Erik Mandaville

Guy - It sounds like some congratulations are in order here! Getting married and re-locating to a new country are pretty big alterations to one's life -- and at the same time, as well. On the audio side, the type A network on paper looks to be very good, with a minimum of components. This is one area that obviously benefits the speakers of my other system -- Lowthers in rear-loaded horns. No crossover is used whatever, as I'm sure you know. But this fact can't but help impart some of the sense of immediacy and presence that Lowthers are known for. The La Scalas come close to that, and have other advantages in the bass frquency range, and are much more able to handle complex kinds of material. Lowthers are outstanding for small ensemble classical and jazz, but sound congested and vague when called upon to reproduce symphonic/orchestral types of material. I am by no means what some might be described as a 'bass fanatic' but the La Scalas illustrated how much low end information I was missing. Regards and best of luck! Erik

Got Mark Cooper's number - thanks lots for that information. I may go ahead and buy a new transformer in order to keep the original as, well, original as possible. A network from 1989 is virtually new in that sense, but I'd rather spend an extra $50 for two new trannies than cutting out the old ones from the original divider. Just sentimental, I guess! I'll report when I get the parts and the crossover built. I'll probably get this stuff from Madisound and/or Antique Electronics Supply -- hopefully save some time from waiting clearance from Canada. I've got very, very inexpensive Mylar coupling caps in my amps right now (which replaced Hovlands-- yeah, I still have those), and honestly prefer them to the far more expensive (too expensive!) Hovlands. People are surprised when I say the mylars are more transparent than the Hovlands which to Me (probly 'cuz I'm losing my high frequency hearing ability!). Friendly Regards, Erik M.

Great information -- thanks to all who have helped offer thoughts on this subject. I think it prudent, both financially and timewise, if I have a try with the type A network as a few have suggested -- with an absolute option open for the ALK later on, if desired (or if I just want to try it -- knowing me, I will). I have a question: Can anyone inform me about a part# and source of the transformer shown in the schematic Mobile H. included with his last post? What a talent to be able to provide great pictures like this -- I need to learn at least a little bit of that. My wife is a computer pro, but not so me! The type A network I CAN afford right now! Where can I get the transformer needed to complete the project? Thanks again! Erik

Well, I've printed all info., schematic, parts list, etc., for the ALK networks (I owe you one, kh!). Looks to be a pretty straightforward design, really. For now, Erik

Thanks all of you for your thoughts on the crossover upgrade. This is something I'm planning on, but sort of have to recover a little bit first $$$$-wise. In the meantime, I can maybe begin to compile some of the parts for a homebuilt version, if that's what I decide to do. We spent our first weekend listening to the La Scalas early into the morning, and they were great -- please excuse me if I don't launch into the many adjectives often used to describe the sound -- which was simply larger than life, and with a bass presence the Lowthers aren't capable of producing (and they don't need to be since I listen mostly to music not heavily laden with bass). I have since completely re-done my workroom, and transformed it into a 'vinyl-only' system. The Moondogs will stay with the Lowthers for now in that new room, which is loaded very, very well by the Lowthers in the rear-loaded horns. With four dogs chasing each other around, the TT would sometimes get a good 'Thwak' with a tail or two, and it just wasn't a good situation. As for the crossover, I know from experience that high quality coils can make an appreciable difference in a system, and the parts used on the ALK networks look to be first-rate. There is probably more going on with those than simply parts selection, though...but they do look well put-together at a reasonable price. Thanks Kh for sending along that schematic URL -- you've been helpful with this to say the least. This has been a great forum, very helpful and encouraging which isn't always the case! Thanks again for your responses -- have a good week, Erik

Thanks you guys! KH: I absolutely got the URL you sent and saved it in an audio file. Those networks look well made, though I didn't happen to stumble on the schematic. That would be my preferred choice, though...I'll have another look here, shortly. I expect there would by many varying views on this aspect of the speaker, since perceived sound is subjective at best. You've been helpful with this -- thanks for that! Mr.Builder : I appreciate your taking the time to explain some of the ins and outs of the cabinetry -- you obviously are well-versed in La Scala-ism! I figured there had to be a way to get at the driver, and I seriously doubt if the former owner glued the bottom panel on. I'll get that neoprene installed this afternoon and see how things sound. A good Sunday to you both! Erik

Hey, I've gotten some suggestions from fellow La Scala/Cornwall user/owners concerning an upgrade of the crossover. The pair of La Scalas I got a week ago are vintage 1989 units, and I am interested in what the change would be with the ALK network. What's different? Crossover point, slope, etc.? Might someone be willing to share his/her thoughts on perceived differences from the stock and ALK versions? That would be most appreciated! Erik P.S. someone told me the bass driver is sealed and can't be removed or screws tightened, etc. Can't one simply take off the bottom panel to get inside to make sure its mounting screws are still snug after all these years?

Thanks to all for your thoughts and suggestions. I'll give them all a try and see what works the best for this. Cork and neoprene pads are both pretty inexpensive, which is a consideration for me right now. Have a good Sunday, Erik

Thought I saw a post (was it yours, KH?) recently where the spades on speaker cables were making a decent connection, but not fitting quite properly. Easy to fix: Get a pair of side cutters and trim off about 1/16" from each rounded side as needed until they slide into the slot. Cheap and easy to do. After a week with the La Scalas, we have enjoyed them very much -- listening has become really quite an adventure! There is a distinct completeness to the sound that was not evident with the still very capable Lowthers, especially in terms of bass response with cello, organ, string bass, etc. But I have a concern: On some material, we are getting some boominess with the speakers on our suspended, 2nd story wooden floor -- enough that the room gets a bit overloaded. Is de-coupling with spikes perhaps a solution to this? Any similar shared experiences would be very much appreciated. The La Scalas are extremely fine, but need to be custom-fit just a bit to the room they are in. Thanks! Erik

Thanks for your response Kelly. Also, I haven't mentioned this to you yet, but I consider your post on the Welborne Labs forum an act of kindness and friendship. I started to feel so out-of-place there (and still do, actually). So, I went to have a look at your reply. I appreciate that. In Ron's shoes, I would have made some sort of effort to come to an understanding, and I contemplated writing to him personally. He posted his response on the forum, so I was determined to speak my own mind in a similar fashion. that whole thing is unfortunate. I'll bet you are very right about using the La Scalas with the Moondogs. I'm going to configure the OPT in such a way that I can make an easy switch back and forth between 8 and 16 ohms output impedance, so I can use the amp with both the Lowthers, as well as the others. I have to admit, part of this recent quest for detail almost certainly has something to do with a bit of a loss of hearing I'm becoming aware of -- especially high frequency stuff. This has a strong hereditary component, and I'm becoming quite aware of the fact. It sort of bugs me, too. At just under 40, I wonder if I might start having to wear a hearing aid one of these years not too far away. If so, it damn well better be a tube one! The hobby is about fun and enjoyment and sharing ideas, and I thank you again for the energy and effort you put into your posts and the information you share. You've got me thinking about oil caps now, though! You say they're really nice, huh? Erik

Hey, Kelly - Well this forum is busy, to say the least. That's refreshing to me, and I sense a genuine really high level of interest. Great! It's mid-week, and I have so much to do, that I don't have time to read responses to my own post of a couple of days ago. I'll save that for early morning this Saturday -- something to look forward to. But on the ASUSA amp: YOu are correct, and provided your usual helpful pic. of the unit (wish I could do that). Thanks for sharing that, by the way. That little thing was the first amp kit I built. At the time, it was driving a pair of two-way monitors that I built from sections of ceramic flue tile. Those speakers used very high quality drivers from SEAS and VIFA, and incorporated the best crossover (series network, interestingly) parts I could afford. With my then SS amp, they were quite good sounding. And with the ASUSA, they also provided very satisfactory sound; but due to the rather low efficiency of the speakers, would tend to clip, though gracefully so. That's what started my adventure that led to Lowthers, and now La Scalas. I have to say, it might not have been a bad idea for you to have jumped for that amp if you had the chance. It is a very, very fine amplifier, even if it can't muster a total of four watts. With such efficient speakers more than that might not be necessary (depending on listening tastes, type of music, etc.) The system plays louder in my fairly large listening room than I can stand for very long, with more to spare after that. It is totally quiet, with no hum that I can hear, except for when my ear is right up against the speakers -- and even then it's hardly audible. I always laugh when I look at the rats nest I made of the wiring inside, but I've left it that way for sentimental reasons (?). And still it's completely quiet and sounds fantastic. I think Vacuum Tube Valley did a very favorable review of it some issues back. Unfortunately, I was being selfish with the time I had listening to the La Scalas. Even though $750 was a very fair price, it was still difficult for us, since we've some other financial things to think about (who doesn't these days???). But this kind of deal wasn't going to come along every day, and I just sprung for them. I really loved how they sounded, and I heard just what bass response I haven't been getting from the Lowthers for 5 years. In short, I didn't get to hear the amp with the Klipschorns (or with any amp for that matter. John (his name) uses a Nakamichi SS amp, which he admitted was more (in terms of high wattage)than he probably needs. I got an email from him last night, by the way. He said he couldn't get over the sound of the La Scalas driven by the little ASUSA, and wanted to know if they were still available and how much they cost. He said he has plenty of other amps other than the one he is currently using, but can't get over the sound of the tube amplifier. I have to say, the La Scala/ASUSA combination is easily on par and very possibly even better sounding to me than the Moondog/Lowther/Medallion system -- and that's something I didn't think I'd ever hear myself saying.....really! Kelly: Did you say ASUSA is no longer in business? I might be interested in buying another one of these, since I could do a far better job wiring it than I had before, as well as improve some of the parts at the same time. Ok, enough for now. Time to get breakfast ready, lunch packed pants and shirt ironed. I can't wait for the weekend. 'til later, Erik

This just to share, and needs to be short, since I'm getting dinner ready at the same time... I went to listen and look at the La Scalas mentioned a few days ago. The listening room was just on the small side, but the owner was doing the best he could with the space available. He also had an absolutely beautiful pair of K-horns in the same room. I brought along a tiny 4 watt tube stereo amp for the occasion, as well as some very well recorded CDs. The first note made me literally jump out of my seat. Amazing speed, very articulate, clear, crisp -- extraordinarily present and lifelike. Transient response in both low and high areas was just incredible. My Lowthers are very, very similar in this respect, but don't handle complex musical passages (large symphonic/orchestral)as well, nor do the have to lower mid-bass impact, which I felt in my chest with kickdrum. The Lowthers are staying, since they are very, very refined for small jazz and classical ensemble (I just like them a whole lot.) Fortunately I have space where the two pair of speakers can co-exist in reasonable visual and sonic harmony. Question: It's very convenient to place my 2A3 monoblocks on the La Scalas to keep them near the Lowthers (La Scalas will be driven with the 4 watt stereo amp mentioned above.) Is there any reason or undesireable consequences of places the amps on the horns -- proximity of EM fields, perhaps? The 2A3s would not be used when the La Scalas are playing -- at least for now. My Lowthers are 15 ohms, and the horns are 8, and I'd need to use the 16 ohm tap on the OPTs for best matching between the two. Moreover the little ASUSA amp sounds amazing with the La Scalas. ...and this was supposed to be short! I'm thrilled! Great price for the pair, only a little cosmetic issues to deal with. I must give credit to my wife Marie (always patient and encouraging) Who helped me get these monsters up the stairs -- we slid them up on their sides! Erik

Mike - Erik Mandaville, here. Wow, I'm sorry to hear about your neck and pinched nerve. I can only imagine how painful and frustrating that must be. good luck with your doctor, and hopefully they can do something for you that won't require being constantly spaced out on pain killers -- that can just be a drag after awhile. Thanks for all the helpfu information regarding the La Scalas. The price is really good, I only wish they were the natural color rather than scuffed up black. I could always refinish the cabinets though... Take care and regards, Erik

Hey, Kelly - I sincerely appreciate your comments about the Welborne Labs thing, and that you considered a follow up response to all of that. But I respect your just leaving it alone, which is what I have also done. I was just confused by the tone of his response to my wondering about possibly using a 45 instead of a 2A3. Whatever,I'll just stay away from there. And yeah, I do in fact have the Electra-print transforemer. Your amp must be of an earlier vintage. The one thing I haven't tried are oil coupling capacitors, out of the concern that I might get some high frequency roll-off compared to to poly caps. But that assumption may be totally incorrect! Is that what you are using in yours? I prefer what some might describe as a more 'clinical' sort of sound over one that is overly liquid and warm (a little bit of that is nice, though.) I completely agree with the vinyl thing (or issue, or whatever you want to call it!). I have lot of albums I miss listening to, and I remember very well how holographic and 3-D records sound in comparison to their smaller disc CD cousins. I actually worked a decent but older Technics table we had, but can't get a nasty hum out of the thing. So I'm thinking about getting one of the Music Hall offerings, which I think offer good performance for the investment. My music interests, like yours, are pretty diverse: Classical Jazz Baroque Modern Jazz (Pat Metheny, etc.) Rock: Old Genesis, Yes, King Crimson, Mike Oldfield and tons of others! By the way, you have some serious talent in the quality of the illustrations and layout of some of your posts, Kelly. Do you do stuff like that for a living, by any chance? Heck, I don't even know how to put a digital image onto my computer! Erik

Hey, Kelly - I'm just curious: Have you had any problem with the terminal boards on the inside of your Moondogs coming 'unglued'? The epoxy on ALL of mine is now soft, like thick gelatin, and boards were all loose, flopping around inside -- well not folpping, but just hanging there.... I had to scrape down to bare metal, and re-epoxy all of them. I was just curious if anything like this happend to yours. I wrote Ron about this way-back-when, but you know how that story goes. Have a good weekend, and for gosh sakes, get some sleep! Erik

Thank you both for taking the time to supply such comprehensive and informative replies to my post regarding the La Scalas. Yah, I understand well about the subjectivity of this audio adventure, and that it can be difficult at best when comparing different species of playback equipment. (I am the Erik you used to email by the way -- good to hear from you again, as well!) I'm using Lowther PM2As in the Medallions. These were compared, I believe by Art Dudley to the Lamm horns in a an issue of Listener some time ago -- with the Lamm system being favored in the long run -- but again, at an expense, since they are a bit more expensive than the Medallion/Lowther combination. I have absolutely loved the Medallions, and, as a former musician (drums and percussion), have found them to be the best illusion of live music, especially acoustic, that I've heard. Lowthers have been astonishing in the reproduction of small ensemble jazz and classical material, but (to me) can't seem to handle complex symphonic and orchestral pieces the way multi-driver (with dedicated crossover networks)systems can. Colin also said something about hearing 'live' trombones, with which I whole-heartedly agree! Live acoustic music, especially drums (rimshots crash and china-type cymbals, etc.)can sound very 'in-one's-face,' which I happen to like. I've heard the likes of big Thiels, Martin-Logan and others, that don't seem to 'understand' that as well -- which again is simply a matter of MY taste and MY opinion -- and sure as heck doesn't make that observation correct. As for amplification and other front end equipment, I again think Colin has made some good points. Mobile H. and I share the same amplifiers, which I have been enjoying (until recently, actually...). I have made numerous changes to it, including the use of very inexpensive mylar coupling capacitors which to my ears sound very, very good -- and only cost about $1.50. I've used Hovlands, Solen, etc. in the past, and was surprised about how lucid and articulate the mylar capacitors sounded (once they broke in a bit.) Lowering the 2A3 plate voltage and subsequently balancing out the rest of the voltages in the input and driver stages has enabled me to use some of the vintage 2A3s I've bought. In stock form, the Moondogs run the plates quite high -- too high for my taste. Of the four different preamps I've built from schematics, my latest DIY is my own rendition and interpretation of the Bottlehead Foreplay. I built from the schematic on two piggy-back Hammond boxes, but drastically altered the power supply. Mine uses tube rectification (6X4), as well as a dedicated and separate DC filament supply. I keep switching between this one and another single sub-mini triode preamp circuit I built using an Eric Barbour schematic/design. I sincerely appreciate some of the feedback and encouragment regarding the 45 modification of the Moondog. It was just a curiosity, and was hoping to get a little feedback on it. I didn't expect (and actually didn't deserve, I don't think) the sort of handslapping I got for even mentioning such a thing. I've done enough research since then to work out the circuit changes on my own, but for some reason haven't felt much like messing around with the Moondogs anymore. Man, I even had great compliments to those amps published! They're going to be part of my second, workroom system. I'm planning on designing and building my own 2A3 or 45 amp., and am saving for the parts right now. I also have changed the stock GZ-37 in the Moondog to a 5Y3, which can be done with very little work. Even that slightly more modest rectifier (the same one George Wright uses on his 2A3 amps)supplies completely adequate voltages. I sometimes think the big-bottle GZ-37s that came with the amps were used, well, just 'cuz they were big-bottle tubes and looked cool. Ok, I'm sorry -- I've got some sour grapes here, I guess. So glad you're enjoying your Cornwalls...I remember when you were hesitant about that move! Friendly Regards to you both -- thanks again for the helpful responses. I'm going to hear the La Scalas either tomorrow or next weekend, and will let you know. Erik

Hi! I own a pair of high efficiency Lowther drivers in rear-loaded horns, and have been quite happy with their performance. For some reason, I've been thinking about and remembering the absolutely amazing sound of a pair of Klipsch Heresys I auditioned (many years ago), but just couldn't afford at the time. I've recently come upon the chance to buy a pair of used La Scalas (black utility version)form the late 1980s. They are evidently in perfect condition in terms of performance and parts integrity, etc., but just have some minor cosmetic issues where the black paint had been scuffed along the edges. I'm very interested to learn if there are any former Lowther users out there who have seen the light of Klipsch and changed over! I'm curious about some of the (subjective, of course) perceived differences are. The Lowthers I have probably have an in-room response to maybe 60 cycles, and I imagine one obvious difference would be low frequency extension -- with Las scalas reaching lower with increased Dbs. Any thoughts or experiences would be very helpful and appreciated. Even at the very reasonable cost of $750, they are still difficult for me to afford. Thus I'm trying to learn as much as I can to talk myself into this purchase! Friendly Regards, Erik P.S.: What is the correct way to reply to a post on this forum? Each time I click 'Reply' on a given post, I get an error message. Opening a new topic is not a problem, though... TNX!

Hi! Thanks for responding. Actually, I wasn't worried about them. I just wanted some confirmation about parts quality, the possibility of foam rot (which has happened on other speakers I've built). I have experience building tube equipment from scratch, and understand that not lots happens to passive parts like caps and resistors unless things are pushing 50 years or more ('specially with electrolytic capactors.) The seller is offering them at $750/pair, in black, with a bit of scuffing of the paint, only. I really like that natural finish (just my taste), but in this case, it might be wise to forsake cosmetics for a reasonable cost, good performance, etc. I can even take all the drivers, crossover, and wiring out to refinish the cabinets. Anyway, thanks for your help -- all of the posts responding to my questions were beneficial. ...I just need to figure out if I can afford them! Erik

Hello, all! I'm new here, but have been looking at Klipsch loudspeakers for years. I currently am using Lowther drivers in rear-loaded horns. I have the opportunity to purchase at a fair price (just a little black touch up needed)a pair of 1980s La Scalas -- near where I live, which cuts out shipping costs. The gentleman selling these was most helpful, and speakers are evidently in fine shape, except for some minor scuffs. They are the utility (black) version. I'm just wondering: My belief is that they use a 15" dynamic driver for the folded horn, but I'm worried about potential foam rot due to the age. Unless the woofers used consisted of an accordian-style paper cone, where such deterioration wouldn't occur. What about possible crossover ailments due to age -- these are mainly chokes, capacitors, and resistors, so I feel that aspect should be fine. Any thoughts on this would be most appreciated...and friendly regards, Erik Mandaville