boleiro

wanted to check in with an update... finally got those polyester caps in the correct values and installed on homebrew type AA crossovers. The difference was very apparent right away. But it took awhile to start processing what the differences were that I was hearing from the ALK universal XO's. And now it's impossible not to hear the difference between the two. I have gone back and forth twice between the two and its amazing how subtle, and yet striking, the difference is. The ALK's are more transparent than the AA's with a very clear top end and mid section. The AA's seem to me to be a more lively feel to them, more of the band in the room thing. They were warmer, and though a little less articulate than the ALK's, the AA's just have a very pleasant and fun sound. And I swear the AA's gave more bass... though maybe thats just me. The ALK's were very articulate and clear. The differences between the two remind me of my experience rolling 12AX7 driver tubes in my integrated amp recently. The AA's are like the Mullards, warm and luscious and the ALK's are more like the Telefunken's with a sweet clear tone. I guess the AA's ended up being just what I hoped they would be... kind of more of that vintage hifi thing compared to the ALK's. But there is no clear winner... really like them both for different reasons and my favorite XO's are the one ones I'm listening to at the time. I guess I'll go back and forth for awhile, happily. Might start looking at the tweeter upgrade now... never ending. thanks for all the help!

Hey KT88, you are correct... the poly 2uF and 13uF caps available from Jem are out of stock for the time being. I did end up ordering the same caps you referenced earlier in the thread, Nichicon 2.2uF and 2 x 6.uF Kemet poly caps. still need to wire up the AA xo's... been working hard to complete an outdoor pizza oven build before it gets too cold!

thanks Rolox... I figured as much. I know it is odd to go from upgrade to stock. I guess it's hard for me to appreciate the upgrade since I only know the upgrade. I just have to know what stock sounds like. I guess I'll update, but the source for the correct value poly caps is out of stock until late September, so I should have those on order soon. I will for sure report back.

Hey Jimbo... do you happen to have any autotransformers? I need something for the T2A... ready to order the 3654 from crites but if you have a something of the like that will work in the AA xo's then I'd love to work a deal with you.

I see that now... have been looking at blown up pics of this XO and can see it now. so it looks like I can use a bare solid 20ish awg wire to connect the negative terminals with the wire going under the positive leads.... right?

as I've said I really like the ALK's with my LS's. I'm just very curious about the more stock sound. I've got all my components for the AA's... just need to get the time to sit down and do some soldering. Excited to hear the (subtle) difference in sound with the AA xo's. I'll probably end up modding them to try the type A too.

that's great... I'll pay shipping!

See the wire in the pic below that is wired to the input #1 terminal through the Squawker terminals... doesn't look like as though it is hooked up to the tweeter terminals. I noticed here and looked around and see that it is on pretty much all Type AA XO's.

Another question about the XO's... never noticed until now that the terminal strip has a bare wire that daisy chained to all of the terminals. Why is this?

thanks Hanks! we'll I already ordered the .4mh inductors so I guess I will give it a try if the midrange is too much. thanks again!

I'm kind of feel his pain. But then again, no one ever gave me any nice tubes for my amps so ce la vie!

Hey Ernie, I get that... in your scenario I could see the JJ's working out great. In my personal system, I am getting to the point that I want different tubes for different music I listen to... one trick ponies indeed. And I look a lot of the tricks!

Got all my Caps... thanks KT88. I ordered the same caps you mentioned. However, I have 2 copies of the TYPE AA schematic but there is a difference between the two. One has a .4mh inductor on the squawker and the other doesn't. The drawings are identical except for this one detail (and the zener's). Should the AA have a .4mh inductor or not?

This is a very good way to explain initial reaction to the mullard. Loves the sound, but was too keyed on the differences from the amperex to fully enjoy. I will definitely be spending a few weeks listening to the mullard to be sure I am being as objective as possible. I’m no tube snob, only recently got into NOS, but I have never had luck with the JJs in any application, guitar or hifi. They aren’t bad, just very good and always leave me wanting more.

Interesting… Everyone is hitting on something here. I have a black plate RCA 5751 in a guitar amp with some matsushita 12AX7. I’ll pull those and listen for differences. schu, you’re making me ask existential questions I don’t know I want the answers too…. So I prefer a mite solid state sound to warm fuzzy tubiness? Wjat 12ax7 gives you what you’re looking for in a tube amp Schu? I need to listen to the IEC Millard for a while. The one issue with my test is that I have been listening to the amperex for a few weeks now and only heard the mullard in the comparison. Not the best format for an objective comparison. I’ll add the 5751 and matsushita to the mix also. But to the original question, will a Telefunken give more of the same of the amperex… detailed, clean and flat? I would like that if it came with some warmth? and yes, I will be trying out a tele but waiting to find one that won’t break the bank. But it will happen. In the meantime, interested in your experiences.

I tend to be a skeptic when it comes to a lot of "upgrades." But, I had a very cool listening experience last night while comparing some 12AX7's... I actually was able to hear the differences... distinctly! I was comparing an IEC branded Mullard and a Fisher Branded Amperex. The Mullard is great, and part of me preferred the warmer, more relaxing sound. This is the sound I have typically sought after. However, listening to to the Amperex was just a different experience all together. Across the board, the Amperex had more clarity and detail yet still "smooth." I love it. It's just a fun listening experience hearing all the instruments so clearly. Loved the mullard... just like the Amperex more. Here's the rub, when I ordered the Amperex, I mistakenly thought the Fisher 'Made in Holland' was a Telefunken. It wasn't until after that I learned the Fisher tube is an Amperex, not Telefunken. So, now I am wondering how a Fisher branded Telefunken would compare to the Amperex? Could I expect a dramatic difference or just incremental gains with the Tele? Very happy with the amperex, but never leaving well enough alone, I want to try a Telefunken 12AX7 to hear for myself. Would love to hear what others have experienced between the 2? I should note that I am not able or willing, at this time, to go all in with a tele branded NOS tube. I would be looking to pickup a Fisher branded Telefunken to maybe keep the comparison honest.

The plan is to build up a pair pair of Type AA's, so whatever parts you may have I'll take. A complete working pair of Type AA's Ideally! however, if you have some T2A's, 0.4mh Inductors, XO board, label, whatever. Thank you!

Hey Karlson, are those russian PIO caps?

wow... I am all over the place! Lots of great ideas have come from this conversation. I have changed my mind more than a few times already. But as per usual, I feel I have received some great advice and options on how best to proceed. I think I'm set now set on a smart path. I'll build up a pair of AA's. I already have most of the Inductors needed, just need to buy the caps and a 245uh inductor. I'll go with modest caps for now and see how the AA stands up to the ALK. Once I decide on the XO I'll be getting a pair of the SMAHL V2's and compare to the K77. And then by then I am sure I will have more ideas from reading too much on this board.

KT88, I like your gear choice. I will have a 300B amp someday. I would be curious to know what Polysester caps would you recommend or that you have experience with in Klipsch XO's?

This! thanks again George... never thought to convert the ALK's to AA's. probably because I didn't know you could... they seem very different across the board. If this conversion in fact a simple task then this would be great. Any resources on the conversion itself?

I love mine too! Very happy with the ALK's... the only reason I want to try the AA xo is to see what the original sound is. If it makes sense, I have no baseline for my La Scalas. I have.never heard any other La Scala in person. So I just wonder. My heresy's are stock and they sound awesome, no plans to upgrade those until needed. Myabe I'm just trying to justify a project... when I already have a few in in the queue; Refinish the La Scala's, Paint the Listening Room, finish the Brick Pizza Oven... or maybe I should spend my money on a ton of records. It would suck to spend money only to switch it right back to the ALK's. But I'd know:). Thanks all... food for thought and I really appreciate your experience!

Hey George, you kind of nailed the whole point of this thread! I love the Klipsch sound. I know a lot don’t, but I’m hooked on horns and Klipsch is my new home. I’m a late comer though, got a pair of heresy II’s couple of years ago after hearing so much about how well horns go with tube Amps. Those heresys with my SET amp is pretty awesome. I moved on to the La Scalas shortly after and I am even more in love with the Scalas. They sound awesome with the ALK xo’s… amd it’s not that I want to change the sound or that I’m looking for something. Different than we say, but I just can’t shake my curiosity of what the stock Type AA will do. Do my La Scalas sound anything like they intended to or does the ALK completely change the sound characteristics? So I started a thread to find out if it would be a worthwhile venture… would the difference be anything special? got some good answers and some ideas. btw… clean your records! No pops and clicks here:)

You got me Karlson, what is an acoustic butterworth filter and what’s the benefit?