Rudy81

Has anyone used any of the available, pc based, sound measurement software? I am interested in taking some room response measurements before adding any room treatments for my HT and sound room.

I agree. I particularly like the Logic 7.

NOZ, whatever you do, don't send it back. I sent mine back, and like you had a buzz noticeable only inside 3'. Well, they exchanged it, and sent me a July '02 build date. This one, is worse! The buzz can be heard anywhere in my 14x23 room. I am waiting for word from H/K. They have so far been very supportive and helpful. I hate having to wait for the RMA process, but I can't live with a Heritage HT system and a crappy center channel. I wish I had kept the original one they sent. If I did not love the power and features so much, I'd just get my money back. However, the AVR 8000 is really a great receiver for my speakers.

H/K has been very helpful so far and will be exchanging my unit. I could live with the center channel buzzing, it did not change with volume changes and did not occur with an outboard amp. However, the unit also made buzzing and unacceptable hissing audible at all listening levels when listening to analog iputs. That I could not accept. Fortunately, H/K is taking the unit back and will be sending a replacement.

I'm not that upset yet. I have contacted HK and will let you know what they say. Even with high efficiency speakers, the buzz is not audible from about 3' out. However, you know it is there. I did note that if I use an outboard amp for the center, the buzzing is gone, so the problem is somewhere in the amp section for the center. The AVS forum has extensive commentary on this issue. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=1732116#post1732116

Well, the unit was in mint condition cosmetically upon arrival. It is in fact a January '02 build and still has the center channel buzzing. I am contacting HK on the issue. However, this unit is incredible with CD's, Audio DVD and Video DVD. Have only run some listening tests, and the sound is just awesome. My Belles have much tighter bass and the soundstage is truly superior for a HT Receiver. Same power as my Marantz, but the High Current makes a difference. This unit seems brand new to me. I don't know if HK is getting rid of the Jan '02 models to get rid of the center channel problem or what.

NOZ, I just got mine in, but have yet to hook it up. Mine is in fact a January 2002 build. Hopefully HK fixed any center channel problem with during the refurb. What build date is your and how is it going so far?

Good to hear. Mine is on the way and should be here tomorrow or late today. The HT is ready, Chorus II center, Belles for front, Heresy for side effect and Forte for rear effect. It sounds great with my Marantz SR 7000. It will be interesting to compare the receivers.

How do you determine build date?

I bid on it.

I had to run a search on the e-bay a/v receivers for just "8000". You will get the AVR 8000 among other things. You will see that the items sold by HK are labeled AVR 8000Z. The Z means a refurb unit. I just happened to luck into mine for $1095. I have seen them going for a little more.

Well, I got mine from e-bay as sold by the HK refurbished department. Full warranty as if purchased new. I figured I couldn't go wrong.

An AVR 8000 is on the way for me also. I am replacing my Marantz SR 7000 with the HK AVR 8000. Let us know when you hook it up. I hope to use the 7.1 with my old Harmon Kardon 665 amp, my belles, heresys, chorus II's and Forte's. Now I only need to get a sub to compliment the Belles.

Al: Do you know if your current ALK setup will allow for a hole template that will match my Belles AB network? Thanks

I also ordered the ALK's for my Belles. I have the AB crossover currently, which Al dislikes due to it's reverse equalization. I am hoping this will make a noticeable improvement. I ordered after reading the many posts about the ALK's on the board. Replacing them from what I gather should be painless. You can visit Al's site and download the DIY file. It contains some information and pictures.

I hate it when that happens.

I give up, why can't I see any of the attached pictures? thanks

I will report back. Al said it will be mid-January before they ship. I am looking forward to doing some comparisons with the AB and ALK crossovers. The AB network has a reverse equalization system according to Al. You never know, this could be a whole new experience. I certainly hope so for the money.

Well, I just decided to bite the bullet and order the ALK's. You can't beat a money back guarantee if not satisfied. Obviously just about everyone has been satisfied. I spoke with Al and he indicated that the AB network was really a very poor crossover. Unfortunately I don't use a tube amp yet. I'm handling one crisis at a time.

I have a 1988 pair of Belles that use an AB network. How does that network stack up to the others Klipsch has put out? I am contemplating replacing them with ALK's and would appreciate your imput. Thanks

HornEd: You seem to have a handle on this timbre matching thing. How would you suggest I handle these speakers for a HT? Pair of Belles, Heresy's II, Chorus II, Forte. Thanks

Sounds reasonable to me. Thanks

Why the Heresey's for center vs. the Chorus II's?

I have finally acquired the speakers for my Listening Room and HT. The room is 14'x23'x8' The receiver is a Marantz SR 7000 5.1 100Wpc receiver. I also have other amps available for use, all 100 WPC. I may go to a 7.1 system at a later date. I know the receiver is not the optimum for great audio, but I'm handling one crisis at a time. The speakers are: Pair of Belles Pair of Heresey II's Pair of Chorus II's Pair of Forte The HT will feature a Front Projector with a 90" or 100" screen. This will be a dedicated media room. I'd love to hear your setup ideas for the speakers.

Wow, I didn't know I was going to start a firestorm on the issue. But it does make for interesting reading. I do not generally listen to music or DVD's very loud. My point of getting a nice powerful amp was to have a quality amp that could provide plenty of headroom and provide a nice clean sound. I did not get the amp, but am still curious on the topic. With my current receivers, 100 WRMS, I have never gone past half way. That has been plenty loud to rock the house. I have yet to look into the wonders of tube technology, but fear it is another unending argument like the speaker cable debate.