Listening to the New ALK Universal Version Networks

[dbailey]

I am the lucky recipient of Al's new Universal networks with the Sonicaps and Hovlands. First off, let me just say that I had ordered the previous version with the Musicap option. Al delivered but had not added the more expensive Hovlands. He was very apologetic of his mistake and then offered his new prototype with the Sonicaps, Hovlands and the new #12 AWG woofer inductor. I agreed to purchase the new, more expensive version. He said go ahead and listen to the Kimber and Solen version and then give my impressions here on the Klipsch Forum.

The Kimber version sounds excellent. I was immediately impressed with the clarity of music. The transients so improved, the percussion now sounding more realistic than ever. Vocals improved dramatically with great detail. I would say the my K400 squawker was toned down a bit, harshness removed, and way better detail. The bass was was improved as well. Much more musical than the boomier sound that I had with the original AA network. I was able to listen to this version for a few days before the new prototypes arrived.

The new improved versions are in my Lascalas now and I have listened to a broad range of CDs. I would say that they are very much in keeping with the awesome Klipsch sound of the original but improved in everyway. In comparison to Al's previous version I would say that the improvements are subtle, but there. I am not sending them back! I am finding myself turning them up to louder levels and enjoying them just as much as the previous version. The tweeter is every bit as crisp and detailed. The squawkers are more forward than with the others, but everything sounds so good that it really doesn't bother me in the least. I believe that the clarity and separation between instuments has improved. There is a spatial quality that I had not heard before. Vocals and background vocals are very distinguishable from each other and with superb clarity. I would not neccesarily say that the bass has more slam, but has fuller sound and everybit as clear and musical. I heard low level, low electric bass on one song that I had never heard before. The new versions keep with the very dynamic Klipsch sound which has always pleased me.

This is just my first impression after a couple of listens, but I can definetely say my speakers are sounding excellent. Al K builds an excellent product and it is first rate in everyway, with precision to all the details. I would have been somewhat dissapointed if I had not had the Musicap option installed. Now, with the Sonicaps and new woofer inductor, I feel like I have the latest and greatest. I figure that if someone is willing to pay the $400 plus range for improvement; why not spend the extra dollars to get the best quality parts? I have always felt that in most cases you get what you pay for. Particularly when it comes to parts that have tighter tolerances that allow for precision design. I'm willing to bet that all ALK network versions have this built into them and worth the expense. At least it is to me.

Dave

[3dzapper]

Thanks Dave. I think you are right. The biggest and best difference is going from the original AA networks to Al's constant impedance design. If you are investing in new ALKs it also makes sense to get the "new and improved" version. i'm sure the subtle differences will be appreciated for years.

Rick

[mark1101]

Welcome to the forum, and thanks for that review. That is a good review and just what I expected to hear about Al's new version. Better.

I honestly don't think you do could very much better with that design without approaching the spend you dished out for the speakers themselves. You are probably hearing it sound as close to absolute best it can. Sonicaps approach the performance of the top film and foil caps for a reasonable cost. I think it's great that this new version is available.

Enjoy your new LaScalas.

[Al Klappenberger]

Dave,

Thanks for the critical listening job. I figured there would be a bit more noticable change in the bass, but the reduction in DCR is small. Like I said, it is equivalent to removing the fuse "twice". That's not much!

Al K.

[dbailey]

Al,

I think the new inductor makes the bass as good as it can be. Earlier in the year, I had made a major change going from a Denon CD player to an audiophile quality SONY ES707 player that I bought off EBay. There was a huge improvement to my system which really helped in my decisision to purchase other tweaks, like power cords, interconnects and new networks. The reason I say this is because I felt like I would be able to discern the subtle differences of each change. I have also been careful to just change one thing at a time to be able to make a fair evaluation of the change. The new Universals have improved the bass response another notch.

Dave

[TubeGuy]

Uh oh, I can see ALK Trachorns in your future!!!!!

Welcome to the Klipsch Forum - The best forum with the best people on the internet! And what a way to get started - nice review.

[Al Klappenberger]

Guys,

I suppose I might mention that the networks with the Kimber Kaps and Solens that Dave first auditioned will be coming back to me soon. They will be looking for a good home! They will be last I will build using Kimber Kaps and Solens but they are totally new and will be tested again to verify that they are perfect. I will be letting them go for slightly less than I normally charged for that model.

AL K.

[dbailey]

I'll be shipping them back to Al tomorrow. That will be a great value for someone. They are certainly a great upgrade!

Dave

[Deang]

"In comparison to Al's previous version I would say that the improvements are subtle, but there. I am not sending them back! I am finding myself turning them up to louder levels and enjoying them just as much as the previous version. The tweeter is every bit as crisp and detailed. The squawkers are more forward than with the others, but everything sounds so good that it really doesn't bother me in the least. I believe that the clarity and separation between instuments has improved. There is a spatial quality that I had not heard before."

Thanks for the confirmation Dave. It took me a year to convince Al to make the change to a better constructed capacitor in what I believe to be the most critical part in that circuit, and I take comments like yours as a personal victory. No one wants to spend more than they have to -- but sometimes you just have to.

[dbailey]

Dean,

I know that capacitor use, differences, etc. makes for hot debate on this forum. I just feel that it comes down to one's preference of what sounds good to their ears. I'm sure that the dollars factor in too. I think most people that visit this site are going to spend a fair amount of money on amplification, source components and all the other stuff that contributes to good audio. The upgraded networks just seem like another piece that is worth the expense. I am still with original drivers, but want to listen for awhile before I make any more changes. I know that everyone has an opinion of what tweeter, squawker sounds best too!

Dave