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Help! Forte, Linn, Magnepan. NOT RIGHT?

Looking for suggestions on how to get better sound from my gear. System: Linn LP12 valhalla, Itok, K9 Marantz CD 67SE Interconnects between CD and pre are DIY CAT 5. Forte F44 line leve preamp (long interconnect to power - 20ft) Forte Model 7 mono blocks (75 watts class A) Magnepan Tympani 1D (refurbished by Maganepan) I have modified these to look like the 4a with oak and also separated the tweeter panels. I have also removed the crossovers and made external boxes for them. Problems: 1.) Sound is fatiguing. Can't play Rock at all(not enough deep bass). Jazz sounds pretty good. Voices are a bit harsh. Overall I’m just not satisfied. 2.) Currently have no phono preamp. Any suggestions for under $300? Anyone heard the Forte FP-1? 3.) When I was running the TT, my CD sounded better (go figure). Is the Linn K9 crap? TT is lacking detail and punch. I have had it set up professionally by a Linn dealer in Chicago and shipped back to me in VA. Can a Linn be shipped and still expected to keep its setup? 4.) What can I do with the stock crossover of the Tympani's? Keep in mind I have removed them and have plenty of space to do whatever is necessary to make them right. 5.) Subwoofer? should I? 6.) Knowing the above info… where would you concentrate your efforts first? I am on a budget, please keep suggestions low $ (1k or less). Any help would be great. Thanks.
smknezf9bd
futterman
11 posts
 
Hi, I have had a pair of T1Ds forever, I have tried everything, biamping etc, I then bought some New York Audio Labs OTL 3 monoblocks, incredible sound in my 14 by 22 room. Beats any ARC stuff by a mile. All the techs say this should be a mismatch because the Maggies are 4 ohm and the amps do not like 4 ohm speakers, but if you get a chance, listen to this combo. If you do not need 110 DB,you will be happy. These amps sell for 1-2 thousand a pair.
smknezf9bd OP
7 posts
 
Brian, I know Chirs Berry from way back, I went to WMU in the 79-83, and he worked at the "Sound Room". He left Kalamazoo and went to "Linn Hi-Fi" in Chicago (he did all my LP12 setup). They changed the name but it still the same store. In fact I talked to him recently about the Forte gear. I keep in touch with him because he seems to like the same kind of things I do in a music system. Any rate, small world! Thanks for the experience All.. I will keep looking for the "perfect" combo. I think a DAC may hit the spot Rock, I'll give that a try. Thanks everyone.
smknezf9bd OP
7 posts
 
Futterman, always love to hear of people trying to get these beasts running. When I first heard these back in the late 70's I knew I had to have a pair. Bought mine used about 10 years ago and have been fighting them ever since. Call me a masochist, but I’m going to make these T1Ds work if it kills me. Strange thing is, I owned a pair of IIB’s prior to the Tymps and I can’t seem to get these to sound as good as they did. I have considered the bi-amping aspect of these speakers and was actually wondering if adding another set of Forte Model 7s would do the trick. What kind luck have you had in the biamping department? Have you made any crossover changes or are you still running yours stock?
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