MikeM

I recently bought a Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100, it was around $150 as an open box from Crutchfiled. I liked the fact it has 3 inputs plus USB. I put it in line with my old Rega Planet (original) CD player from 1997. The 100 uses a Wolfson 24-bit chipset from around 2011 that is probably a bit long in the tooth in DAC years but I think Rega, ironically, actually used this chip in its recent release of the Saturn III CD player. Quite honestly I couldn't tell much difference at first. Listened to about 12 different tracks of music and on a couple of them I actually thought Rega's original customized Burr-Brown DAC sounded better. After running it for a few weeks I can tell that there is some better vocal presence and clarity in the mid-range but that's about it. I plan to test it with a cheap Blu-Ray player to see if the difference is more pronounced. I may splurge a bit and try the Geshelli Labs J2 down the as it seems to be all the rave and very up-to-date DAC.

The KG-4s were my very first speaker system. I got them in the late 80’s. Loved them and would be happy to own them again. I recall putting them on stands to get them off the floor a foot or so and that really made them sound better.

Mine are Forte IIs, circa 1995. Room is about 12 x 18 but open on one side into a larger space. Other than some KG4s I started with (I really miss those too) the Forte's are the only Klipsch Heritage speaker I've actually heard so nothing to compare it to really. Cornwalls sure get rave reviews from their owners.

Cornwall is pretty much my dream speaker but economics dictates I hold tight with he Forte's. This is a pretty cool review though with a couple different amp pairings: the Decware Zen end an old Carver cube amp. Interestingly the dude liked the 200 WPC SS Carver.

Recently decided to hook up a turntable to my Scott 299a. MAG 2 LOW input was only working on the left channel. Hmmm. DeOxit, switch tubes around from line stage, switch audio cables, etc. Well, it's old. Picked up a cheap Pro-Ject phono-preamp from FleaBay and began enjoying my very limited selection of LPs using one of the line inputs. Today I started doing some more research...what do these Channel slider switches do? Well, if you move them to the right the turntable works with the RIAA NARTB ORTHO phono input. Phono stage sprang to life after 2 1/2 decades. Go figure. She's 100% fully mission capable. Anyone want to buy a ProJect phono pre-amp? Sidewalk special...:)

I was able to determine mine were made in July 1995. My cabinets are pristine and I'll definitely check out the polish to keep them looking great.

Thank you

My Forte IIs have been owned by me since 2002 or so. Bought them used in mint condition. Serial number starts with "23" so not very revealing of the actual year but pushing 30 years old at least. Is it time to start thinking about replacing the capacitors, tweeter, crossovers, etc? They're working fine so no urgency to do anything. Maybe I don't even need to worry about it? A couple things: 1. I'm not a DIYer. That said, if it's just some basic disassembly and reattaching wires I'm game. Soldering and deciphering wiring diagrams is not something I want to tackle. There are a couple local places in the Denver area that look reputable and do repairs. Maybe that's an option. 2. Not interesting in modifying or upgrading anything, if was just possible to use the same components I would but realize parts aren't exactly the same now. Anyhow, wanted to start thinking about how to preserve these going forward. What should I be doing (if anything)?

I think you will be very pleased. I've gotten more than my money's worth.

Forte IIs here going on about 23 years with them and they've been through a few moves and in several different listening spaces. The best ever was an older home with hardwood floors and high ceilings about 16x25 ft. Have carpet in current home and they still sound great. I've been using a Scott tube amp which I think has 17 watts per chan. I've never felt it was insufficient power but really have nothing to compare it to. No way to really "audition" something these days without just buying it. I think the Fortes's are pretty forgiving and lend themselves to a wide array of music styles and environments. The passive radiators allow for plenty of base. I've never felt bass-starved with them. They don't have the prestige of other Heritage models but are a really good value for the money if you can find a nice pair. I did have a chance to hear Chorus IIs at one point and they were also amazing.

Snake Eyes. Scott 299A, 22 years post NOSValves restoration. Other than biasing occasionally, nothing has been done to it. Did some "tube rolling" once to see if I was an "audiophile"...couldn't tell a difference so still just a guy that likes music. Feeding Forte IIs. Nothing to compare it to, it's all I've used since around 2002-2003.