chuckears Posted June 28, 2010 Share Posted June 28, 2010 I recently swapped out the old stock crossover networks in my Fortes with Crites' upgrades - while I had everything opened up, I also upgraded the original binding posts (red and black plastic that I never felt comfortable tightening) with Cardas rhodium/gold plated 5-ways - a very worthwhile upgrade, IMHO. I was prepared for a break-in period that I experienced when I bought these new back in '88, but was surprised at how warm and smooth they sounded right away. Unusually, it is taking a couple of more notches on the volume knob to get these to the levels I'm used to hearing, but this is not necessarily a negative - I am just puzzled by the reason, whether there is something electrically that is not coming through in quite the same way, or if there was perhaps some distortion that I was hearing previously that enables the new crossovers to seem quieter in contrast. I am now considering the titanium diaphragms for the tweeters (and for my Academy center, as well), but think I will spend some time with just the crossover upgrades first. (For anyone who attempts this upgrade, be aware that the stock network, at least on my Fortes, have a helluva lot of solder attaching the binding posts internally - to get the old crossover boards off cleanly, I had to de-solder the connections to the binding posts on the surface of the PCB. Not a particularly daunting task, but a little time-consuming with my low-powered soldering gun). I had fully intended to take some pictures of the second speaker job, but ended up doing it on a whim later at night, and didn't want the flash going off and bothering the rest of the sleeping family... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern Posted June 29, 2010 Share Posted June 29, 2010 You have the upgrade addiction that most of us here have. I have upgraded my Forte' crossovers back in Dec. 1996. Here is a post of my initial impressions: http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=94027 I have since then installed Crites tweeter and midrange diaphrams and most recently spikes. The funny thing is that when I first purchased my Forte's (used) I thought that I would never need to perform any upgrades since they sounded so good. Now I listen to my Forte's bi-amped and still enjoy my Forte's more then ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckears Posted June 29, 2010 Author Share Posted June 29, 2010 Something I love about these speakers is their amazing ability shine with better components; I always thought they sounded great, but when I started to buy some higher end gear (and yes, cables), they became even more revealing and live-sounding; I don't know what the ultimate set of components and upgrades would be to bring these to the best possible sound for my ears; I'm sure I would run out of funds (and the patience of my Significant Other) long before I found out... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 I know what you mean by "Significant Other". I still don't believe that there exists a girlfriend/wife who is an audioholic. Regarding the "ultimate" set of components and upgrades to the Forte reminds me of SET12's setup: http://forums.klipsch.com/forums/p/132614/1345695.aspx#1345695 I havn't heard his setup but now people who have (like SWL). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckears Posted June 30, 2010 Author Share Posted June 30, 2010 I have become familiar with SET12's upgrades, particularly his outboard crossovers - if I had the available funds and the technical acumen, I could very easily see myself going a similar route... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 I have become familiar with SET12's upgrades, particularly his outboard crossovers - if I had the available funds and the technical acumen, I could very easily see myself going a similar route... I could easily see myself needing a divorse attorney if I went that route. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garymd Posted June 30, 2010 Share Posted June 30, 2010 Chuck, I have been through the exact same thing a number of times. When I first exchanged my Cornwall crossovers for Dean's mega-expensive Super B's, I was disappointed. I had the EXACT first impression you had. I decided to listen for 2 weeks then swap back to my originals. I'm not sure if it was break-in or just my ears adjusting, but when I swapped back in the originals 2 weeks later, I couldn't imagine ever listening with those horrible, bright and distorted original crossovers. I would give them some time, then put back the originals and see what you think before spending any more money. I was never a big fan of changing the Klipsch sound so I kept my original drivers. Please keep us posted. Gary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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