AndyKubicki

I have been up waaaay too late tonight! I just picked up a Sony SACD player, http://www.sonystyle.com/home/item.jsp?hierc=9686&itemid=18241 . I am evaluating the player and have 29 days to return it if I'm not happy. It was a demo, so I got it for $129 and thought I can't go wrong with the return policy. My wife and I picked up a SACD by Celine (wife's choice, not mine) to compare to a CD in our collection to do an A/B. I read several reviews where the SACD portion of this player was rated very well. My other unit is a Pioneer DV 434, not a real high end unit. I must say that neither my wife, my son, nor I heard a great deal of difference between the 2! The SACD was a little less bright. As we speak, I left it on play to see if a burn in would help, so tomorrow we'll try this again. Maybe another set of CDs will reveal the difference? I have Blood Sweat and Tears as a reg CD and there is a SACD available...maybe I should try that...but I wanted to see if anyone here has heard the difference. BTW, I have BS&T's greatest hits also which was remastered, so a couple tunes are on both CDs and comparing those two (CD/CD-remastered) showed more of a difference than the CD/SACD. I know you get what you pay for, and this is a cheap price, but both DVD players are close in price, so if the SACD format is better, it should be obvious. I also should be getting my ALK xovers soon, so I wonder if that will make the difference more revealing... ------------------ Andy 78 Khorns (20' apart!) Audire Difet 3 Preamp Adcom GFA 535 II NAD 4130 Tuner Marantz CD 63SE Pioneer DV 434 This message has been edited by AndyKub on 08-22-2002 at 04:22 AM

I may be in the minority here, but I'm with kjohnsonhp. Just posted this which applies to this thread as well http://216.37.9.58/cgi-bin/ubb/postdisplay.cgi?forum=Forum3&topic=001628#AndyKu b08-22-200203:14AM Hmmm...sorry, that link won't take you directly to the post...must haved goofed the link...? ------------------ Andy 78 Khorns (20' apart!) Audire Difet 3 Preamp Adcom GFA 535 II NAD 4130 Tuner Marantz CD 63SE Pioneer DV 434 This message has been edited by AndyKub on 08-22-2002 at 03:54 AM

Well, although what's wrong with the amp is normal and minor (caps, resistors, ect.), they will not take the a trade, so this won't go. They want $299 as is, so I guess I keep looking on Ebay. Besides, I just made another purchase, so my cash capacitor has to recharge. ------------------ Andy 78 Khorns (20' apart!) Audire Difet 3 Preamp Adcom GFA 535 II NAD 4130 Tuner Marantz CD 63SE Pioneer DV 434

I think what you see is a reflection in the lense. They do look GREAT! Mine were unfinished birch and remained unfinished for too long. I thought I liked the walnut, but having seen yours, oak is THE choice! ------------------ Andy 78 Khorns (20' apart!) Audire Difet 3 Preamp Adcom GFA 535 II NAD 4130 Tuner Marantz CD 63SE Pioneer DV 434

Max, I don't listen to vinyl anymore. My B&O is missing a cable and a new cartridge I had in the car was in the ash tray. I forgot about this and when it went through the car wash....DOOOH! I do remember that while I was in Poland in the late 60s, I bought some records and did notice quite a bit of surface noise. This was a time that the country was under socialist rule, and technology was not that advanced. They had the knowledge, but not the means. FM stereo broadcasts were just experimental then, and stereo records were few. Upon returning to the States, I found that many of the artists I liked, such as Yes (on Atlantic), recorded on poor quality vinyl as well. Although I too listened to SW BC (I didn't think there were many others who did in the States), it was to hear either news or music, but to REALLY ENJOY music, I had to have the recording. I was not good at tuning out the background noise. I must agree with kenratboy (once again). No matter how well I cleaned my vinyl, I always heard dust! Matter of fact, when I first bought my Khorns in 78 or 79, I bought a Direct to Disk recording of Stravinsky's Firebird on Telarc. What a way to hear the magnificent ability of the Khorns to handle music!! From sweet, quiet passages, to bass drum thumping, rafter shaking gorgeous sound. But in the quiet passages, I was hearing...that culprit..dust! I really missed that recording (I still have it but can't play it) and was overjoyed to find, much to my surprize, that it was digitally recorded at the same time! I bought the CD (Telarc CD-80039), played it, and low and behold, some of what I thought was dust, was actually the musicians' chairs creeking! How can I enjoy vinyl when I hear not only the dust present, but imagined dust as well! I don't know how I would compare the quality if I did an A/B now (CD/Vinyl), but the CD's quality is amazing. Lynn has made a good point that much depends on mastering, and proper mastering for the particular medium. ------------------ Andy 78 Khorns (20' apart!) Audire Difet 3 Preamp Adcom GFA 535 II NAD 4130 Tuner Marantz CD 63SE Pioneer DV 434

It's funny, Doug. I was never attracted to the HT multi channel scene. Always thought I would rather spend same money on 2 channel and get better quality. I prefer a good audio CD to a DVD most of the time. Sounds like you're in for some good times in that bedroom. Danny, thanks for the Art info. I have not seen them for less than $159. But I was at Best Buy today and did make an experimental purchase of a Sony DVD/SACD player...that will be a new post here. ------------------ Andy 78 Khorns (20' apart!) Audire Difet 3 Preamp Adcom GFA 535 II NAD 4130 Tuner Marantz CD 63SE Pioneer DV 434

Tony, I think what you posted makes a lot of sense; I would rather have a better designed, better sounding amp, whether it's SS or tubes. From all I understand, if one has a budget like mine (low), you can probably get the most bang for the buck with tubes (in the case of high efficiency speakers). After my upgrade to the ALKs, I think I should pursue a better CD/DVD/SACD player. I also find myself spending huge amounts of time on Ebay and Audiogon looking at vintage tube equipment (I would LOVE to hear your Marantz) and think that if I get something like an ST70, something known for it's good transformers, I can pick it up within my small budget. I can also tweak it as budget permits. I can handle soldering and following schematics in point to point circuits...I don't feel as comfortable dealing with PC boards and SS. If I lived near someone who has a tube amp I would love to do an A/B comparison, but for now I don't know of anyone. I have an open mind to the matter, and will keep the amp that sounds better and that I can afford. ------------------ Andy 78 Khorns (20' apart!) Audire Difet 3 Preamp Adcom GFA 535 II NAD 4130 Tuner Marantz CD 63SE Pioneer DV 434

Congrats Greg! I've had mine for 24 years and still LOVE them! I'm sure you will be in love with yours for years to come. Make sure you play your wifey's favorite music on them as well and perhaps you'll spread the love! Oh, yes...for more fun, check out the Updating older speakers section... ------------------ Andy 78 Khorns (20' apart!) Audire Difet 3 Preamp Adcom GFA 535 II NAD 4130 Tuner Marantz CD 63SE Pioneer DV 434 This message has been edited by AndyKub on 08-21-2002 at 02:53 PM

I'm hoping the ALK's beef up the bottom end and tame the highs somewhat, and I'm also hoping the wire I go with can do the same. Hi Mike! Sounds like you're having wayyyy too much fun! I just spoke with Al yesterday, and from what he says, the squakers will be louder, so I don't think you should count on taming the highs too much, though we will be able to vary this slightly by using the different taps on the transformer. I had the same concern (brighness) because of my amp/preamp combo. I am not too concerned with that because if it is too bright, I will eventually tackle that by changing amp/preamp. BTW, if you placed your order recently, he just got the parts and is starting assembly. He estimated mine may be ready mid week of next week and that order is #2 of the current batch...is your order #1? Here I am, home on vacation, and I wish I had them now...can't wait!! ------------------ Andy 78 Khorns (20' apart!) Audire Difet 3 Preamp Adcom GFA 535 II NAD 4130 Tuner Marantz CD 63SE Pioneer DV 434 This message has been edited by AndyKub on 08-20-2002 at 01:00 PM

1. What Heritage speakers have you owned, currently own, or want to own? 1978 Khorns 2. What was your age when you first purchased a Heritage series loudspeaker? 26 3. What is your current age? 50 4. Why did you choose Heritage loudspeakers over another Klipsch model? The salesdude demoed a couple other speakers, I HAD TO HAVE THE KHORNS. Bass response was the main reason. 5. If you currently own some Heritage loudspeakers, and could purchase some more Klipsch speakers(new or used), which ones would you purchase? Why? No room in this condo(minimum) for Khorns, so maybe La Scalas? 6. Do you think the upcoming Jubilee should become part of the "Heritage" line, since it was also designed by PWK? ????? Another intereting question would have been are you a musician... ------------------ Andy 78 Khorns (20' apart!) Audire Difet 3 Preamp Adcom GFA 535 II NAD 4130 Tuner Marantz CD 63SE Pioneer DV 434

I appreciate all the input. I am getting the picture now...I won't worry about noise in tubes. I am committed to getting a tube amp, probably a vintage project to rebuild and have the fun tweaking myself (with helpful guidance from those who will be able and willing to give it). I will probably keep the Adcom for the hotter Southern California days, at least until I replace this old A/C system I have..course, that will eat up any play money that could go to my audio system. BTW..Randy, You said I should try a different speaker cable. I bought the Goertz because I did like what they had on the web page about them (I know...who doesn't like what's in a sales brochure). They did offer a 30 day money back, but they were an improvement and I kept them. I am having a buddy come over just to test the difference with his cable, which I think are Kimbecable. ------------------ Andy 78 Khorns (20' apart!) Audire Difet 3 Preamp Adcom GFA 535 II NAD 4130 Tuner Marantz CD 63SE Pioneer DV 434 This message has been edited by AndyKub on 08-15-2002 at 09:10 PM

Thanks guys! MDeneen, If this deal works, I would like to make a project of it...I would first just like to listen to it as is, then, as I have more spending money, I can get the hot rod parts and work on it. Thanks for offering your advice, I will need it. I will post when I learn of the condition, but it sounds like you agree that as long as the transformers are OK, the rest will be upgraded? BTW, your "mystery amp" sounds exciting..I'll be looking forward to those reports! Sounds like a late night project..keep the coffee hot! ------------------ Andy 78 Khorns (20' apart!) Audire Difet 3 Preamp Adcom GFA 535 II NAD 4130 Tuner Marantz CD 63SE Pioneer DV 434 This message has been edited by AndyKub on 08-15-2002 at 12:52 AM

Hey gang, I found a Dynaco ST 70 and might be able to trade my older Crown preamp toward it. It's described as electronically meeting specs, but not all functions are working. I will get more details. Does anyone out there have one of these babies? They said they will fix it if time permits unless I want it as-is. I'm thinking that as long as the transformers are OK, I should take as-is and either find someone to upgrade, or even do them myself. This would permit spending a bit at a time as I can afford it. I can read a schematic, have done some soldering, but would need recommondations as to replacement parts. It's at Audio Classics (anybody done business with them?). They actually have some Crown amps that I used to have with this preamp, so I thought it would be a good piece for them. Any thoughts? I just found this on Ebay....looks like a start http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1372532299 ------------------ Andy 78 Khorns (20' apart!) Audire Difet 3 Preamp Adcom GFA 535 II NAD 4130 Tuner Marantz CD 63SE Pioneer DV 434 This message has been edited by AndyKub on 08-14-2002 at 10:53 PM

Jazzman, that is probably a good way to to it, but I need to be closer to being able to buy one before I ask to take home a demo. Actually, I just found a Dynaco ST 70, and I will be asking about it in a separate post. It's my humble opinion that khorns + tubes has no shortcomings. Not poor bass, not hum, absolutely no disqualifiers whatsoever. This is good to see, Randy, especially the bass and hum. I have not had nor heard a tube amp in many years and maybe I remembered my cheap Allied Radio reciever I had, which did have some shortcomings. If you must have SS amps, then (as they say in the tennis shoe commericals) JUST DO IT. There are plenty here that will say you have made the right choice. Ultimately it's your decision, and it would be completely wrong to be swayed by what anyone here says. Words to live by. I think you misunderstood me. I have no emotional ties to SS. Quite to the contrary, tubes offer a nostalgic return. I am trying to understand the multitude of what I've been reading the past few days and want to have a better understanding of the electronics of both. When I was younger, I thought I was going to become an electronics engineer, but things did not turn out like that so I am playing catch-up knowledgewise. If anything, SS scared me away...more complex than tubes, more difficult to work with. But I know there is a lot of electronic/audio wisdom and experience on this forum and what I read here is more important to me as a Klipsc owner, than what I read elswhere. I might take you up on your offer about the AA tweaks (did you say not to ditch 'em, right?) in the future...I have been trying to locate the ART DIO, as I believe it makes sense to better the output from the Pioneer rather than popping for a new CD or DVD...thanks for that tip! Sam Ash must have sold every one they had and when I called, they didn't even know if they will get more in. ------------------ Andy 78 Khorns (20' apart!) Audire Difet 3 Preamp Adcom GFA 535 II NAD 4130 Tuner Marantz CD 63SE Pioneer DV 434

Congrats Mike! Thanks for the great description. I think it was moving enough for me to move me one step closer to wanting one myself now. I have been looking on ebay more frequently. What is a reasonable price to pay for one? I understand that much depends upon condition. What surprizes me about the new tube stuff is that most are separates, meaning amp-preamp. Much of the vintage stuff comes as integrated amp/preamp. If one considers the "shortest path" theory, it makes most sense to have the integrated system (I believe the Scott is integrated). ------------------ Andy 78 Khorns (20' apart!) Audire Difet 3 Preamp Adcom GFA 535 II NAD 4130 Tuner Marantz CD 63SE Pioneer DV 434 This message has been edited by AndyKub on 08-14-2002 at 02:09 PM

Wow! Colon, you have been the first here to point out that there are some advantages to SS amps. Though I am not sure that you are implying that would work with Klipsch. The sense I got from reading about all the tube amps that many members on this forum are switching to, is that these amps work better with horns. When I first auditioned my Khorns in 78, I was shown (via an a/b test) the Belle and the La Scala as well. I was 26, no wife to stop me, and I had credit. I HAD TO HAVE THE KHORNS. And the main reason was (compared to the other two Klipsches) the beatiful bass response of the Khorns. I did not always live in a house that the Khorns could breath in, but I always kept them with the intent of someday giving them the room they deserve. If tube amps are lacking in the bass area, then I'm not sure I would be happy with one. But I did not get the impression that was the case with these amps. If anyone can compare that for me, I would appreciate it. I am somewhat happy with the bass the Adcom provides, though I think it could us a little help in the upper bass region. The only thing I can compare from casually listening to my Brother's system quite some time ago. I say casually because he had other people over and I could not really bring a reference CD or two, sit down and just listen. What I did hear was tought to describe, but the bass was clean...clear...you could almost count the cone vibrations. His system...Proceed amps and preamps, Martin Logans and a couple cones for the mid bass in separate cabinets with a sub. Anyway, I'm sure you all get the point. I love bass. But I would love to hear the other flavors that tubes offer. I also am a bit worried about noise...hum. I'm not sure how much to expect, say from the vintage Scott or Eico vs the new stuff. Perhaps this is why maybe a tube preamp/SS amp combo would work. ------------------ Andy 78 Khorns (20' apart!) Audire Difet 3 Preamp Adcom GFA 535 II NAD 4130 Tuner Marantz CD 63SE Pioneer DV 434

Kenratboy, I was hoping someone took notice of the agenda and you get the cigar! ------------------ Andy 78 Khorns (20' apart!) Audire Difet 3 Preamp Adcom GFA 535 II NAD 4130 Tuner Marantz CD 63SE Pioneer DV 434

Everything that I have heard and read supports that SS is more accurate than tubes. I met the man who designed my preamp and spent some time at his shop a few years ago when I thought I had some noise coming from the preamp. He put it on the scope and there was NOTHING...not a bit of noise. That's when I got my first lesson about interconnects. He also offered to switch the faceplate as the one I bought had a rack mount on it which I did not need. Didn't charge me a dime! We talked for a while and he did say the reason he builds SS amps & preamps is because of the accuracy. That is NOT to say that tubes can't sound better. Steve Deckert of Decaware has some interesting things written about this on his site. If it is true, that SS is more accurate, then shouldn't it suffice to have a good source (like a cd player with a tube stage, etc), a good tube preamp, and an SS amp? Rick, I think that is the direction. Randy pointed me to the ART DIO. Though they were availabe on ebay for $99, I can't find one for less than $139 now. Even at that price, if it sounds as sweet as a lot of people are saying, it may be worth getting. I did pull out my old Crown IC 150 preamp, just to try it out. I hooked it up and did find the bass was stronger. It was not as bright, but at the same time, not as clear as the Audire. I was tempted to use it though, because it does have tone controls as well as a loudness switch. The pots and switches were noisy, so I tried to open her up to spray some cleaner. What a job!! That thing is built like a tank...but lightweight. Sadly, when I put it back together, the fuse holder fell apart, so I can't tell if I did any good. Maybe I shouldn't get a kit or do mods myself.... BTW, Randy, nice pics of yer system! What is the bass trap for? Does it actually "soak up" the bass? ------------------ Andy 79 Khorns Audire Difet 3 Preamp Adcom GFA 535 II NAD 4130 Tuner Marantz CD 63SE Pioneer DV 434

Well, here's another set on ebay. This is somewhere in my neck of the woods, Orange County, Ca. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1370469665 This is the first time I saw a set that more resembles my set in that it's Birch and does not have the sleve between the bass bin and the squaker/tweeter section, also from the early 80s. How can someone let these go!!!??? BTW, I originally bought mine in Ill, somewhere off NW Highway... Andy This message has been edited by AndyKub on 08-10-2002 at 09:17 PM

Well guys, from what I remember, the posts regarding the xovers were well in favor of the ALKs, unless I missed some, which is possible. There were many responses similar to Mike's. Your mods to the AAs sound interesting. I think I read about eliminating the diode some time ago, and I may try the additional caps. My room is a weird size and shape, its about 24' X 18', but there are stairs on the opposite wall from the Khorns as well as a room that cuts into part of this listening area. I did the rope caulk/dynamat thing. But I MUST confess to one thing here...and you guys will probably bar me from this forum forever...gulp...I never did what Klipsch recommended as to the rear baffle. Call it laziness, or stupidity, or whatever... I don't know how much of an affect that would have, but I do plan to do this one of these days...it will surely go quicker than the re-wiring and Dynamatting did, so I really don't know why I let that slip for all these years. Hmmm I like the idea of running the SPL with a test CD. I didn't know those were available. But to be even more complete, should one not need to take a hearing test as well and map out where our individual peaks and valleys are? Do we have noticable peaks and valleys, or do most of us hear flat. On the fiberglass mod, you said it made you horns go subterranean...are you saying their response is actually lower now? I do think that perhaps the best approach would be to start with the source, though with SACD and other new technologies on the horizon, I thought maybe I should wait. I would hate to get a great CD player only to hear an SACD and fall in love with that. I still have a Marantz 63SE CD player which I got about 6 years ago, but it skips. Something that CD players seem to do (at least in my case) after about 5 years. It happened to my previous Nakamichi CD player before the Marantz. You think that the external DAC will improve the sound quality? For 99 Bucks? That sounds real good! Do you have a link to that site? One more question on the vintage stuff...I remember tube equipment's drawback used to be hum, as the drawback to SS used to be hiss. Well, the hiss is non-existent. What about hum and noise in the vintage stuff? Do the new mods clean that up or do I have to go to newer gear? Does newer gear have audible hum? Also, another thought on SS vs tubes, everything I've read says that SS is more accurate. If I use a tube preamp with a SS amp, would the SS amp then ACCURATELY deliver the warmth of the tube preamp, or at least some of it?

Hi Randy...I have the original AAs in them. I do want to replace them because for one, I already placed my order, and two, my Khorns stood in my parents garage for some time while I went through a divorce (not over the speakers, though wife #1 did not like them) and it gets HOT out here on the left coast. I'm sure that was not too good for the caps...besides, they're 20+ years old! BTW, wife #2, by far the best, knew she married me with the kids AND the Khorns! She loves vocals in music, so I think she might like the switch to tubes. But I think I would rather start with the ALKs and perhaps replace the pre amp with a tube preamp first. The Audire is also bright, though it is a very good quality preamp. The Goertz cables I have are the ribbon, but my impression (hopefully somewhat free from the placebo effect) is that the bass got better with them. It was not an overwhelming difference. I've hit you over the head with a sledgehammer here, but I hope you see my point that your system might be a trifle on the bright side. I think I got used to it? How is your room? Is it relatively dead acoustically speaking? Is it big, is it full of soft furniture and thick rugs, that sort of thing? Good point Randy. It's somewhat small for the horns. It's carpeted, horns are about 20' apart. There is a spot to sit where you are right in line with both and right in the middle. I have some recommendations but at this point you probably want me to shut up. Not at all...I'll take all the advice I can...specially free advice :> ). After all, I just got swayed from making a purchase that I would probably have regretted. Actually, I couldn't make a move now anyway as wifey's work is changing, so the actual project is on hold, but info gathering is full steam ahead! Maybe someone out there would like to buy a good SS amp & preamp...also have a Crown IC 150... Andy

Thanks Steve, I did print out a lot of what Steve Deckert has on his site to read and that's what fascinated me as well. He even said he learned to be a musician (a drummer) just to experience the creative side of music. But now, you are the third person on this forum who said that there was just not enough power, so I know I won't be happy with it. What Steve Deckert says about the little subtleties of music and emotion is correct, I'm sure. But one cannot ignore the feelings that a strong part in a piece of music, a louder part, not ear shattering, but one that can actually be felt, can emote. I'm afraid that would be lost if I went to a Zen. Was there a big difference between you Adcom and the Assemlage? Can you close your eyes and loose a sense of which direction the music is coming from? Andy

Well thanks for the offers to help! I have to admit, I did buy a shortwave Knight kit and when I finnished putting it together, some bands did not work. This had to be about 25-30 years ago, so I'm ready to try again!There is something attractive about the vintage tube stuff. I have always been a fan of Marantz, but anything Marantz with tubes is out of my range for now. Edster00, you were the second one on this forum to return the Zens for lack of power. I was listening to Stravinky's Firebird, a really great recording that at some points really rattles the rafters (I love it I love it!!) and can't imagine enjoying any amp that will poop out. But the more I think about it, the more I lean towards a tube preamp. We'll see what comes up. Perhaps cheap CD is not capable of delivering the subtleties that a turnatable and good cartridge is, so I may not experience that feeling of being in the middle of the music until I udate my CD player. OH! If only money grew on trees!! Next upgrade is the ALK Xovers, and those should be coming in a few weeks, so I can't wait to get those babies in there...

Hi all! I've been away for some time, but I'm back now and having fun. I have seen many posts regarding tube amps. I cannot afford to spend more than $400-500 and found I was intrigued by Decaware's Zen amp. Has anyone else haad experience with these? I haven't soldered in a while, but must admit that getting the kit form looks like fun. I did see I think it was Randy Bey's poat about keeping the amp 29 days and returning it due to lack of power, and that scares me since I too like to turn em up once in a while. Perhaps there are other tube amps in this price range? Maybe I should get a vintage Scott of Dynaco, etc and just fix that a little bit at a time? I do remember, when I first got my KHorns in the early 80s, that I could sit and listen to them, close my eyes, and coule not tell that the music was coming from 2 speakers...it was all over! Then I had a Crown amp and preamp (DC and IC 150) and a turntable. Today, the turntable is gone, the Khorns have been re-wired with Monster and will soon be fitted with the ALK crossovers, Goertz speaker cables, the preamp is the Audire Difet III ( http://www.audire.com/prod01.htm ) and the amp is an Adcom GFA 535 II. Oh yes, the weak link, Pioneer DV 434 DVD player. There is a bit of harshness...I'm sure that the crossovers will help, but speaking with Al, he said to expect things to get a bit brighter as there will be a gain in tweeter power. Maybe I should consider a tube preamp...anybody out there who tried this with Khorns? Thanks! Andy