Search the Community

UPDATE as of August 1, 2020 — WHAT'S WORKED SO FAR: I have replaced both crossovers, care of Bob Crites. Instant improvement, but still didn't sound right. Then I switched from the 4 ohm taps to the 8 ohm, which changed the sound utterly (see my June 27th post). I have just ordered some sound absorption panels for the ceiling (12 square feet, to start), and some Nicetown Sound Absorbing Curtains (the ones with inner felt lining). I'll report on the effectiveness of these after I install and test them. ___________________ [ORIGINAL POST:] I have been given a pair of 1976 Khorns by my father. I can tell that they will sound out of this world, especially (I hope) paired with my McIntosh 240 (also from dad, 45 years ago). But initially, upon setting them up, the high and possibly the middle frequencies are washy, messy, and shrill -- painful to hear (at least at loud-but-not-harmful volume). The Khorns are replacing my Heresies, which had none of these problems with the same configuration (same components and inputs). I've done a little reading on this forum, particularly here: and here: ...and these posts have helped me suspect a few issues with my set up. (Also, see pics.) My room is small: 15'x10', with a 7'-6" ceiling and four windows. No option to change rooms. ("SWMBO" and I have a small house, causing me almost to say No, thank you, to the offer of free Khorns. Then I slapped myself and said, Yes, thank you, O mighty father; I will make it work.) There are plenty of reflective surfaces: hardwood floor, plaster walls, windows, a few hanging framed (mix of glass and plexiglass) posters. There is hardly any unobstructed wall space. Can't help this, as this is my home office, and I work in it professionally (nowadays full-time). The Mc240 is right next to the right Khorn (with restricted options to move it). Next to the Mc240 is the tube preamp, a Counterpoint SA 3.1 (actually paid my own money for it, used). I don't understand any of the technical specifications that Chris A cites in his discussion on different amps with Khorns. I do understand what a reverb effect is. But details elude me: Is the Mc240 Class A or Class Z? High or low output impedance? Is its "first watt power" more than, less than, or equal to 1 watt?... If the "Com" speaker terminal on the Mc240 (manual says "Com" = Common) corresponds to the black Khorn terminal, then I got the polarities right. I am currently using the 4 ohm terminals, and haven't yet tried 8 or 16. As you can see in one of the photos, the left Khorn is currently cornered between a wall to the left, and a steam radiator to the right (you can see it peeking out). I will remedy this by removing the radiator. I also plan on sealing the Khorns into their corners with closed-cell foam. Funds are limited. High effectiveness-value-to-lowest-cost ratio needed. I would love some suggestions. My goals are modest. I'm already happy with the bass extension, and I can tell that if I remove the radiator, it will deepen, and I have faith that sealing the corners will tighten the bass. If I can eliminate the audible distortion and get as much detail as the Heresies gave, I will be ecstatic. I've read about remedies such as wrapping the upper horns in (something...?), and/or adding sound diffusing or absorbing panels in specific places, that can help clean up the sound, but I don't know what materials these remedies would involve. I'm handy with a screwdriver and wire strippers, but my skills end there. (I've dabbled with hammer and nails, and even used a staple gun once!) Good karma in advance to any who can give aid to this worthy cause.

Hello guys, I bought Klipsch powered bookshelf speakers the R-51PM and I am in love in the sound they produce. Want to equip the. With a subwoofer from SPL series just not sure which one is suitable for the. Honesty I am leaning toward SPL-150SW because of the lower end of 18hz, but will let you do the talking on the matter. The room is 5x3.5 meters with clean wooden floor, one bed and one bookshelf. Everything is movable in the room so the placement of the speakers and furniture is not fixed. Thank you in advance.

As the title reads: I know nothing about subs... My current setup as of yesterday - Fronts: RB-35 Center: RC-62 Surrounds: RS-52 Now, the hardest part is going to be convincing my wife that we NEED a sub... Whether this is true or not, she will not likely be receptive to spending another $300+ after I just picked up these RS-52 surrounds for $220 this week... So. Who is willing to educate me? Here is what I want to know: - Will a sub really make a difference? (my guess is yes, it will) - I can probably get away with buying a Polk PSW10 on Amazon (under $100), but is it really worth it? Better than nothing at all? - Ideally, what's the sub to help round-out my system? (I'm assuming RSW10 or RSW15 would be the suggestions?) - Assuming my budget cannot allow the two subs mentioned above ^, what's the "next best thing" - doesn't have to be Klipsch, but preferrably... More questions about subs in general: What's the typical lifespan of a sub for HT? I'm guessing most people just leave them on 24/7? Or is this something you turn on only when playing certain movies, games, albums,etc.? Do you leave the sub on when watching the news? I am happy with my current setup. I'm waiting to pick up the RS-52s this weekend so I'll get them mounted and see how that changes the sound in my room. I'm at a 5.0 setup. Moving forward I think a 5.1 would make sense. I just need to "feel" the difference, and have a little help here with justifying the purchase! Cheers all!