fmorelli

Obviously what someone is willing to pay. I spent two years hunting down a set of CF-4s V1 or V2. Found mine in near mint condition - cabinets pretty perfect, a small hole in one of the speaker grill cloth. Simply I doubt a nicer said would have ever been found. The more years go by the harder it is to find them undamaged for obvious reasons. So ... Epic CF-4, first problem. Earlier versions, second problem. Mint, third problem. Weight, fourth problem. Money is not the problem - it is foolish to whine about the $700 pair that got away; that's for people who's time is worthless. I was lucky as mine came with extra woofers in the box, and extra upgraded horns in the box. Honestly I would not let them go for less than $2,500. And I doubt I'd sell them even then. They are spectacular. Diana Krall, Peel Me a Grape, simply drops one's jaw. That said, I had a similar story. When I went to buy mine, the guy was in a beautiful house. He had a room where he had his audio stuff - pretty empty room at that, and in a large house. He had purchased smaller speakers and was rationalizing how good they were (he wasn't bragging or anything, but one could tell he was trying to convince himself). His wife didn't like how the CF-4s looked in the room. Mind you it was a music room with not much of anything else. He hemmed and hawed, said he had to sell them but didn't want to. Told me he'd buy them back if I ever sold them, and stick them in the basement or something where she wouldn't see them. No lie it was like he was selling a child. And hooked up to the Dynaco-based VTA120 amp I built with KT88s pushing these CF-4s, I now understand. I'll take good care of them. Promise. Filippo

I personally prefer this approach, likely because I have way to many projects and I like to finish what I start (it's easy to start a project. It's those that finish ...). On the other hand, for those that like to be studious and turn the crank to understand the bennies incrementally, I appreciate the step-by-step approach. But yes, if I end up doing this, I'll choose what mods to make, fire up the effort with a head of steam and drive it home. If the XO's come apart I suspect a complete rebuild is not a bad idea (I'm already in there with things apart). Hence why I was wondering if there was a parts list. Looks like that's going to need to be made. Filippo

Dave, looks like its time to work up a parts list ;-). I probably need to buckle down and conspire with you on this... Filippo

The discussion on the 1506 would be interesting, I certainly agree. Would be nice to baseline what specific components are actually in the crossover network. On my end I suppose eventually I'll have mine apart and sort out what's what. BTW really good reference on the self tapping screws. I'll keep that in mind. It would be interesting to start sorting out some of the different perspectives. One that has clearly jumped out is bracing versus not bracing the cabinet. I will probably redo my grill cloth while I have everything apart. There are a few small holes. As well these were in a smoker's home. I intend to clean the cabinets with Murphy's Oil Soap, unless someone has a better idea. Thanks, Filippo

Moray James, thank you for taking the time to post and share. First off I completely understand your WWT perspective - a night and day difference when listening to these speakers sitting versus standing. WWT would be more practical, but I'm not looking to go down the rat hole of building a cabinet (though it is an enticing idea). Are there any specific suggestions on capacitors and autotransformers? I'm unfamiliar with "the German one" and "Dean", though I did some searching to no avail. Filippo

Lots of great info. Thanks! Will dig in when I get back home. Filippo

On comparisons ... or putting these puppies through their paces, I was partial to Diana Krall - the album, "The Very Best of Diana Krall" and spool up the tune, "Peel Me Some Grapes". You might also try, "Frim Fram Sauce" off the same album, an old Nat King Cole song, but I think Diana really makes it sparkle. I love the CF-4 sound. If I had to make critical observations, they would be ... - while headroom is phenomenal, as is the detail, they are almost too harsh in the brights at times. And I hate to generalize, but that's with a tube amp. - the sound stage is almost in front of the speakers, not at the speakers. This may be the crappy listening space I have them in. But they seem to almost forward project somewhat. Those comments made, the OMG realism is something else. Filippo

I built a VTA ST-120 which is currently pushing the CF-4s. No pre-outs. I'll probably go straight solid state. Not sure I want to tackle bi-amping. I've read the threads. A good start for sure. Lots to ask. On the crossovers not sure why they'd need to be sent out. I'm solder friendly ;-). Seems like an easy refurb if parts selected. Am I missing something? So 2.5" port stays? I heard that elsewhere, too. How exactly are the 1506 braced - what's that gel stuff? Looks like they should be bolted to a brace .... HEAVY! Wvu80, I happen to be fishing in WVa. Head back tomorrow to VA. Looking forward to seeing you post notes and photos. Thanks for the warm welcome! Filippo

I'm new to the forum. A few years ago I purchased a mint set of KG-4's. I had always wanted a set as a teen and was not disappointed. One thing led to the next and I finally hunted down a set of Epic CF-4's. They are Version 2's, October 1994 build. These speakers are phenomenal. I'm running them with a Bob Latino VTA ST-120 tube amp which I build about 18 months ago. I'd like to do some work on the speakers and looking for feedback and suggestions. I've seen a few posts by Moray James on the subject, but it seems to be bits of wisdom here and there (I don't think I've amassed the bits). The things I'm wondering ... 1) Crossover networks are due for rebuild, at least the caps. Recommendations? Is there a schematic or parts list? I suppose when I open them up I could figure it out, but wondering if this is documented. 2) Bracing - I've seen some commentary on firming up the cabinets. 3) Sound deadening - again seen comments about Dynamat on the horn shells, and some other things. 4) Compression drivers - I have a set of EV-1506 sitting around. Should they be pressed into action? If so, any changes that should go with them? Or if staying with stock compression drivers ... anything need to be done with them? 5) Version 2's have the 2.5" ports. Should I go back to 5" ports of Version 1? if so, what's the change to the crossover necessary to go back in time. Finally on the amplifier ... it's a 60wpc tube affair. Great sound, but I'm thinking these speakers need a high quality solid state amp with mojo, to eek out what they are capable of. Power on hand with the tube amp is likely not up to the task. Thanks for any feedback or thoughts you can share! Filippo