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Dave MacKay

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Everything posted by Dave MacKay

  1. Typically I listen at around 80-85 dB(C). At those levels I don’t hear any noise at my MLP (which is about 4m/13’ from the speaker). At lower levels, I don’t hear any noise at the mouth of the speaker, even with nothing playing. However, if I turn the gain up high I will hear a hiss. YMMV, of course.
  2. I’m running a similar config (tri-amped La Scalas with 3 Aiyima A07 amps — one for tweeters, one for squawkers, and one for woofers). Using the stock power supplies I am unable to hear any noise. I did hear noise when I tried to consolidate the three power supplies with a Meanwell LRS 600-36, so I went back to the stock power supplies. I’m very happy with how my system sounds. The level of noise is at least as good (perhaps better) than the Yamaha R-N803 I was using before I tri-amped the speakers.
  3. Why? Both 4 ohm and 8 ohm are “nominal” values and the actual impedance will span quite a range. Unless one is running the amp at its maximum (never a good idea) it shouldn’t be harmful.
  4. Impedance changes with frequency. An 8 ohm rating is a nominal figure — the actual impedance can vary significantly over the frequency range by quite a lot. Some crossovers (networks) try to normalize the impedance presented by a speaker but most don’t. Consider the K-33E woofer used in La Scala. Its impedance ranges from about 4 ohms (at around 150 Hz) to around 27 ohms (at around 45 Hz). The DCR (DC resistance) measures just under 4 ohms, but that’s a resistance figure, not impedance. Some time ago, the late (and much missed) DJK posted information that “the measured magnitude of impedance which the lipschorn presents to an amplifier … The lowest value within the audio range is 4.5 ohms and occurs at 55 Hz, while the highest value is almost 10x that amount, 42.3 ohms at 2155 Hz.” Even so, the Klipschorn is rated at 8 ohms. All amps — both tube and SS — will adjust (within reason) to the differing impedance presented by the speaker. However, tube amps may struggle to push around the low impedances more than SS. Unless you’re pushing the limits of your system, you should feel free to experiment with different impedance taps. You might try one speaker on one tap and the other on a different tap for testing. Dave
  5. +1 on using a MiniDSP 2x4HD (or similar DSP) when dealing with multiple subs. The subs can be dialled in using measurements from REW and analysis from MSO (Multi-Sub Optimizer). The resulting configuration (delays, gain, PEQs) can be exported from REW right into the MiniDSP 2x4HD. Both REW and MSO are superb pieces of shareware/freeware.
  6. Yes. Make note of what is connected to what when you unhook the AL. Then simply connect the AL3 the same way.
  7. Capacitors can deteriorate with age. A common symptom of a bad capacitor would be if it leaks or if the case is bulging. Other components, such as inductors tend not to be affected by the passage of time. Consequently, it is common to have to replace capacitors on older crossovers. Good capacitors can be had from many sources. @001 is a proponent of ones sold by JEM, but less expensive caps and caps with better specs are available.
  8. I have 2 Bill Fitzmaurice designed THTLP horn-loaded subs that accompany my La Scalas. Each is powered by a 250W DSP plate amp. Everything is integrated with a MiniDSP Flex Eight DSP. I am pleased with the setup. Here's a SPL/frequency chart of how my system performs (measured at my main listening position): Using the DSP, I boosted the frequencies <100 Hz. Even so, you can see that the system is strong all the way down to 20 Hz (I didn't measure any lower). I started with a Klipsch sub from a retailer (Best Buy) but it was anemic. I then went to an SVS SB1000 Pro which was much better but still no match for the La Scalas. The THTLP is very good but — because of my room — I couldn’t get good results with just 1. I needed two for coverage. I’ve heard good things about F-20 subwoofers but have no experience with them. As was mentioned above, Klipsch will be introducing subs this year to complement the Heritage line but specs, pricing, etc. have not yet been released.
  9. Discussion of modified speakers and non-Klipsch components is, unfortunately, discouraged/prohibited on this forum. I suggest you pose this question on the “Klipsch Korner” forum on Audiokarma.
  10. @001, it’s hilarious that you’re asking for data. What a reversal! Welcome to the dark side. 😂
  11. Now, now … you’re better than that. You choose to play in this sandbox, but some find it restrictive. Live and let live.
  12. You might want to pose this question on the Klipsch Korner on Audiokarma.
  13. You could do either, or something different. It depends on your woodworking and finishing skills, and your budget. 1) If you filled the chips and cracks with putty, you’d want to finish them so that the repairs wouldn’t stand out. Although some people (and restorers) can do wonders, I’ve never had much success disguising the repair. 2) Veneering just the damaged areas is challenging. You’d need to find veneers that are a good match to the existing grain. Then the repair would have to be finished to blend in. 3) You could re-veneer the entire cabinets. That might necessitate using putty to get a smooth surface. If you have experience veneering, this wouldn’t be too hard. But it seems overkill given the modest damage to your speakers. 4) You could repair the damage (e.g., with putty) and then paint the cabinets. That would be easy to do, but would be a shame since the speakers are quite attractive. 5) You could leave the speakers as is and just enjoy them. Lots of options …
  14. Thank-you. Anecdotal impressions are one thing but data is much more helpful. Which colour is for the treated horn?
  15. Twice I went to an audio store to hear the Jubilees. Both times, my experience was similar to what was described here. The salesman was madly twisting the tone controls to show them off. It was almost as if Klipsch had just invented tone controls! Needless to say, the listening experience fell short of my expectations for the Jubilee. I don’t know what training Klipsch is providing their Heritage dealers re: the Jubilee, but based on a few reports it isn’t adequate. Too bad. The speakers deserve to be demo’ed well so that potential customers can judge them fairly. And customers who might be spending a whack of money deserve better.
  16. Nice work! Thanks for creating this thread. I enjoyed reading it.
  17. +1 on the MiniDSP. I’ve had a 2x4HD and a Flex Eight. Both have been very good.
  18. That doesn’t make much sense to me. By “match” is he meaning crossover? Perhaps he gets returns because his subs aren’t fast enough to match La Scalas (or other similar horn-loaded speakers)? A horn-loaded sub (such as a THT or THTLP) is a lovely match with La Scalas.
  19. I used Benjamin Moore “Advance” Interior Alkyd paint (black, in “Pearl” finish) for the doghouse of my La Scalas. Because I didn’t have a paint sprayer, I brushed it on. It was an excellent match for the Rustoleum Satin “Canyon Black” spray paint that I used on the tweeter and squawker horns. I’m pleased with how it turned out. Benjamin Moore paints are very good.
  20. My La Scalas were pretty beat up when I got them: chips, stains, broken corners, etc. I sanded the exterior surfaces smooth and used wood filler (bondo would have been better) to fill in the chips and rebuild the corners. I then applied 3/8" baltic birch to the top, bottom, and sides to: give a more attractive appearance provide a smooth surface for veneer address cabinet resonance I used Titebond glue and lots of brads to affix the new panels. I installed the panels slightly oversize and trimmed them with a straight-cutting router bit. I used BetterBond Heat-Loc glue to apply Ribbon Sapele paper backed veneer. I finished the veneer with Rubio Monocoat "Pure". I sanded the doghouse as well as I could and painted it black. I also sprayed the horns with Rustoleum "Satin Canyon" black spray paint. @Simpson, were I in your shoes, I'd fix the imperfections with bondo and apply new panels to the top, bottom, and sides. I'd also give the horns a coat of spray paint. That ought to make their appearance passable until you veneer them. I struggled to find anyone to do the veneering. The only quote I got was for more than I had paid for the La Scalas! Don't be afraid to try veneering the La Scalas yourself. The La Scalas were my first project with veneer. I practised on two subwoofers (just rectangular boxes) before doing them. Because I felt that the doghouses would be too demanding for my skills, I chose to paint them instead. The veneering was both easier and more satisfying than I anticipated. Also, in case you haven't done so already, get new gaskets for the squawkers, use DeoxIT liberally on all connections, and tighten the screws attaching all of the drivers to the cabinet. You might also want to apply a new gasket (weatherstripping works fine) to the doghouse access panel. If the crossovers are old you should probably replace the capacitors.
  21. If you plan on veneering them eventually, I’d recommend that you not paint them because you may end up having to strip the paint when it comes time to veneer. If you insist on painting them, you could use Duratex.
  22. In your opinion, which you haven’t supported with any data. Apparently not. If you stop I will.
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