Owning modified Klipsch Lascalas / powered subwoofers, I have to say that there is a night and day difference between a Vandersteen and Klipsch ( Heritage models specifically ). Different tastes, different listeners. Ozzy 62 said it best. For what I enjoy, I have chosen my path. And, for all who don’t know, or cannot imagine, " they " do all those things the Vandys are known to do.
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@heardthat.......Why I said " for what I enjoy ". I am in my 60s and have been at this recorded music listening hobby since my early teens. I was in the industry as well. Owned much of it, and heard much of it ( equipment / speakers, etc ). Always had the ability of listening for myself. I have helped others with their systems ( I am semi retired ). Many were, and many were not, horn owners. There are an amazing amount of speakers out there to consider. But what you are finding is the passion folks here have about what they own. Many affluent hobbyists here on the 'Gon. You are not being " told " anything. Try and listen for yourself. It is all about you. Enjoy your journey. MrD
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@hifiman55. Secondary audio diffractions ? I do not hear any. Most speaker grill material will take care of that. That is the reason Thiel recommended leave the grills on. I actually prefer most speakers without grills, as they sound a bit more open. I like speakers that sound open. When I owned AR9s, Spica 50s and Angelus, some Duntech models ( and more ), a successful modification I was doing was to change the thick absorber material on the front baffles to a much thinner, slightly less absorbent material, which in every case, opened up the dynamics, to me, dramatically. Knowing I wanted dynamics led me to horns. Knowing you are a Vannie, I understand why you like them. I owned most of the 2 series, along with his subs and crossover. You do know the JBL 100s are not horns.
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Most of the speakers I have owned, disappeared, but most, never sounded like live music, nor, made my toes tap. I think the higher efficiency of the speaker has something to do with the dynamics one hears. Many are talking about the Tekton DI series, giving you this " slam ", feel it in your chest thing, and they are not horn loaded. @heardthat, you might want to consider a pair of DIs ( free in home trial, just pay for shipping back in need to return ). Many listeners I respect here like them ( actually love them ). Just read the threads. Enjoy MrD.
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@tomic601 , I obviously hit a sore spot for you. You can question my hearing all you want. Dynamic compression in a speaker is not something I can live with. I meant no offense. Enjoy your system. I sure enjoy mine. MrD.
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@tomic601 ...It’s all good. I want to get along with everyone. I am not surprised you do not use the JBL grills. Have the grills disintegrated, like mine have ?
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@heardthat....Although I have not heard them, my many years of listening experience, speaker ownership, exposure to so much, as well as my understanding of all the review language given ( both professional and non professional ), I have some idea as to how they might sound, and I thought you may be interested. I mentioned in an earlier post here, that there are many speakers to choose from. I do not claim to know everything, but, I believe in myself when it comes to audio, and so do many happy clients, friends, and one or two relatives.. I stay very open minded as to the wide variance of what people are looking for. I believe you will like these. Mr. Alexander ( the guy behind Tekton ), is a very busy man. If you find him unavailable, or seems to rush your conversation, it is nothing personal. He has been trashed here for it. $300. of a loss is nothing in this industry. Good luck Always, MrD.
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Sorry for sounding " all that ". Audio has been my life. @heardthat....I wish you the best.
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BTW....I was very familiar with the L 2030 models, and, wish I had a pair of those right now ( for a 2nd system ). Might need a crossover rebuild.
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I have owned all of the Klipsch models mentioned. I just recently sold, locally, a pair of self modified ( I modify everything ) Epic CF2s ( the best out of the 4 Epic models, imo ), but, just like the 2 pair of Heresys I still own, I was not listening to them, as I have multiple systems set up. The Epic series was a different animal for Klipsch, and were a good design. Roy Delgado ( Epic designer ) is still with Klipsch, as far as I know ). Parts for them are hard to come by if needed. My Lascala system is the one that brings me my " joy of listening ". The biggest upgrade you can make to a Klipsch speaker ( any model ), is to heavily dampen the horn, using a material such dynamat. However, any upgrade takes them further. And yes, I am saying it ( as I have said elsewhere ) that all Klipsch were manufactured with a specified price point, and that all can be taken to a much higher level with upgrades and mods. My favorite Klipsch models have always been the Khorn, Belle, and Lascala. As a semi retired, single ( divorced ) man, I have free reign of any room. Any Klipsch lover should go to the Klipsch forums. Enough of my gab. Enjoy all. MrD.
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Someone mentioned somewhere, that they put a dampening substance inside the horn throat to reduce coloration or resonance. I highly recommend against that. It should all be from the exterior of the horn.
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@heardthat, I do apologize......this thread should be about you, but, I am sure you are enjoying the readings. Always, MrD.
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+1 Phil......When set up properly, the Lascalas can disappear, giving you that height, width and depth of a soundstage. But more importantly, it is that "effortless" quality you hear at a live performance. A buddy of mine owns some top of the line B & W speakers. I do not want this to be a hammering of the B&W or Vandys, Since owning horns for over 30 years ( with some other top brands and models ), nothing sounds " as live ", as said by Phil. Keep in mind, not everyone wants this or likes this, or has experienced this. This friend of mine comes over, and is always blown away. But, he goes home, happily, to his B&Ws. And I am sorry to say, the Fortes, even the series 3 ( I heard them briefly about a year ago at an audio meet in S. Florida ), are nothing to a pair of Lascalas. Lascalas can use good subs for that last octave, if you can find some that can keep up. MrD.
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The Lascala II has taken care of many of the weaknesses of the original. Thicker, less resonant cabinet ( especially noticeable with the doghouses ), upgraded crossover components, upgraded wire, etc. But, even the series II can be improved, but, it is my secret on how......sorry..........MrD. |
