digital_throwback Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 I'm just finishing by basement and decided it needs a dedicated 2 channel system so I can listen to tunes while shooting some pool and throwing back a couple lagers. The room is roughly 15X32. Ever since I heard a pair of LaScalas in my fraternity in college back around 1990, I was hooked on the Klipsch sound. So, I found an absolutely mint pair of oiled walnut Forte IIs on CL and snagged them, along with their original boxes. I've decided I want my source to be completely digital and user friendly, so I'll be using a MacBook Pro as a dedicated input....now you see where my login comes from. Anyway, a friend of a friend owns an audio shop and I couldn't pass up a deal on a new Cambridge CX A80 integrated amp, in silver of course, to match the Mac. I decided against their (Cambridge) network player because I already have the Mac laying around and it seemed like more of a waste to not use the DAC already in the A80, even though the DAC in the streamer is supposed to be better. So, what should I expect from high density music files with this setup...Mac into CX A80 out to Fort IIs? What could make it better for not a lot more invested? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 (edited) Welcome to the forum. For the moment, I would go with what you have as should sound alright with that setup, imo. After you get a little listening time, you will know how your room is reacting to the speaker setup. That is, in corner or in from walls. About a foot out from wall is about right. Is the floor concrete,carpeted? How high is the ceiling? Do you have a pic of your 2 channel room? Sorry for the 3rd degree but, others will want it. Some here have experience with Cambridge. Good experiences I have read. There will be other directions to go later but, a good listen first, and then feedback from the forum here. BTW, welcome to the Klipsch forum... Edited February 8, 2016 by billybob 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoundMind66 Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 I'm just finishing by basement and decided it needs a dedicated 2 channel system so I can listen to tunes while shooting some pool and throwing back a couple lagers. The room is roughly 15X32. Ever since I heard a pair of LaScalas in my fraternity in college back around 1990, I was hooked on the Klipsch sound. So, I found an absolutely mint pair of oiled walnut Forte IIs on CL and snagged them, along with their original boxes. I've decided I want my source to be completely digital and user friendly, so I'll be using a MacBook Pro as a dedicated input....now you see where my login comes from. Anyway, a friend of a friend owns an audio shop and I couldn't pass up a deal on a new Cambridge CX A80 integrated amp, in silver of course, to match the Mac. I decided against their (Cambridge) network player because I already have the Mac laying around and it seemed like more of a waste to not use the DAC already in the A80, even though the DAC in the streamer is supposed to be better. So, what should I expect from high density music files with this setup...Mac into CX A80 out to Fort IIs? What could make it better for not a lot more invested? Welcome to the forum, yeah I agree, I don't think you can go wrong with that setup. Enjoy! Sent from my LG-D950 using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digital_throwback Posted February 8, 2016 Author Share Posted February 8, 2016 (edited) Ah yes...the room. That will be a challenge. Yes, it's carpet and pad over concrete. The ceiling is coffered, wood beams with cedar inlays, varying from 8' to 9' in a grid pattern. There are a couple additional challenges as well: One wall section is stone (parallel to sound direction) and there are 4 large wooden columns. Speakers will be along one of the 15' walls, facing the 32' length. No soft style window treatments planned, but that may change once I get things setup. Edited February 8, 2016 by digital_throwback 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 (edited) Room has possibilities then. At least you have a dedicated music room. Carpet should help then to deaden some echo/reflection. Edited February 8, 2016 by billybob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 (edited) Not sure of your Cambridge integrated but, thinking 80 watts RMS per channel. In any case, you may already know what an awesome and efficient speaker set you have. What about where you plan a listening position? With a space like you have, you will have options. Plenty of room for your pool table, unlike some I have known where, you are hard pressed into having room to stroke your cue. Depending upon your column placement. Thanks! Edited February 8, 2016 by billybob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quiet_Hollow Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 So, what should I expect from high density music files with this setup...Mac into CX A80 out to Fort IIs? Some serious bang for your buck. What could make it better for not a lot more invested? 1. An optical cable (and mini adapter) to plug the laptop into the amp. That or a re-clocker if you're insistent upon using USB.2. A pair of high quality subs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derrickdj1 Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Welcome to the forum. Digital is a cool way to go. I also like old school with the phono an albums. Heck, time to enjoy. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockhound Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Welcome friend,. Enjoy the new setup the forte ii is a awesome speaker that will play everything great. I had a dacmagic being feed by a mac mini for awhile loved the setup. Have since went to a apple tv and just airplay stuff both worked great. I dont own the forte any longer but I have found memories of them. You have broken one of the golden rules you must post pics we love pics!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercedesBerater Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 I would think your coffered ceiling and stone wall *could* be assets for diffusion. Room is very large... Depending on listening level subs sound required for some chest slam. For pure 2channel though... Probably not. Would love to see the room to get a sense. Tons of knowledge on here. Welcome. And glad you scratched your Klipsch-itch after all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MORE KLIPSCH PLEASE Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Welcome to the forum... Forteii's.....one great Klipsch speaker.....as derrickdj1 said "time to enjoy" ...... we'll help ya spend more money alittle later.....lol lol Oh a side note.....keep the boxes..... MKP :-) 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digital_throwback Posted March 23, 2016 Author Share Posted March 23, 2016 Checking back in after I got the system setup. This photo is from the far end of the space. The cabinet is a 100 yr old record player that I modified and repurposed. Forte IIs are 8.5 ft apart and I've found this to be optimum for filling the space. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted March 23, 2016 Share Posted March 23, 2016 Checking back in after I got the system setup. This photo is from the far end of the space. The cabinet is a 100 yr old record player that I modified and repurposed. Forte IIs are 8.5 ft apart and I've found this to be optimum for filling the space. Nice room. Great table. Bill 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digital_throwback Posted March 23, 2016 Author Share Posted March 23, 2016 I like the simplicity for the tremendous sound. Cables are ZuAudio Libtec with terminations changed out to stakes and BFA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digital_throwback Posted March 23, 2016 Author Share Posted March 23, 2016 From the sound end. Taken from directly over the right channel speaker. I was concerned about the wood and the stone, but I'm quite happy with the sound and I still have to add some soft furnishings. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ceptorman Posted March 23, 2016 Share Posted March 23, 2016 Looks spectacular….very nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted March 23, 2016 Share Posted March 23, 2016 Get the forte II's in the corners. Toe them n with the edges closest to the wall at about 12 inches. Then fine tune placement. Sweet score on those! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ski Bum Posted March 23, 2016 Share Posted March 23, 2016 (edited) OT'er beat me to it-those are good corners to work with for fine tuning the bass. Add a sub for modal smoothing, perhaps. Since you're all digitized, check out Chris' "missing octave" thread on remastering your source material in Audacity. Source material will be your biggest hold up with that rig. Nice job! Nice room, too. Edited March 23, 2016 by Ski Bum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWL Posted March 23, 2016 Share Posted March 23, 2016 Nice room.[emoji106] Sent from my SM-G920R4 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AllenTacey Posted March 24, 2016 Share Posted March 24, 2016 I was thinking great setup great room! Then I read "100 year old record player...repurposed" and saw the open lid. Is that a Victrola or a Cheney? I have a working 1913 Cheney a tad more ornate and fully functional. My Cheney is fully functional and I have about fifty acrylic records to go with it. Wondered how could you do that to an antique? But I also have a cabinet from the 50's that held Sherwood mono tube equipment. Preamp,amp and tuner all tubes but nonfunctional. Did you remove the black color to get that mahogany look or is it stained? I ask because I stripped the black age color to find a beautiful finish underneath. I am thinking of refinishing my Cheney after getting an estimate of worth. Did you strip and put new shellac or did you strip stain and shellac your antique? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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