ChrisK Posted December 10, 2001 Share Posted December 10, 2001 After doing some restoration, cleaning, and updating I finally lugged (phew!) the heavy SOB's upstairs for a listen. Mind you, this is my first experience outside my HT setup in many years. WOW, the sound was fantastic! While I'm sure it is far from the "Audio Nirvana" so many people seem to be seeking, it was wonderful for me. Crystal clear, smooth, full, and very easy on the ears. However, on the downside, it really showed me how terrible some recordings are. Some CD's were almost painful to listen to (My 7 yo son's Backstreet Boys and my 17 yo daughter's hiphop CD's come to mind.). And I have to admit my little amp does not go to extremely loud levels (Maybe an upgrade coming?). Later, an audiophile friend brought over a few jazz CD's (The track "VooDoo" was especially interesting.) and after listening was very impressed. He's a Martin-Logan, high dollar cable, AR, Theta transport, etc., etc., guy. He was especially surprised by the Decware amp. I guess you can have real "HiFi" sound for reasonable dollars. About the Cornwalls - -1977 "Designer Series" refinished as "Raw Birch" -Replaced the stock binding posts with Cardas 5-way. -Replaced both the tweeter diaphragms. -Dampened the squawkers with "Dynamat" type substance. -Cleaned all contacts with Caig. Possible future mods - -ALK crossovers ? How much will they really improve the sound? -Dampen the cabinets structurally. A friend said he could test the cabinets using vibrating sand to find the weak spots. Anyone familiar with this process? Happy Listening, Chris PS Even my wife was impressed. Initially she was NOT happy about these beasts being in our house. ------------------ HT Klipsch KG2.5 (front & rear) Klipsch KV2 (center) Klipsch SW12 (sub) Marantz SR700 receiver Toshiba DTS DVD JVC SVHS VCR Sony Hi8 VCR 2 channel Klipsch Cornwalls (1976) Decware Zen SE84C amp Arcam Alpha MCD cd player Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klipschguy Posted December 10, 2001 Share Posted December 10, 2001 Chris, Congratulations on the Cornwalls. The cool thing about Cornwalls is you never get tired of them. I've had my Cornwalls for about 10 years and I still smile every time I hear them. (I got tired of most of my previous speakers after about six months!). Warm, happy regards, Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Good2BHome Posted December 10, 2001 Share Posted December 10, 2001 Congratulations Chris, I have a question: quote: -Replaced the stock binding posts with Cardas 5-way. Where did you find them? What other binding posts did you consider, if any? Mike ------------------ 3 Channel Audio: 1980 Cornwalls Klipsch Quartet as Rear The following I bought NEW in 1971: McIntosh MR-74 McIntosh C-26 McIntosh MC-2505 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mobile homeless Posted December 11, 2001 Share Posted December 11, 2001 Cardas Binding posts are top notch and worth every penny. I have them on several pieces of gear. Indeed, you can get them in several models. http://www.DIYCable.com/ carries any Cardas connector at a really good price. If mounting on the CW, make sure you get the long post models. Chris, I would REALLY consider keeping your stock B Crossovers over getting the ALK units. The Type B are VERY simple and offer smooth, balanced, musical sound. In talking to people I trust, the ALK might not even be an improvement in musicality. Consider yourself lucky in that you have the "good" crossovers in there already. Too bad you didnt listen to them for an extended amount of time before doing any mods - I would always recommend this to get a handle on the sound or else you dont know if the mods have improved or set you back in comparison. Glad you got everything up and running, however. kh This message has been edited by mobile homeless on 12-11-2001 at 04:08 AM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike stehr Posted December 11, 2001 Share Posted December 11, 2001 cjk1026, those are nice! Hey Kelly, what brand of capacitors are in the stock B networks for the Cornwalls? Are they Aerovox, or Revox?(Probably the same brand here.) I have a pair of Aerovox 660v 2uF 6% metal can filter capacitors from the Transformers of a pair of trashed older Digital brand printers. They have 60hz on them though. Could these be used on a X-over circuit? They are the same value as the caps in the tweeter circuit of my Chorus II's. I'll have to experiment with this. THANX! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mobile homeless Posted December 11, 2001 Share Posted December 11, 2001 Chris, you might also consider upgrading the CD player as that would help in the harshness area. Also, I personally have found that a tube preamp mates with the CW even better than a passive as it brings out more midrange bloom and warmth (the Zen amp uses a simple volume pot). What cables are you running? kh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike stehr Posted December 11, 2001 Share Posted December 11, 2001 cjk1026, those are nice! Hey Kelly, what brand of capacitors are in the stock B networks for the Cornwalls? Are they Aerovox, or Revox?(Probably the same brand here.) I have a pair of Aerovox 660v 2uF 6% metal can filter capacitors from the Transformers of a pair of trashed older Digital brand printers. They have 60hz on them though. Could these be used on a X-over circuit? They are the same value as the caps in the tweeter circuit of my Chorus II's. I'll have to experiment with this. THANX! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audible Nectar Posted December 11, 2001 Share Posted December 11, 2001 Those all wood, no grill CW's are beautiful!!!! Is that what makes them "Designer Series"? ------------------ First we Rock, then we Roll! This message has been edited by dndphishin on 12-11-2001 at 08:40 AM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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