La Scala vs Klipschorn

I've listened to both side by side in the same ($20K tube) system. As indicated, the K-horns were designed specifically to give optimum performance placed in the corners of the room. They are also quite larger in height and overall volume than the LaScala's. The sound of both is quite clean and forward, but the Khorns give a more authorative and lower bass (placed in the corners) than the LaScala's. I could certainly live with either given the right space to put the K-horns. The LaScala's may be more versatile since they don't have such rigid placement requirements. I own 1977 LaScala's and absolutley love them. Never heard a pair of ESS/Heil speakers so cannot comment there. I would not use either Klipsch with a SS system, but there are those who would disagree on that point. My opinion is that it that there are better combinations than SS + horns. Tubes + horns is heaven to my ears when done right.

Marco

Kubrickorange- I use a pair of Quicksilver mono 300B SET amps one of which you can see here , with a Cary SLP-50A Pre. Front end is a Muse Model 5 Transport and Model 2 Plus DAC.

Marco

Afraid not Kubrickorange. Mike Sanders made only about four pairs of the 300B SET's that I own one of. Mike will be the first to tell you that he is not a big fan of the inherent harmonic distoritions imparted by the 300B/SET design (was it 3rd order harmonic distortions?). Mike did an experiment designing several Triode designs to see how far he could take the design and how he liked them. He made these as well as several prototype examples of EL34-based amps that run in Triode (which I have also owned and also enjoyed, though they lacked the air and presence the 300B's have in spades). I know precious little about such audio tech-talk that fills the pages of Stereophile and the like, but I do know that I LOVE the way these things sound with my LaScala's. They are very engaging, holographic with plenty of air and atmosphere. They are particularly wonderful with strings and female vocals....oh, and horns too. I just had a fellow A'goner stop by on a visit from AZ to hear my system and I think he did enjoy it. I'll point him to this thread to comment (Peter_S). I mentioned to him that though Mike Sanders refuses to make any more SET amps, in spite of customer demand to do so (he really doesn't like them), he is making a wonderful Triode amp based on the 6C33C tube used by BAT and LAMM in their amps. I have not heard it but a good friend who I do respect loves his.

I actually had the pleasure of visiting with George Wright and visiting him in his home/workshop. He's a very nice fellow and very knowledgeable about tubes and his designs. He has one of the most amazing personal collections of vintage tubes I've seen. I have a snapshot I did somewhere which I'm sure he wouldn't mind if I posted, of that collection on the shelves of his workshop. I look for it. Regretably I have not heard his gear in an ideal system and room, so I cannot comment from direct experience other than to say some of his designs have wonderful reviews and he has a significant following. The 2A3 design he makes is supposed to be of his best, but does require some efficient speakers to sing. The Klipshorns ought to do it, but I think it will depend on your musical preferences and expectations from a system. If I were to make a very general comparison in George Wright's designs compared to Mike Sanders' I would say that Sanders overbuilds his gear using beefy hand-wired transformers and huge caps, while George uses just what is needed. Since I've not heard George's gear I cannot say which works best. Both gentlemen know their products and are both passionate and knowledgeable. In my experience both are very approachable, honest and well versed in the market and the strengths and weeknesses of their products, and know tubes like nobody's business. I'm told George also makes a great phono-pre too. I was only delivering a pair of (Klipsch) speakers down to him for a friend of mine back East. I was delighted he offered to show me around his home and workshop, but most of the contents were in various stages of assembly so I did not hear them.

Peter_S asked that I post my system to the Gon', which I've been meaning to do for a while. I'll get it online soon. Meanwhile, I can say that I like it very much, and it has converted more than half a dozen hard-core SS users, some with VERY expensive systems, over to tubes. I am using the Wester Electric 300B's so I suppose that helps some. Anyway, it's a great combo to my ears. I would call it a warm system, and in that regard it is 'colored', so if you are looking for analytical, look elsewhere.

Thanks for your compliments on the amp...I had a metal artist friend make some cages for them to satisfy my wife's desire to keep them less primitive looking. I designed the cages with a hole to reveal the 300B tube. I'll have to photograph them again when I get a chance as they look good both ways.

Best,

Marco

You are most welcome Kubrickorange. You are quite right in letting your OWN ears be the final judge, and Mike and George both provide distinctive products that should work well with your K-horns. I'll be very curious to know how you feel about each when you've listened. The Quicksilver Triode is a pretty pricy pair of amps, but my friend back East insists they are on parr with the Lamms at about half their price. I cannot comment one way or the other except to say that I have found his opinion to be one I respect in the past. This same 2nd-hand comment really pissed off a few people on the Asylum, so I'll tell you the obvious here...take it with a whole bag of salt and make your own judgements, as you've indicated. I'd really like to hear The Triode's myself. Should you ever find yourself in the Seattle area you are most welcome to stop by and have a listen to my system. The only thing I ask is that you bring some of your favorite music with you in the form of CD's (no TT on the home system...sorry). Love to share new music with folks, and become introduced to new artists by others (thanks Peter_S!!).

I agree with your emphasis on the engaging aspects of a system. I've always tended to judge a system by how easy it is to walk away from when playing music I enjoy. The best systems I've heard, including my own, I find very difficult to walk away from. It's much like the warm embrace of an old friend or close family member....you just savor those moments!

Realize too there are those among us who do prefer SS gear with Klipsch. A'gon Member Bob_Bundus runs his Belle's that way and has spoken very highly of his preference for SS and the sound of his system. I've personally never heard SS sound good with horns, but I've also never heard Bob's system. There's more than one way to skin a grape, I guess is what I'm trying to say. Some even prefer the skin left on!

Good luck with your pursuits! Let us know what you come up with!

Best,

Marco

07-18-03: Sean Asked:
Are there people out there that actually "peel" grapes before eating them ? I thought that this was just a saying and not some part of reality.... Sean

Oh gosh no! Never peel the grapes yourself. Have someone else do it for you! It's really time consuming and you've probably got better things to do.

Marco