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Need Some Answers Building My First Home Audio System, and using Cornwalls

I have a few questions for you audiophiles out there. I am new to this forum, and I am a music hound and vinyl collector, but as yet not exactly an audiophile, and I definitely lack much knowledge.


I just moved into my first/new home and, in a stroke of luck way beyond my wildest dreams, my new neighbor - in order to "empty out his garage" - gave me two very old, 60's looking 100-watt Klipsch Cornwalls (floor speakers) from their Heritage line (see pic). These are the ones that are 35.75" H x 25.25" w (15.5" deep) and have a titanium tweeter, 1.75" titanium squawker, a woofer and a front-ported cabinet.


My living room’s dimensions are very large, as we blended our kitchen and dining room into it, and took down all non-structural partitions - about 60 feet in length by 35 feet at its widest point.


First I wanted to check on a few things, such as whether these speakers work at all, and I can do that only once I get a receiver (right?). I also need new, less dated grill cloth - I did locate a guy/make a call about that, but I am holding off until I know whether/how I can remove the frame from the front of the speakers. The frames appear nailed in at the front, but the back looks screwed in.

*My turntable (technics 1200-MK2) will be going through this pre-amp (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007DB5IDS/ref=ya_st_dp_summary)

*It’s important you know a.) I don't yet want a tube amp and b.) what besides the speakers will need to be powered through the receiver:

-4K TV

-1 Turntable/Pre-Amp (mentioned above)

-4K Ultra HD bluray

-cable box

-iPhone lightning cable and 3.5 mm adaptor for phone/other sources

-2 Klipsch Cornwall speakers


Questions:


A.) I don't need tons of power. All floors are hardwood, with some rugs here and there but can anyone recommend something around 100 W? (I called Klipsch to ask their tech specialist about my speaker details, and the guy said staying at the speaker wattage will be smart, so as not to blow them out) and he said they are 100w. Would like to stay between $200-$500 and get something like a Denon, Onkyo, Yamaha... I suppose it could be used...I obviously want to optimize sound quality. Perhaps your suggestions are contingent on my remaining questions:


B.) Recommendations on a particular Bluetooth-enabled AVR? As much as I love hifi sound from a record on the turntable, there are times when I want to walk In the room and play a recent track from my phone. Also, this is not my private set up - it’s for the whole family, so needs to allow for a range of things, as well as efficiency/convenience. However, I don't use Spotify, Airplay, Sirius, XM, Pandora, DLNA, TuneIn, Tidal, etc. I would only play from actual files on my phone or laptop. (as noted, I will also have a jack coming out of one of the AVR inputs to for my phone to hardwire it sometimes also (in fact, 75% of the time, unless I'm not home for long between work/errands. If you have recommendations on those cables, please let me know.


C) My wife and I got an Alexa for Xmas. Any AVR's work with them? I've read about Smart Home automation and will eventually do the whole thing, but for now it's just music and movies.


D.) i - How do I remove the frame from the front of the speaker in order to replace the cloth? The guy I called about the speaker cloth (Bob Crites, got his name from the Klipsch forum) could tell from the pics that somebody custom made them.


ii- Does anyone recommend removing the cloth altogether and not replacing?


E.) i- Are XLR jacks better connections than just regular wire, or did I misread this?


ii- If so, would the difference in sound be negligible to average ears, or substantial? FYI, I did buy 16awg copper flat wire from Monoprice (pictured) and I imagine that can be connected to XLR's by myself, yes?


iii- speaking of which, how do I actually connect the wires to the Cornwalls? It's a very basic question, but I've never had proper speakers like this, and I don't want to screw it up. Is there a particular technique or nuance?


F.) We may eventually buy a whole-home bluetooth and/or wifi speaker system to bring to our master bedroom and two other bedrooms, so it will have to allow for that.


I think that's all. Sorry if I've overwhelmed anyone.

Thanks in advance and happy new year.


128x128djniteline

Showing 16 responses by mesch

mesch
3,412 posts
 
First you must decide if you want to build a 2 channel system or want a multichannel one. Often this decision is based on usage, music vs. movie. I have found that a 2 channel system works fine to augment audio for video. I stay focused toward the music side.

If you wish to start out with a 2 channel system then I agree that an integrated amplifier is the way to go. The NAD recommendation is good, I own the NAD 326BEE. and would recommend it over the 3020D for your purposes.  It is 50wpc, however as mentioned above provides more usable power than most budget 100wpc AVRs. The NAD doesn't have a phonostage so you would use your ProJect into it.

NAD is not the only integrated amplifier line that can be recommended. Yamaha and Rotel are 2 popular brands that come to mind. Buying used can extend one's budget. As another thought, one can build  a multi channel system around a 2 channel one consisting of an integrated amp provided that amp has a home theater bypass feature. 
mesch
3,412 posts
 
I should add that the NAD326BEE has the inputs you will need. Five line level (one with 3.5 mm) and a tape monitor loop.
mesch
3,412 posts
 
The C326BEE lacks internal Bluetooth. They often come up used or as refurbished here on AG. A separate bluetooth receiver could be attached to a line level input.  That said there are integrateds with internal bluetooth. NAD has a new line of integrateds that have internal DACs and may have Bluetooth. I would have to check on this.  



 
mesch
3,412 posts
 
In the new line the C 338 may be of interest to you. It is a Class D amplifier. I don't know if it has been released yet so has not had the exposure that the C 326BEE has. It has 4 digital inputs, WiFi and Bluetooth inputs, and 3 analog inputs with a onboard phonostage. The value of digital vs. analog inputs would be determined by the outputs of your blueray player and cable box (digital vs. analog). 

My personnel bias is toward the C 326BEE as I prefer standard class A or A/B amplifiers. There are many threads here discussing the Class D types vs class A or AB.

Take your time and research your options. Good luck in your search.

mesch
3,412 posts
 
You will need a DAC, a digital to analog converter. These can be bought having optical, coax, and USB inputs. Therefore a single DAC can serve several selectable digital inputs and output to a single line level input on the NAD326BEE. I believe having a separate DAC as opposed to a internal one is better for the flexibility it provides.

Your bluetooth device will occupy the toslink optical input on the DAC. If your BD player has a coax digital output it could be linked to the DAC. Your computer can occupy the USB input.

I use a MAC (have both a Mini and a macbook) with AIFF flies as playback on all my systems. I own several DACs, all bought used.
Several come up for sale here on AG. I will take a look after posting this. 


mesch
3,412 posts
 
There is a MicroMega ($130) and a Music Hall DAC ($250) for sale now. Both having the inputs you need.  You might also check out Schiit Audio web site. They make several DACs all considered very good for the money. 

Once again, good luck!
mesch
3,412 posts
 
Given that you have music as AIFF files, is your laptop a MAC?


mesch
3,412 posts
 
You have a very good analog system complimentary to your newly purchased amplification, and congrats on that. First thing is to prove that your new speakers are in working order using this (as you have stated). Then you can focus toward your digital sources. 

You indicated that you wanted to put together a quality system now that could be improved as you learned more as to how to satisfy your needs. It seems to me that those needs reside in the digital domain. Any advise that can be provided requires knowledge as to the options available. Therefore some of the following questions.

Audio for your TV can be routed from the cable box. Many have digital and coax output. If yours does then you could simply route the analog outputs to the NAD. Another option is to route a digital signal to a DAC then into the NAD. What are the outputs on this box?

What are the outputs on your Blueray player, analog vs.digital? Do you use this player for CDs as well as for video disks?

Are you interested in using your MAC laptop as a server to play the AIFF flies? This has the potential to be your best music source.

Regarding bluetooth use, you can transmit from your computer or your iphone. This is where you will need to differentiate between convenience needs and sound quality needs. Also your primary listening area focus vs. whole house listening. This is also where I have the least experience as i don't use bluetooth.

Oh, I should add that you are welcome. I enjoy sharing on this forum. 


mesch
3,412 posts
 
Lowrider, thanks for the kind words.

Djniteline, regarding bluetooth, the aptX codex as provided by the Audioengine B1( not the only one having this codex) recommended by lowrider provides, as I understand it, the best audio from bluetooth devices. That said, wireless signal transfer is not at the same quality as cable transfer.

The best digital performance from your system (NAD + Cornwall) would be obtained from playing CDs direct, or playing the AIFF files from computer or server via a DAC. 

I use a Macbook Pro to play AIFF files and find it to have very good sound quality using itunes. The sound quality can be improved by using an after market playback program such as Pure Music which overlaps with itunes (I also use this program). My Macbook is not dedicated to music use only. 

Once a system is in place one can always fine tune it for increased performance. Take things one step at a time. Lets get your TT/phonostage, cable box, and BlueRay player playing music through NAD/Cornwalls first and see how that sounds to you. Though it can at times seem frustrating, keep in mind it is all about plain ol' fun. 
mesch
3,412 posts
 
Buzz - check that drivers are secure into the enclosures of your speakers. Check the surrounds on the bass drivers.

Hum - many possibilities, 1st to check is the TT grounding as suggested by lowrider. If your Blueray player has analog output try it and see if hum remains.

+1 lowrider re DAC inputs. 
mesch
3,412 posts
 
Hopefully when your friend gets back he can help. Until then I have two thoughts.  I would not leave that much exposed wire on the speaker cables. If they short it will damage the amp. Buy some spade lugs for the speaker ends. 

You have a lot of equipment running through the power strip. Try using an extension cord to run the amp off a separate house circuit to see if that helps. Not to be permanent but as a test.   
mesch
3,412 posts
 
Yes, you will need 4 pairs. 

Isolate amp to a separate outlet on a different circuit.

Does 'hum' occur with input to aux disconnected?

I would not consider another amplifier until your 'hum' issue is resolved.
mesch
3,412 posts
 
I use tone defeat, less in the signal path.
I leave soft clipping off however it depends on how hard one drives the amplifier stage. Try it both ways and decide. 


mesch
3,412 posts
 
I should add that I sincerely hope your 'hum' issue is solved and you find yourself happy with your NAD integrated. I believe you have put together a very nice system based on a gift pair of classic speakers.

Please keep us posted.
mesch
3,412 posts
 
As Lou stated, bare wire is fine, just be careful that all wire remains under screw. Wrap wire in direction that screw turns to tighten. You can also fine spades the correct size.

For bananas I purchased these: "Gold plated copper spade/Banana fork plug adaptor". Available from China via E-bay. Set of 10 for $10. Used then on my Dynaco st-70 and on a friends Klipsch Heresy speakers. I purchased mine last summer, have not looked then up lately, just assume they can still be had. 

mesch
3,412 posts
 
Though it is true that the older Klipsch speakers may sound best when driven by tubes, the question is how do yours sound to you driven by your newly purchased NAD?  Even if one was interested in trying tube amplification, I am not sure one need restrict oneself to a single ended (SE) tube amp. This is especially true when one is playing into a room as large as yours, and is working with your budget. A quality EL34 based tube amp purchased used might be nice to try.

Should you wish to try a tube amplifier, you could use your NAD as a preamp, as it has pre out to amp in jumpers. WIth that approach the possible issue that the NAD pre becomes a weak link arises.

If I owned your speakers, driven by a SS integrated amp, and found I desired to go the tube route, I would consider the purchase of a tube integrated. Likely one providing ~35wpc. Would likely check out Jolida or Prima Luna.  

So, what do you think regarding the sound of your system as driven by the NAD considering you have been provided with a free set of speakers and have a high quality budget SS amp?   

 


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