melody, memorable hook, good rhythm and good beat. Give me those with a quality recording of the music piece and I will almost always enjoy it. I look for accoustic music more often than not. It appears easier to get a quality recording with acoustic instruments. I've started paying attention to singers presentation lately. I've heard much distortion on recordings because a singer isn't careful with the delivery of dynamic sections of a music piece. Nothing a recording engineer can do about a singer over saturating a mic. I stay away from singers where I have heard vocal distortion due to their bad technique, any genre. I was never a jazz fan but I have bought more jazz the last 20 years because of the many high quality.
  11. I have owned Tannoy Ardens for over 35 years. The mids and treble as described on this forum and other audio sites are very laid back even with the treble setting at it’s brightest. The low end is very nice. The Telarc 1812 recording with the cannon warnings never fails to shake my pant legs when played at loud levels. They handle heavy low end demands comfortably. These are rated down to 28Hz. I always needed more from the treble. If the new Arden Legacy has improved the mid range and treble and at at least maintained the original bass output it will be an outstanding speaker. I have heard the Cornwall IVs three times and was massively impressed. I am running 2 channel audio with Khorns , new 2013. I prefer the Cornwall IV highs to the Ardens and the Khorns. There has never been any high end “bite” with the Cornwall IVs which I some times get with my Khorns. The Ardens sound as if someone put a blanket over the tweeter. The midrange is tight and wide, very pleasing with the Cornwall IVs. I would have to do some detaled listening before I could say I prefer the Cornwall IV or the Khorn. The Ardens again are laid back, smooth, and some say dark. Their mid range may appeal to some people but I would never call them accurate or live sounding. If you play an instrument or go to live concerts, isn’t that the sound you want your speakers to produce? I use 2 CDs to test speakers bass handling ability. The first is La Bamba, by the O-Zone percussion Group, track 10 Jazz Variants. The second is the Telarc SACD, Monty meets Sly and Robbie. Pretty much any track. I call the Monty CD a very dense or heavy or thick recording, it hits hard. I bought these 2 disks when I read the reviewers blew up their speakers when playing them. I have abused my Khorns with these when friends come over. I played these 2 on the Cornwall IVs at very loud levels as well and they also handled them easily. The Ardens handle this type of low end just fine. The Cornwall IV is rated to 34Hz and the Legacy Arden to35Hz. I would like to hear the Legacy Arden with these 2 disks The price on the Legacy Ardens is $8K and $6K for the Cornwall IVs. If the Mid range and Treble of the Legacy Arden matches the clarity and smooth presentation of the Cornwall IV, I believe you go Cornwall IV based on price difference.
  12. I just picked up an Anthem AVM 60 processor. I have run the ARC and was wondering if anyone has compared this to REW. Is REW more detailed?
  13. New unit is coming from Anthem. I was in on the phone call with the Anthem rep. The Anthem people tried everything to fix the issue. Once they concluded they could notify it, the rep said they would send me a new unit. I was impressed with the matter of fact approach and quick decision. I like the Anthem Support.
  14. yup only1. I took it home tried to setup the ARC room correction SW and failed. HiFi Sound sent out their tech guy and he together with Anthem support couldn't fix the issue. Sooo...they are sending me a new one. Still waiting on that. Maybe you could get the one I returned, I know they have that one!
  15. Lucked into an open box 1/2 price on an Anthem AVM 60. Picked it up on the spot!
  16. The Cornwall IV and Heresy IV combination is powerful and dynamic. I have heard the Cornwall IVs and loved them. Don't underwhelm the setup with a modest center speaker, you will regret it. I run 2 SW 115s for subs and regularly pick up items that I knocked off shelves when the blu rays get cookin'. I run Khorns for mains with a Lascala II ctr and Heresy surrounds. I constantly read stories from people who buy less than they really want and end up paying twice to get what really fills their desire. If you don't plan on buying again, err on the more side not the less side. I have been on the less side myself and ended up buying twice. Just my thoughts, and I don't know your space limitations. If you settle on the Cornwall IVs and Heresys, you might try several ctr speakers to get the perfect fit. Let us know how your search goes.
  17. I found reviews for the MX170 and the MX123 at Home Theater Review. The MX123 would work better with the rest of my gear. I like them both...a lot! The MX123 has 2 fewer channels and other "reductions". Price decrease for fewer channels $7K. That is what I am finding, more channels moves the price up quickly. I have found a number of product lines that move from 11.1 down to 5.1. I am looking for someone that loads up a 7 or 9 channel processor. The price reduction for 4-8 fewer channels seems to be > 50% of total cost. I could use the savings for tri-amping. Yes I am getting a little greedy.
  18. I will not need more than a 7.2 processor. I have a 6'11" ceiling. I have noticed prices go way up with more channels. I have been looking around and found a couple of close candidates. I will be using the processor for HT and 2 channel use. Pass through and XLR outputs for mains are 2 items I am looking for. I just picked up a Sony Bravia X950H 65" tv. I would like to take advantage of the 4k features. Picture upgrades take place with Dolby Atmos and DTS-X. I believe IMAX capabilities require DTS-X. I am not sure when new models are coming out for the major players. Marantz and Denon just announced new products. Any new information would help.
  19. I have been away from my audio/video projects for most of the summer. But it looks like I should jump in again. If you are still mulling over your room treatments, try putting pillows on top of your Khorns. Have them extend a couple of inches over the front edge. Play around a little with distances 1"- 3" etc. Listen from your usual listening position after making changes. I did that after someone gave the suggestion. Then go find some 2x4s or in my case modified golf clubs used for practice and place them on the side walls by your Khorns. Just hang a blanket over the 2x4s or whatever you find. It is an easy and interesting experiment to hear what a difference room treatments can make. It is easy to remove the pillows to listen to what the sonic changes side wall treatments make by themselves. I found the pillows on top made the most noticeable improvement in my situation. I experimented to find out if everything the forum members were talking about was real. Yup, trust these guys. I'm a plug and play guy usually. But reading what Chris A. writes and seeing artto's room treatments, I am in the slow process of finishing my room treatments AND am working towards adding a DSP unit and bi or triamping my Khorns. After you finish your room treatments, there is the time alignment opportunity just waiting for you to address and ...
  20. My Khorns were purchased new, circa 2013 with new McIntosh C50 and MC302 amps. The sales rep helping me with the setup said I really should use the 4 Ohm taps to get the best sound. I went with what the sales rep recommended...for 7 years! This year I switched to 8 Ohms. I can't believe the significant improvement. Everything, low end to high end, more and better. It was one of those jaw dropping improvements that does not happen often enough. I did an air punch when I read about you changing from 4 to 8 Ohm settings. I also added Aurelex sound absorbing panels to the walls and ceilings around the Khorns. That addition also made a significant improvement in sound. I tend to listen at lower levels now because of increased clarity. My tinnitus that would set in during sharp high pitch attacks happens less frequently now. I was so impressed with the improvement, I pulled out all of my sharp high pitch recordings that gave me problems for years and played them again. No ringing!! The sound is very clear and crisp now with better bass as well. I have lowered the Sub settings and still have MORE bass than before adding the sound absorbing panels. You may want to experiment with blankets and rugs to see if you find improvements. If you like what you hear, you can get "real" treatments. Good Luck and enjoy the journey!
  21. My order has been placed for Auralex Panels. They should arrive in a week. This latest round of changes to my system began after I listened to the new Corwall IVs. The mids and highs were so impressive I felt a need to improve them in my home system. I have been to the Xilca website. I have also read other posts about using Xilica in the Klipsch forums. If I bi amp I would using 2 Xilica inputs and 4 outputs. 3 inputs and 6 outputs for tri amping. I run a separate amp for the center channel. It looks like I could run another in and output for this center channel. I am thinking this would be used for surround audio and video, not a summed center between the main speakers. Correct? It appears to me, I would not be able to use the Xilica for the remainder of the surround speakers as I would not have enough outputs. I am also starting my search for tube amps. Has anyone had outstanding results with any particular tube amps for bi/tri amping? I have several irons in the fire here. Due to the Covid-19 situation, I have been able to spend significant time on my audio/video passion lately. I would like to thank you all again for your help. You are pulling (helping) me along. So far the WAF has been good. We will see how that goes when I bring up the subject of more hardware! 😇 Dean
  22. Outstanding response Chris! I feel much more comfortable about the situation. It may be a false sense of security but it is there anyway. I was compelled to revisit the Corner-Horn imaging FAQ write up and proceeded to cover my LaScala II and SW115x2 subs between the Khorns with towels. I also put pillows on top of the Khorn top hats, extending 2-3" from the front edge. This experiment made very significant positive improvements. I plan on purchasing Auralex SonoFlat absorbing panels for the front and side walls as well as for the 6'11" ceiling above the Khorns. It seems this would be the best 1st step before hardware purchases and measurement taking. Next would be purchase of calibration mic and related software. A Xilica unit seems to be next on the to do list. Is there a preferred unit for a 7.2 system vs 2.0 system? Does this sequence sound right? Thanks for the help!
  23. I have read your thoughtful responses and done some research. Now my brain is spinning with thoughts beyond my initial question. In order of responses. babadono-My 2012 Khorns have connections on the bass bin for bi amping. I am not sure how I would tri amp and keep things stock? Claude J1-The write up that you included from Chris A was only about "room correction" EQ when bi amping, yes? When in 7.2, I have my Marantz AV 7005 setup using Audyssey. This also controls 2.2 listening. When 2.0 listening with Mac C50 and Mac MC302 there is no room correction being applied. Would the mini DSP be used for 7.2 and 2.0? Right now I connect the TT directly to the C50. All other sources connect to the Marantz AV7005. My brain is thinking Audyssey would force the DSP to be used only between any source and the C50. Claude J1-2nd post-Xilica as a PEQ device. I have an old SAE Parametric EQ. If I pic a mic and software, Will I be able to achieve similar results for my 2 channel system? Chris A-I would love to improve the overall sound from the 7.2 setup. Would this be a 2 setting arrangement? One for 7.2 and one for 2.0? I am fuzzy on how this might work. Conclusion-It helps my brain if I can visualize where hardware is in the connection chain. Now, cost benefit analysis. Dollars will not be an issue, I think. How much time would be involved for a novice like me? Would I have resources to contact when I had questions? This sounds like a fun and rewarding project. Through all of the comments, none of this will actually get me to time alignment as I understand things. Is it even possible to get time alignment changes with a passive setup? I will be retiring this fall and will have more time for projects like this. Also, any thoughts on a tube amp for the bi amping? Thank You for your time responding to my situation. Do I need to include more specifics about my system?
  24. I am very interested in this subject. At the same time I am a plug and play guy. A lot of what I just read doesn't help me with my lack of education in this field. I purchased Khorns new in 2012. I drove from Minneapolis, MN to Indianapolis, IN to audition them. Jim Hunter and Trey Cannon ran the audition, I had no idea who they were at the time. I digress. I would like to keep my Khorns stock. The following is my thought. Buy a tube amp for the mid and tweeter cabinet and a Xilica type unit. Plug sources to Xilica and from Xilica to my Mac C50 preamp. C50 to tube amp and my Mac MC302 for the base bin. Will the Xilica do the time aligning for me or not? I use my system for 7.2 video as well as 2-channel listening. This is what my noodling through your and other threads has boiled things down to. Be kind please.
  25. I recently auditioned CW IVs at HiFi Sound in Minneapolis, MN. The CW IVs were running with an MC 275 amp. I am running Khorns with a Mac C50/MC302 at home. I purchased the Khorns new in 2012. This was not an apples to apples comparison by any means. I will say 3 things about the experience. The highs were wonderful to listen to. The high end bite I get from the Khorns on occasion, never happened with the CW IVs while playing music I was very familiar with. The mids left me as satisfied as I am with my Khorns. The bass was awesome, no sub woofer was used. There was some base heavy material played and I got more than I was expecting from the CW IVs. Here we go, At the end of my 15 minute session,. I was thinking I might prefer theCW IVs over my Khorns! I will be auditioning the CW IVs again. Also, I would like to know if the tube amp would make the large difference in the high end I experienced over my SS gear? Is the new CW IV tweeter significantly better than the 2012 Khorns? I know this was a small sample, but I was very impressed. This is my first post - ever. The impressiveness of the CW IVs pushed me to write about them.
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