CF-3 Speaker & the best receiver/amp option when on a budget)

[Dennie]

Thank you Dennie. Very kind of you to supply the insight. In this case I believe I have tried all the options. It could just take getting some used to, but it's just not there for my or my wife at this point. With that said the sound clearity is great--much better than the Yamaha ,but take for example the Eagle Hell Freezes Hotel Cal. The Outlaw produces a much bette intro, then the bass drum hits and it's very minor.

I've read the manual a few times (online as I wanted to get it all right once the unit arrived). Adjusted the boost options, adjusted the bass, set it all back to neutral over a few times now.

I'll admit this could all be me and by no means am I attempting to bash Outlaw. Using CDs with the CF-3s and my ears, it's just not working out. I guess the best way I could put it is the sound is very "Bose" like. Excellent clearity, but you can have it turned up very high and still talk to a person standing accross the room. Thanks once more for all the support guys. I'll eventually get it right :-) Have a great day.

This statement right here makes me think it might be you. [^o)]

I had a friend over the other night and she commented on how "loud" the stereo was, but we could still hear each other talk. Nice clean, clear dynamics without bloat, congestion or mud! The sign of a good set up, usually.

Maybe it's just going to take some time to get use to the clarity of a good receiver and the CF-3's?

Also, we by no means think you are bashing Outlaw. It just may not be for you. Not their fault, not yours, it just is.

I recommend spending some alone time with it. Maybe tonight, sit down with your favorite adult beverage and a favorite disc and close your eyes and see if the music takes you away?!

Dennie

[z4j]

Thanks again Dennie. Could most certainly be me as the clarity is the best I’ve experienced. Oddly for me though it’s the lack of bass what pulls all this down. Even with the boost and bass turned to 3:00 I’d need a good sub. to get what I’m getting now with the Yamaha and the CF-3s I would think would ever need a sub. with the proper set-up. Jazz or country might be a different story, but my collection mainly consists of rock/classic rock. Oddly very minor drums on everything I sampled and that’s something that does the Great Gonzo no justice at all :-)

[khornbred]

i think the problem may be your ports. you said you have series II CF-3s, so you have the short ports, right? the longer ports are tuned lower. these speakers should rattle the pictures off the walls. have you made sure you have no blown drivers, speakers wired in phase, etc? what did you have before klipsch? just wondering what your previous experience was with. i think you have a good start to an excellent budget system that just needs some help getting dialed in. telling us about your room would help too.

[z4j]

Thanks Khornbred. Ports could certainly be an option worth reviewing. I was able to talk with Scott at Outlaw yesterday. Scott is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Many ideas were reviewed (including in phase-thanks for bringing that up—good idea), but none gave us the outcome that we both believe the unit is capable of producing. My Retro will be sent back to Outlaw today for analysis. In a few days I should be able to report back on the outcome. Thanks again all.

[Rivernuggets]

Where are you located? If a forum member lives close to you, they could bring over a few receivers for you to audition with your CF-3s.

There are vintage receivers out there that sound great and are quite affordable, if you're alright without a remote. I have a Harman Kardon 730 and an Onkyo TX-8500 that kick some serious fidelity butt. HK 730s can be had for about $140 shipped off Ebay.

Rarely hear or read about an 'eh' opinion of Oultaw stuff. They're usually spoke of very highly. Like Dennie said, maybe its sound is not for you. That's what this journey is all about - finding that perfect combination of source, amplifier and speaker. I hope you can find some foot holds soon.

[z4j]

Thanks for the input Rivernuggets. That KH is for certain a cool retro option worth looking into. I’ll have a nice trial Monday as Crutchfield was kind enough to allow a free trial (shipping included) of a scratch and dent Yamaha AS500 which has been through their bench testing.Hopefully it is my amateur ear. Scott at Outlaw said I should not have had to ask my wife on the quality difference though as the volume I tested to should have had her running down the stairs to yell at me instead-pretty funny. Ps. Still waiting on the return paperwork from Outlaw so no info to report back at this time.

[tinpan]

That's too bad it didn't work out for you on your first attempt. I have the CF-3's version 1. When I got mine they didn't have any ports in them and they sounded, well...mhew. Eventually i read bout these calling for 6 inch ports, unable to find any I did locate 4 inch ports and installed them. That is when the bass showed up.

Originally I had these on a Carver TFM 15 and later on a Yamaha receiver. After I got the ports installed I also acquired a Sunfire 600 x 2 amp. I biwired the current source to the mids and tweeter section and the voltage source to the woofers. The speakers sounded unbelieveable. I didn't even need a sub with that set up.

Currently I am running these with a pair of Carver Cherry 260 tube amps. The sound is ridicilous, bass one of the best I have heard.

In hind sight these speakers didn't perform well on an integrated receiver. They need power. If you aren't experiencing the wow factor with these then I would suggest something is not in order. I'm in Fredericksburg VA if you are local you are welcome to stop by.

[z4j]

The Yamaha A-S500 integrated has found a nice

home. After playing around a bit, the loudness control compliments the CF3's

very well. Finding I'm a mid-bass fan and this budget Yamaha does a great job accommodating

compared to the Outlaw. The Outlaw just

didn’t allow the rock to “rock” within my set-up. I’m sure for others it might be great. It's been returned and unfortunately I’ve not received feedback from

Scott on if the system was in full working order or in need of adjustment.

They also gave me a $40 shipping and handling

charge from their free shipping return on top of that.

Just cutting bait and enjoying the Yamaha

which for my ears, is the best situation.

Thank you all for your knowledge and support!

J in MI.

[Dennie]

Hey J, I'm glad you found something that makes you happy.

Please keep us posted on the "Outlaw" and if it is not broken, I'll remember not to recommend it for R&R fans!

Enjoy the music! []

Dennie

[Taz]

Thanks for the input Rivernuggets. That KH is for certain a cool retro option worth looking into. Ill have a nice trial Monday as Crutchfield was kind enough to allow a free trial (shipping included) of a scratch and dent Yamaha AS500 which has been through their bench testing.Hopefully it is my amateur ear. Scott at Outlaw said I should not have had to ask my wife on the quality difference though as the volume I tested to should have had her running down the stairs to yell at me instead-pretty funny. Ps. Still waiting on the return paperwork from Outlaw so no info to report back at this time.

NOT Pleasant when the WIFE COMES DOWN STAIRS TO COMPLAIN about the music. Been there a few times and it was not pretty!......[8o|].....Taz

[J M O N]

I'd throw out a used Nakamichi Stasis amp as a suggestion. Something like a PA5 should fit well within your budget and still give you enough for a decent preamp. There is one on Audiogon right now for $350.