7.1 - Not exactly off the rack | Virtual Listening Room

Owner

Hi Sam,

I guess I'm unable to navigate the improved Audiogon site. My email address is [email protected] and my phone number is 804 794 4107. If big brother will negate this message I'll try again.

Cheers, ken

kftool October 29, 2013 23:47

Owner

Hi Sam,

Scott's web address is, [email protected].

Scott and I call each other a few times a month and talk about the gear he's looking at or bought. He is a young turk and in the digital realm. A few years ago I bought a pristine Scully 280B 1/4 inch two track machine for him. The Scully machines have a euphonic analog sound that digital won't create. He used it for a while but never got into analog tape.

I had an idea for a Christmas present for Scott, an ATR 102 which I order from Mike Spitz at ATR Services. For those of you not in the pro community, Mike passed a short time ago. His passing will be a loss , however, both Mike and Bette groomed a competent crew that will carry on the ATR legacy. Well, Scott told me he was happy with his digital gear, so I brought home ATR #4.

Regarding the Studer machines; I have a pair of A810 machines and an A80. All are 1/4 inch two track machines and have butterfly heads. I took the A810s to York Pa. and asked a very competent tech to go over them both and bring them up to , or better original factory specs. One is done and the other is in the works. Since there is no money out there to buy great gear, I have been in no hurry to sell. Look on ebay and you will see nothing of value in the RTR category. If however, you're in the market for high end grandfather clocks or grand pianos you have the pick of the litter. Now is the time to buy, not to sell.

Sam, I haven't done much recording lately and don't use a mixer. Choral and orchestral recordings done with an Ampex 440C 1/2 inch 2 track machine. I use the Grace stereo press that both feed the Ampex and a Korg 2000s.

The Studer A810 weighs only 80 lbs, is a stellar machine and can be toted by one person. It has, as you know, four speeds and the EQ can be switched on the front panel. With four Korgs and four Grace Stereo press that weigh less than the Ampex 440C, it will be hard to tote the Ampex from here on out. With eight channels of recording I won't need a mixer as I can do the mixing at home.

I hate to say it, but the Korgs at their highest sampling rate, are as good as my 72 year old ears can can hear. Scott visited a year ago and we did a recording shoot out between one of my ATR 104s and a pair of Korg 200s machines.Both were fed by a pair of Grace press using a pair of Peluso P67 Mics and a pair of their small cap mics, i forget the number. The recording was Scott playing an original composition on our Yamaha C3 conservatory grand. After listening to both recordings I was surprised on how good the Korgs sounded. Things will change on orchestral recordings so we will see.

Sam, i'll email you regarding the Studer machines.

Cheers, ken

kftool October 29, 2013 23:32

Owner

Hi Sam,

I don't know where to begin but I will start with the GML 9500. I bought it because the devil made me do it. I bought a Crane Song EQ from a home studio in California that was falling on hard times. It was a year old and at a great price so I bought it. I had it sent to Dave Hill at Crane Song to have it retrofitted with the detented controls. They were mechanical and the cost was $1,000.
I never used it, and sent it to my son, Scott Fritz, who has a studio in Chicago. He loved it and bought it right away. I sold it due to the results of my audiologist's test. At 72 I felt it was an exercise in futility to make things sound better.

Soon afterword I decided to spend some of my kids inheritance and bought the GML 9500. Not heeding it at the time, I had it sent to Scott for his thoughts. Well He fell in love with it and sold his Crane Song and bought the GML 8400, the unit with potentiometers rather than ladder attenuators.

He loves it and will get my 9500 when I kick the bucket along with my ATR's and assorted microphones.

Your choice of the Korg 2000S is a good one. I bought four of them along with four Grace Stereo press that I hope to use along with my ATRs when I have the time to enjoy them.

Sue and I am lucky to own a Yamaha Conservatory grand that Scott played and recorded simultaneously on an ATR 104 and four channels of the Korg 2000S. The quality of recordings was great on both. I think the Grace press had something to do with it.

BTW, I have a pair of Studer A810 machines that are available. If you are interested, I will provide you with the information as to where and how they were conditioned for sale. They are great machines but with my ATRs I will never use them.

Cheers, ken

kftool October 29, 2013 00:06

Owner

Hin Sam,

Being retired doesn't mean there is time to email, eat chips while watching the TV and just chilling out. I guess that's why I haven't responded to your reply.

To the point; the GML 9500 is a parametric equalizer. It was designed by George Massenburg who invented parametric equalization. It's primary use is in the mastering chain of both analog and digital recordings. It is an analog, pure class, discrete device.

Recording studios use it to set the parameters for their frequency shelves and levels, as the 9500 has stepped attenuators, that can be reset at the mastering studios

I first auditioned one a few years ago thru Mercinary Audio now defunct. It enabled me to fine tune my room which is 26,000 cubic feet in volume. After purchasing the unit I thought it was a wise purchase.

Audiophiles shy away from equalization, but need to realize that just about everything we listen to is equalized; probably through a GML 9500-- It is known as the King Of Equalizers.

Google GML 9500 for some interesting information on the gear that records the music we listen to .

regards, Ken

kftool October 15, 2013 00:30

Owner

Hi all,

It's been a while since I posted and even longer since I heard music in our music room.

Before last Thanksgiving I packed up all the gear and put it in the factory boxes. The loudspeakers were a horse of another color. Being 9 ft 6 they can't be moved out of the room. So I put them on 1 1/2 thick plywood platforms with 14 castors to distribute the weight. They are moved around the room on 3/4 inch plywood panels to distribute the load on the hardwood floor.

Having said all that, This week we finished priming and painting 4,500 lineal feet of trim and moulding for the room and the annex we built two years ago. Being in Richmond our home is 18th century, colonial Williamsburg from end to end.

The electronic gear has changed to some degree. Parc EQ has been added for the 10 channels-- I know it old stuff but it is analogue. A GML 9500 EQ will be used, if and when needed. Cranesong limiters and compressors will protect the planar mids and tweeters from a blow out, peak limiting only, no compression.

Since I started what I began 20 some years ago, I've been listening to music thru a JVC boom box, It was $400 15 years ago and has a pair of side firing 6 inch woofers. One of my favorite classical selections is Saint Saens Organ Symphony #3. I play it often and the sound is beautiful--- in my music room.

It's not just the gear, the room is as important if not more so. If the room can't support the wave length you just won't hear it. If the room acoustics aren't right, you just won't hear the music at it's best.

If I can navigate the new Audiogon I'll attempt to post some new photos. Bear with me as I still need to learn how to run my Mac Book Pro and I phone 4.5 whatever it is. In 6 days I need to pick up my new I Mac and learn how to use it. Woe is me!!!!

regards, Ken

kftool September 08, 2013 00:39

Owner

Hi Sam,

It's good to hear from you again. I too have been lax in posting on Audiogon but that will change.

Having sold our company for cents on the dollar and the building still sitting there, I can finally get back to finishing what I started 20 some years ago.

Thanks for the posting.

Ken

kftool May 26, 2013 22:25

Owner

Well,

Within another six months or so the room will be finished. Last thanksgiving I packed up all the audio gear in their factory boxes and moved them out of the room. The only things I couldn't move out were the speakers so I built foam lined boxes around them and put them on movable carts. The ceiling was gutted to the roof decking and R 60 insulation installed. 16 banks of Lutron Graphic Eye controlled lighting and HVAC units went in after that. Then the trusses were blocked with LVL purlins that were glued and screwed in place. All this was done with scaffolds that have been in the room for 5 months.

The ceiling is knotty cedar tongue and groove sourced from a mill in Utah and is just gorgeous. This idea came from the many photos of recording studios in Mix magazine where wood seems to be the surface of choice. We're working our way down from the ceiling with moldings; 120 man hours per week since last thanksgiving have made a dent in the project.

I thought about uploading pictures for a few months but just haven't gotten around to it. I think I'll upload new pictures this week.

Thanks for the reply as it will get me off my ass and send some pictures.

Cheers, Ken

kftool May 26, 2013 00:37

Owner

Hi Henry,

Thanks for the posting as I don't get many.

I realize that those that decide to make their mark by designing loudspeakers for the audiophile have a hard task before them. The permutations and combinations involving the number of drivers available to the designer along with the computer simulations of said drivers, crossovers and box designs will allow almost anybody to get into the speaker business. The catch is, do you have enough money to loose before your design catches on, if ever.

A FEW years ago my company did the prototyping, tooling and production molds for THIEL AUDIO for the cast polymer baffles for their CS 5 loudspeaker. The changes in cross section dimensions of the baffle design added cost to the final product, but was justified as the sound was the only criterion. Can you afford to do this if you don't have the resources?

Henry, I had only one person to satisfy , myself. I did my homework, spoke to the designers of all the drivers I chose, and asked the opinion of industry experts and got the go ahead.

I'm happy with my results. For the amount of money I spent building these speakers, I could've bought anything from the commercial audiophile market and saved money.

I fully aware of the percentages off the Retail price,---- dealer profit, shipping, advertising, R &D, cost of goods sold, administration, bad debts and returns---among others. I too run a business and it's always the bottom line that counts; it's what keeps you in business.

I'm happy with the results I'm listening to, but the real gratification is that I can say that I did it myself, with a little help from my friends.

Ken

kftool June 11, 2010 01:49

Owner

Hi Rick,

You'll find a trove of information from RTR guys on this site. It is populated with those that need information on the full range of RTR machines.

Should you need to narrow your range of information you can click on to Ampex@ recordist.com. Those that post to this site are professionals that worked in the great studios in the 60's on up. The first time you log on to the list you'll see postings about the things that recording engineers ask of one another.

Steve Puntolillo is the moderator of the Scully list. Scully not only built the recording lathe that we all know, but a line of great tape machines. Log on to www.Sonicraft.com and you will view the most fantastic collection of RTR machines I know of. Steve's business is archiving and restoring anything that has ever been put on tape. That means he has every tape machine that counts in his facility. Please log on to his web site if you have ANY interest in RTR machines.

I saw my first Scully machine when Sue and I drove to New Jersey. We took our F350 to pick up three showroom machines from a New York city dealer that just couldn't sell. He was 93 and always kept everything he bought, kinda like me.

He and his wife also owned an FM station in Hartford Conn. They had a fair sized collection of LPs. I asked him how many records he had that he wanted to sell. I asked him to measure the number of feet the records took up. 6 feet was the answer. Sue and I drove back to Richmond with 3,000 records, ten times more than he thought, a very light checkbook, and the truck on the overload springs----in a snowstorm.

The Studer list, that was moderated by Fred Thal, is not in service. Fred is a genius at keeping Studer machines up to their best. We RTR guys look to seeing him back on the web. I for one, with three Studers, will look forward to his knowledge.

The information I've posted is probably not best suited to most of those that follow Audiogon. RTR tape is a narrow genre that very few care about. It takes a taste of the sound that most of the great recordings were made from.

The Tape Project scratched the surface of RTR recordings. The prices of the great RTR machines are going up as are the prices of master tapes. Let the feeding frenzy begin!!
For what's worth, when you get hooked on the sound of tape-good tape and not a copy, you'll never go back----------- unless you have a megabuck vinyl rig and then it might be a toss up as the software is cheap.
Fritz the Kat

kftool May 02, 2010 01:32

Owner

[email protected]

Hi Rick, use the above script to subscribe. I believe this group has around 3,000 members.

There are other tape groups you can subscribe to if you're interested. Let me know if you have an interest. Audiogon doesn't allow links.

Ken

kftool May 01, 2010 04:26

Owner

Rick,

Yesterday I sent a link to Albert regarding a number of master tapes for sale from a gentleman on the Reeltoreel site. If you're a tape addict you need to log on and join the site. The tapes range from 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch and 1 inch two track at both 15 and 15 ips.

This gentleman has credability in the RTR circle. His offerings are more than interesting and the prices are fair. The tapes would be shipped from Greece.

I haven't asked what the generation of the tapes are or the machines they were made on; eq, dolby or not.

As Albert said," There is a feeding frenzy from those that have master tapes."

I for one , will settle down, and look to taking my Ampex 440 C 1/2 inch two track along with Peluso 2247 mikes to record the Williamsburg Symphony and any other musical group I can.

The time to begin is now!!!!!!!

regards, ken

kftool April 30, 2010 01:25

Owner

Hi all,

It takes attention, and quick replies for a post on "All out assault" to go up. If you don't pay attention every day you might not even post. I've had this post for a few years and never seem to have the time to check Audiogon to see when someone asks a question. It usually takes me a few days to respond so the interest is lost from those that asked a question or paid a compliment.

What I do check on, three or four times a day is the Ampex ATR and Ampex sites on Ebay. RTR machines have hit a high mark on Ebay, thanks to TTP and I'm glad somebody flicked the switch. You might get the idea that I'm a tape junkie.

Unfortunately, folks have no fund, so the best machines have vanished from the net. I understand as I have many machines that will go up on sale when the economy changes??????

I'm not a dealer but an out of control audiophile, so says SUE. For a year or two I bought most of the RTR Icon machines, in spite of the advice given to me by someone whose advice was proven to be true.

A tape machine will deliver great sound as long as it has the ability to exceed the quality of the tape it's playing. I believe that says it all. Play a master tape or safety, on a machine that is at least as good as that which it was recorded on and you'll be in heaven. Knowing if the tape was recorded with NAB or CCIR EQ, with or without Dolby, will all make a difference. In the end it's all about how it sounds when you turn out the lights and enjoy what you're hearing. By the way, It is cheaper to own a machine that will play, as opposed to record, so big bucks are only needed when you hit the record button.

FWIW, I hope the buyer that paid $810 for "Kind Of Blue" on a 2 track 7 1/2 ips sealed tape got his money's worth. For me, I'll open my Blue Note re issue I paid much less for, and be happy. I don't care much for Jazz, but maybe that will change.

regards, Ken

kftool April 27, 2010 01:41

Owner

Hi Sam and all, so here we go!

How many times have those of us in audio experienced an epiphany the changed their outlook on sound. It happens when we hear a speaker or amp the makes everything sound better but that change always reoccurs. Every once and a while something happens that makes a change that is an order of magnitude better than what we've experienced.

Before I first heard a Tape project tape at the CES, I was happy to play my LPs and CDs and figured I was in hog heaven. How that experience changed my thoughts on music.

I haven't played a CD for a few years and I have some good stuff. Now it's tape first and LPs second.

I bought an Ampex 351-2, some Neumann and Altec condenser mikes, a pair of mixers and other gear around 1958. It was great recording live music but it all was sold when I needed a house for my wife and kids. Sold to a good friend, I bought it all back, unused, after I heard TTP issues. After that it was ass over end for RTR machines. Three years ago they were still cheap and not many guys wanted them. Finding a pristine pair of Technics 1500 machines for $600 each won't happen again. Over the last two years the prices on GOOD RTR machines has been going up, Thank You, The Tape Project!

I saw that TTP used ATR 100 machines and ordered one from Mike Spits at ATR services, Mike supplied ALL the machines to TTP. Just call him "Mr ATR."

It took a while to take delivery on the first machine. Mike is a great guy and I kept in touch with him regarding the RTR purchases I was making. All the time he told me to stop buying all those machines as I'd never use them after I heard an ATR. Well, he was right but it's fun to have a collection of machines that recorded the greatest recordings ever made.

Since this is a forum for crazy and obsessed audio guys to rationalize their choices, I'll take advantage of it. Other than the ATRs, my favorite machine is a 440 C 1/2 inch two channel machine with new flux Magnetics MS series heads. I paid way too much for a playback only deck that was as new, a pair of clean 440c pres and a set of Ampex portable cases that were as new. They came from a friend on the Ampex list that lived at the other end of the country; I'm in Va. Freight was half the cost of the cases, but worth it. The machine is a back breaker but hand trucks make it easier to handle. Mike
Spitz put it all together, what can I say.

Recording good live music on ATR 1/2 inch master tape, at 15 ips on this machine, delivers sound you'll never get any other way. The quality of the musicians will always determine how many times you may choose to listen to the tape. Having said that, would you ever admit that something you took part in was a total flop?

The memories of you and your better half hunched over a pair of spinning reels, monitoring the music off headphones and just waiting to get home around midnight to play it back is priceless.

I've had this posting up for a few years and it's in need of updating as the system has changed. There seems to be an increased interest in RTR machines, where the tapes can be sources, where the members can offer their thought on tape and machines. I have a trove of machines that might pique interest as a separate posting on "All out Assaults." Having good gear is useless unless you have an opportunity to use. Sue and I have fun on live recordings and it's not easy to find venues, but they are out there. Digital recording options abound and don't break your back.

Sue and I are about having fun recording "The Absolute Sound" and have much to learn. The older you get the more you're grateful you're not making your living in the music industry, just enjoying it.

Your thoughts, Ken

kftool March 29, 2010 00:02

Owner

Vernneal,

I'm working on it!

This week I've boxed up all the LPs, CDs and DVDs I have in the music room. All the surround amps and crossovers will also go back in the boxes. The tape machines along with all the tapes will get moved out. Only the three front channel speakers and amps that drive them will stay as they are too big to move out of the room so they'll be covered. The floor will be covered with masonite so I won't have to worry about damage there.

The room addition I put on for media storage will beused for the tools and machines I'll need to finish the music room. All the sound treatment panels are safely stored on a pallet rack, they've been there for three years. All the materials for the woodwork and trim have been piled in my shop for longer than that. Since the ceiling will be the last thing to be installed I have much to do before that.

I'm someone who has and works toward attaining long term goals.So far the long term goal has been about 9 year and I need to attain it before I either go deaf or kick the bucket.

thanks for asking, Ken

kftool March 28, 2010 16:26

Owner

David,

Presto was a force in the disc recording gear from the 30s to the 50s. Their machines were built exceedingly well and were heavily used in the broadcast industry. They built machines for Muzak and others and decided to compete with the Ampex 351 machines but seemed to be a year or so behind in development. They had a few novel features such as tape guides that also doubled as tape lifters and never seemed to work great. Their editing feature was a first and was neat but they never captured much of a market.

The only Presto machine I ever saw was up for sale just before I bought my 351-2 in the late 50s. It was owned by a local high end audio store/ recording studio called' HI FI FO FUM" at 26th and Wisconsinum. They occupied a fancy car dealer, defunct, showroom in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. All the gear was displayed in great home type surroundings in the glass clad showroom. Their prices were high and lasted only a year or so.

I was just a sophomore in high school and got the full sales pitch but they never thought I was serious about the machine. They wanted to sell the machine along with their failing recording studio and nobody bought it. They went belly up just after I ordered my 351-2.

I've always wanted to see a presto 825 again but never did. Presto was sold soon after and the good RTR engineers went to Scully to show them how to build RTR machines.

There is quite a history behind the manufacture of RTR machines and those that designed them. After digital sounded the death knell of analog tape it seemed it was gone forever. The same bell tolled for vinyl but quality always rears it head and refuses to be burried.

ken

kftool March 27, 2010 22:28

Owner

Hi Sam,

I've spent all day boxing up my LPs, magazines and data sheets.

A year ago I started an addition on my music room to house all the vinyl, tapes, dvds, cds RTR machines, recording cleaning gear etc. I have three doorways connecting the two rooms and thought I could keep all the sawdust, rock dust, sheetrock dust etc.. The three doorways connecting the two rooms were cut through 12 inch solid concrete walls. This dust was harder to eliminate than taxes.

Tomorrow will be a rest day and I'll post info regarding all the fun I've had acquiring and using RTR machines. Thanks in advance.

Ken

kftool March 27, 2010 22:07

Owner

Sam,

Sue and I load up our Ampex 440 c, Grace 201 mike pre, Peluso 2247 se mikes and Atlas 11 ft stands in our Navigator. It takes us three hours to get it lugged into the venue and set up and another two hours to get it broken down an loaded up and back home. It's usually around midnight before we put the tape on the ATR and listen to the recording we just made. The ONLY time we stay up until 3 AM is to listen to what we heard live a few hours earlier--well--not the only time.

You might think the only way to listen to music on tape is to buy it on tape. You'd be surprised at the amount of good live music available in your city by groups that are looking to be recognized. You don't need a 100 lb Ampex machine to capture good sound; there are good digital alternatives- under a few pounds.

If this reply piques your interest, think about replying. If not, you'll never know what you're missing.

Sam, thanks for the postings.

Ken

kftool March 27, 2010 00:33

Owner

Hi Sam,

It's been a while since I had just 8 or so RTR machines. There's an interesting story connected to the collection I have and won't bore you unless you ask. If you do, I can assure you it will be interesting.

As of now I have three ATR Services Machines; one ATR 102, one ATR 104, and one ATR 1-2 with Aria upgrade electronics. Two weeks from today I'll drive to York, Pa. to pick up an ATR 1-2 four track from Mike Spitz.

The other machines are; 351-2, two 354s, two 440Bs, one 440c with new 1/2 inch two track Flux MS heads I use for live recording. Three Scully NOS 280b 1/4 inch two track machines, one 280b 1/4 inch four track machine , and a Scully 280b one inch 8 track machine. A pair of Technics 1500 machines, one with remote control, a Tascam 1/2 inch 8 track and a pair of Fostex 1/2 inch 8 track machines. Two Studer 810 A machines and an A 80 VU Mk-3. There are other misc machines, such as a Concertone that doesn't work, but rekindled my high school days. Various Ampex PR 10, 601 and 960 machines also take up space. When I retire I hope to have the time to get many of them working.

I'm still on the hunt for a Presto 825 1/4 inch two track machine --- maybe someday.

IMHO, It's no use getting into RTR machines unless you gamble on buying copies of master tapes from those, that may or may not, have a master tape and copy it on a great pro machine. I've gotten stung more times than not, but the tapes that sound fantastic make it all worthwhile.

Sam, I'm sure that your Studer 820 puts everything else in your system to shame when the tapes are great.

Thanks for the reply, and maybe it will provoke a discussion on tape with those that have it, and those that are thinking about it.

regards, ken

kftool March 27, 2010 00:12

Owner

Hi Avsource 1

The subs are flat to 20 HZ using etf software and a B & K measurement mic. I haven't bothered to measure the 3 db down point yet as it doesn't matter that much to me.

The drivers were sourced from my friends at Krell. They were built by OEM manufacturer T C Sounds in California who build sub drivers for many high end speaker manufacturers. The drivers are those used in Krell's Master Reference Subwoofer and are monsters.

I usually play music at levels around 90 DB but not too long at that level. Because the volume of the room is around 26,000 cubic feet the room isn't compressed at that level. It seems as though the level is around 80 to 85 db so it's easy to let the volume get away from you.

The preferred musical genre is classical but mostly everything sounds good. I'm trying to become accustomed to jazz as small ensembles really stand out, but for now all jazz tends to sound the same to me, I guess I need to learn a little more about jazz. The system really stands out with tape. The Tape Project issues are all stunning and they have prompted me to attempt purchases of master tapes from other sources. Unfortunately the "other sources" tend to be lacking as there is no way to know the authenticity of the material until after you've bought and paid for it, and then listen. Even though many tapes are disappointing, it's worth the chance of getting a really great one.

Ken

kftool February 20, 2010 21:15

Owner

Hi Vernneal,

" Wow" is what every "Gonner" works to attain. You make changes in gear until everything sounds right. If it doesn't, you selective change one piece at a time until you have what you want.

Thanks to Audiogon we can buy and sell all the commercially available gear at a price far below list but how does it sound? Some will visit a retailer, if one is in the area, and lead him to believe we might buy it, what can I say, as they won't be waiting for us to buy forever.

If you're a DIY guy, what you build you'll die with, because nobody will buy ANYTHING from an amateur--Keep in mind that everyone in high end audio started out as an amateur. If you ever intend to sell what you build you'll need to give it away as NOBODY BUYS ANYTHING they can't sell for almost what they paid for it--on Audiogon.

Having said that, I did my homework. I listened to what was at the top of the food chain, used the experience I gained building speakers since the late 50's, didn't skimp on what counted, spoke to those in the know and put the ROOM first!

While I'm happy with the destination, the trip was more than worthwhile.

Thanks for the reply, Ken

kftool February 12, 2010 01:06

Owner

Thanks armyscout41,

I built this system only because I couldn't find, and didn't hear, a commercially available system that satisfied.

Choosing the line source array and then the drivers came about after building a few trial horses an listening to what was out there. Deciding on a design format then escalated to the best quality drivers to satisfy the performance ranges. Just choosing the most expensive drivers is no guarantee of a seamless system, but it's a place to start.

After choosing the drivers I spoke with the designer of each and every driver I chose, except the Panasonic Leaf tweeters. I don't speak Japanese but I had experience with that particular driver. It was also the choice of a number of high end loudspeaker manufacturers so it had a pedigree.

Last but not least, before I made a financial commitment, I spoke with Joe D'Appolito, Vance Dickason, Igor Livitsky at Bholander Graebner, Thilio at TC sounds, an engineer at Scan Speak and my friends at Krell to see if I'd overlooked anything. They were all encouraging so I built the system.

I designed and began building the room 20 years ago, 26,000 cubic feet according to acoustic principles. I've always had BIG speakers and knew the limitations a room will impose on a great system. A big budget for the room and F. Alton Everest's handbook Of Acoustics had to come first and it did. To say I'm happy with the outcome is an understatement.

Thanks for the posting, as it has reminded me of the work and enjoyment I've had since the speakers came to life.

It's time for an update as things have changed!

Ken

kftool February 09, 2010 00:20

Owner

Hi Blueskies,

It sounds like an offer I can't pass up! You're welcome to visit anytime.

The system is definitely due for an updating as I've added and changed some components. I've also learned how to create paragraphs by hitting the return button so the description will be better presented.

We have an audio group in Richmond that meets regularly so you may be interested in attending one of our meetings.

regards, Ken

kftool December 09, 2009 18:03

Owner

Hi alley cat,

Congrats on the Studer A810. I assume you bought the pristine offering on Audiogon. Whatever you paid for it, you bought a gem.

Last week Sue and I drove ATR Services in York, Pa. to pick up another ATR. Will it ever end? Of course, as Ampex only made 3,000 machines:-)

Once you get hooked on RTR machines, you start to hunt master tapes and then the sonic search never ends.

I look forward to your thoughts on the sonic differences you'll hear with the Studer. It can be an addiction.

regards, Fritz the cat.

I'd like to hear your thoughts on the differences in sound between the Technics and the Studer.

Fritz the cat

kftool July 04, 2009 00:44

Owner

Hi all,

I need to post a new picture, as it appears the speakers are tall, and they are. My wife at 5 ft 6, is four feet shorter than the speakers. I need to update the site.

Thanks for looking.

Ken

kftool April 09, 2009 01:11

Owner

Thanks,

I think you and I are in the same age group, on Medicare and remember when Buddy Holly died. I also remember where I was and what I was doing when JFK was shot. I was a college kid working at Allen Bradley in Milwaukee. I 'll never forget the moment when the announcement came over the pa system.

The older I get, the more I realize the importance of realizing why I've been living and what will make me happy when society casts me aside.

I love to work, listen to music and build things. At 67 my wife, neighbors and everyone else I know, think Im crazy to add on to my music room- I just need more room for vinyl, tapes and gear, What can I say.

As Raul says, "Enjoy The Music."

Thanks for the reply, as it has invigorated me to post a few new projects.

regards, Ken

kftool April 09, 2009 00:20

Owner

Hi Vicente,

I have Park equalizers for 10 channels; two front subs, left, right and center front, left and right side and rear surrounds and a rear center surround channel.
Sinci I use Krell electronic crossovers on everything, I use the Park eqs below 60 HZ on the subs, from 60 to 200 HZ on the three front channels and below 500 hz on the five surround channels. All the mid and HF ranges are unaffected by the Park eqs. I have no problem with the performance they deliver and would not hesitate to recommend them. I must say that using them with active crossovers does offer a significant advantage.

Ken

kftool November 02, 2008 03:22

Owner

Albert,

I need to get the reservations this weekend so we can do just that.

Ken.

kftool July 11, 2008 15:17

Owner

I'm in Richmond, Va. and you're welcome to listen if you're in the area.

Ken

kftool July 10, 2008 10:27

Owner

Wojtek,

Tape is first by far, master tapes or master dupes when you find good ones. The Tape Project got me started and now listen to tape more than anything else. Building a library is slow and expensive but I have the time . Also, playing with RTR machines is a blast as they can be tweaked much the same as a phono cartridge / arm combination.

Vinyl is next for me with SACD's close behind. I almost never play CD's anymore and it's a shame as I have a good number of great titles.

I'm in Virginia so I limit my business to east coast guys.

Ken

kftool April 09, 2008 20:52

Owner

Kevpa,

Hi Kevpa,

To start out, the sound is much better than I ever would've expected. It didn't surprise me because I didn't cut corners to obtain great sound. After all, we can purchase almost any audio product on audiogon for about half off. If it is a quality built item it will offer performance that cannot be attained from a retail product. That is the advantage of being an Audiogon subscriber. Is it unfair too audition at a retail dealer and buy on Audiogon? That is the free enterprise system. I almost never had the chance to hear what I was interested in at a dealer. You do your homework, visit the CES and roll the dice. If you don't like the best of what you hear, you need to Do IT Yourself. The amount of technical information out there will enable anyone with the will to do it! That was my choice.

I owned two of the four drivers I incorporated in the system before I decided to design and build my system. Speaking with the designers of all the drivers and doing my homework set my mind at ease.

It's amazing how helpful designers are when you ask their opinions and help. They affirm your best ideas and warn you of the pitfalls, then offer alternatives to help you attain your goals.

To make a long story short; line arrays eliminate ceiling and floor reflections that present problems with other speaker designs. designing a 3 way line source that incorporated a horizontal D'Apollito array was taboo when i thought of it. The thought was; you would have comb filter effects if you incorporated that configuration in a center channel speaker for video. ---My listening position from the speakers is 24 feet. Integration of the sonic cylinders of the line sources integrate well before that dimension. This dimension eliminated comb filtering effects unless you're doing the mambo while listening..*
To finally answer your question; the sound is glorious; overkill power with the amps, active xovers, and drivers that loaf at SPL levels of 110 DB tells me that over design is the way to go, provided you have the room, budget and desire to do so.

I'm not dumb enough to listen at that level but it's good to know the system is loafing at 200 MPH.

Thanks for your question,

Ken

kftool March 20, 2008 01:19

Owner

Hi Tony,

The transformer installation was necessary only because I'm in an area where all the lots have only one 200 amp service. I bought this property 36 years ago when the only service to the property was 100 amps. Our home was the second built in the subdivision. Back then there was no air conditioning, things have changed!

I guess I'm one of the few people that raise their family in a homestead that won't be sold for a frivolous reason, such as flipping a house for $$$$. Since I bought this place 36 years ago I've added and added. A 4800 sq. ft shop, AKA " The Toy Factory," a 1900 sq. ft garage and a few others. We needed plenty of power and could only get another 300 amps from the xformer feeding our lots. Va Power installed a separate xformer to supply what we needed and put all our services on that xformer. No more noisy refers from our neighbors to affect our power.

Tony, thanks for the posting, you have no idea how good clean power is until you don't have it. I'm thankful that I have my own xformer.

Ken.

kftool March 18, 2008 00:06

Owner

Diggler,

The resultant sound was due to the experience in building my own speakers since 1956 and feedback from the designers of all the drivers I implemented in the systems.

The speakers have always performed to the n'th degree with cd and vinyl.

When "The Tape Project," offered their master tape dupes, things changed. I had already stopped buying CD's a year or so ago when I realized the sonic merits of vinyl. After hearing master tape dupes from TTP and others that offer the same ??????????, I've gotten hooked on tape!.., It's a whole new world that takes audio to a new level.

Hearing a copy from the MASTER TAPE from a "Power Station" recording, in the 80's of a top artist tells me, the cost of master tape dupes is more than worthwhile.

The system has taken on a new life, only because of the program material. Analog tape at 15 ips, will cost about $200 for a 45 minute performance plus or minus-----

Few audiophiles will have the chance to hear a true master tape on a system that will showcase the sound that the recording engineer heard: a big system in a properly designed room. It could be better than sex, unless you're married to my wife, Sue!

kftool March 16, 2008 00:39

Owner

Ljr33,

It looks exactly as it did then. Once the system was up and running I diverged to other projects. The first was a turntable that I'll have up and running in about a month. I've put 2 years and $$$ into a machine that will weigh 1540 lbs and employ three arms. There are two Kuzma Air Lines, and a Dynavector DV 507 MK II.

The second is an RCM that might be finished before Christmas.

The third can be attributed to The Tape Project. I found a new life for my Ampex 351- 2 that I purchased new in 1958. The master tape dupes they offer eclipse everything I've heard this side of live!.

Thanks for the post.

nKen

kftool March 12, 2008 02:30

Owner

Ultimate Audio,

Thanks for the compliment in your second posting. I'm glad you enjoyed my pix taking skills!

come by for a listen.

Ken Fritz

kftool February 27, 2008 00:00

Owner

Dear Ultimate Audio,

It is my sincere hope that your ability to evaluate the sonic qualities of loudspeakers greatly eclipses your ability to critique a photograph of the same.

I can understand that someone who is relegated to listening to MINI MONITORS may find it hard to believe that any woman would allow her husband to build a system as large as is shown in my photograph.

The computer skills needed to photoshop the picture, as you implied was done, are those I will never possess. I don't have the time to get that good on a computer.

While I probably should've included my wife alongside one of the 9 ft. 4 inch towers, just for perspective, it never occurred to me that it might be necessary. After spending more than 5400 man hours over a 2 1/2 year period of time constructing the speakers, the last thing I needed to do was to PHONY UP a photograph to convince anyone of the scale of the project.

I've sent a DVD containing over 700 Hi Rez photos taken over the construction period to the few Audiogon members that expressed interest in the project. Should you, Sir, wish to evaluate the more than 700 photos of my speaker project, not posted on Audiogon, for photographic accuracy I'll be happy to send them to you , with my compliments.

In the mean time, Sue and I will continue to enjoy the HOME BREW speaker system that has brought us so many hours of pleasure. Music reproduced on a well designed, large system in a 26,000 cubic foot, acoustically designed room re enforces the saying "Size does matter."

I feel fortunate in having a wife, personal ambition, pattern making and construction skills, facilities, and the time and money it took to have undertaken the project. The journey was every bit as enjoyable as the destination!!!

To Ultimate Audio; I trust that both you and your wife enjoy the musical sensation delivered by your mini monitors as much as do Sue and I on our DIY system. After all, when the music begins, the system should disappears. I know mine does.

If you're ever in Virginia, I suggest you stop by for a listen, you're more than welcome.

As Raul always says, "Enjoy the Music." Ken Fritz

kftool February 26, 2008 23:54

Owner

Hi William,

It' great to find out that we have another potential member for the Richmond Audio Society. We meet 6 times a year and have a VINYL splinter group that meet as many times a month as our wives allow.<>*# Yeah right! We know who's in control.

I have many photos and info to post but never seem to find the time. Yesterday a good friend and RAS member brought his computer, Acoustisoft ETF software, measurement mike, sound card an knowledge over to see if we could integrate a GML mastering equalizer into the right and left front towers. When I set out to build the 9 ft- 4 inch line arrays I was figured I might need equalization. The set sounded and measured great without the 9500 but there is always that nth degree of enhancement.

After half a day , I realized this would be a time consuming project and purchased the Acoustisoft software last night. I then realized it only works on a Pc, I have a Mac. Another computer to learn and buy isn't appealing.

By the way, we have a deterrent for any member bringing RAP music. We lock them up in my shed for 24 hours, listening to a tape of my neighbors 7 year old learning chop sticks, on a Yamaha digital piano!

If I had to point to the biggest sonic breakthrough for me in the last year, it would be"The Tape Project." I heard it at the CES last year. One to one dubs of master tapes, recorded from the mike feeds the recording engineers heard. No compression, limiting, or any of the <>* that we hear by the time we buy the final product. I subscribed to their offerings, played the first tape on my Ampex 351-2. That was 4 months ago and since then , I've added 8 studio reel to reel machines to my stack of gear. Unfortunately, Saint Mary can count, a problem I'll deal with after a trinket or two and a good bottle of wine. Until you hear a master tape, you just don't know what unadulterated music sounds like--- not including live music.

My wife Mary Sue, is affectionately known to the members of the RAS, as "Saint Mary." She knew what she was in for before she married me! When I play my music, she retires to the other end of the house , to her computer.

Ken.

kftool December 31, 2007 00:28

Owner

David,

Nothing conveys the emotion of music and film better than large speakers set up in a purpose designed room. Couple them with good electronics, with excessive power overkill, and you have a combination that's hard to beat.

This combination does present some problems. Unless you have the opportunity to listen before you buy, making corrections on a big system can be not only expensive but time disheartening as well.

Happy new year,

Ken

kftool December 26, 2007 14:35

Owner

Rick,

There is absolutely no problem in driving the system. It uses 12 Krell FPB stereo amps. 5-600's on the 3 front towers and the left and right subs, 200s on the tweets. The 5 surround towers each use a 300.

After I decided on the choice of drivers, I spoke with Krell regarding the driver configuration --- series parallel etc. so that the load impedance presented to the amps would maximize their power delivery to the speaker banks. Since Krell supplied the 5 KBX electronic crossovers, they knew what their amps needed to do.

All the amps are configured to run on 220 VAC and are each fed from a dedicated circuit. Using 220 and #10 copper wire for each circuit pretty much assures the fact that the Krell's won't run out of juice.

Cheers,Ken

kftool December 11, 2007 00:15

Owner

Bob,

Thanks for the comment, but it's pretty hard to outdo Albert. He's a pretty amazing guy in many ways. I hope to have him here soon after my turntable is finished and set up. He's a dyed in the wool tube guy and I'm 100% solid state. It will be an interesting visit I'm looking forward to.

Ken

kftool December 10, 2007 23:59

Owner

Hi Chris,

I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation, it was both interesting and informative.
I wouldn't have called you at work just to chew the Audiogon rag. After reading your posts to an analog thread, I knew am accelerometer would be on my wish list. Our conversation resulted in a sale for your company and I appreciate your help and direction in choosing an accelerometer and charge amplifier. Now I just need to learn to use it.

Regarding prototypes; I had used some of the drivers I employed before, in other speakers I built. However , the more drivers you use in a larger multi way system, in this case a four way system, the more complexities you may not realize until you hear the finished system. In my case it would have been too late to make changes.

I spoke with the designers of all the drivers I chose to use , told them of my plans and asked if I was about to do something wrong. One designer asked what mental institution would allow the system in my cell*>
It's amazing the information out there for anyone interested in building rather than buying. The driver designers are a very gracious breed and like to discuss their products with someone who seeks them out.

Crossovers,-- This system needed the flexibility of active crossovers, crossover points and slopes. It offered the ability to make necessary changes if needed, none were.

Amps, --The ability to size the power to the load, and change easily if necessary, no change was necessary. Overkill is great, use more power than you'll need and you have a system that ALWAYS loafs along.

I plan on using the accelerometer when I set up the turntable I've been building for going on 2 years now. After that I'm sure it will come in handy in ferreting out vibrations here and there that will keep me busy! I'm sure I'll have no time to get into trouble.

Chris, thanks again, as the unit arrived today.

Ken

kftool December 10, 2007 23:49

Owner

Audiofrik,

Since we last communicated, I've been able to spend a good deal of time listening to the system that took me so long to build. Music therapy is second to none! I've rediscovered many of the LPs I bought 40 some years ago. Since I now have vinyl gear that didn't exist back then, I've almost stopped playing CDs and now listen to nothing but vinyl.

I'm sorry to hear of your disability, but trust you've made up for it in other ways. There are many able bodied folks walking around completely unaware of pleasures at their fingertips, but don't think of spending time looking for them in the right places.

Merry Christmas, Ken

kftool December 10, 2007 23:15

Owner

Hey Corbelli,

Thanks for the reply,

I checked your "system," link I see that you have a Krell 300S. Your thought about using a Krell KBX crossover to enhance the performance of your speakers is one that I've personally advocated for the last 20 years. Drive the speakers with a dedicated amp that matches the power and frequency requirements of the driver, an electronic crossover is the best solution. There is only one problem, MONEY; more amps, active crossovers, more cables { cable barons love this }.

If you don't get crazy, the results are glorious. If you have the means for TEF measurements, you can taylor the sound to YOUR ears and the TEF computer.

The 300S is a great amp. I had 3 of them and a pair of 200S amps along with 4 MDA 300's and 4 MDA 500's that I planned to drive my system with. I realized that there was no remote controll link to turn all the amps on at the same time and sold them. I bought the FPB series that have outputs to utilize the Krell Link controllers. I hope to compleat the system with the Krell 8.4 Processor that should be out one of these days, if the creek don't rise.

The KBX units are out of production, check Audiogon and buy one when it comes up, it is a great unit. There is no longer a viable market for active xovers. The high end is following the pro end of self powered speakers.

Until you realize the advantage of an active crossover, YOU WILL NEVER REALIZE WHAT YOU ARE MISSING. As Dennis Miller said," I may be wrong."

In my case, there was no other way I could design and build my system without ALL ACTIVE XOVERS, ALL SOLID STATE, KRELL AMPS. To this day I ha've not regreated the path I took.

Keep true to your plan, Krell amps run forever, grab a KBX, look for a small Krell amp for the top end, and enjoy.

Ken

kftool July 10, 2007 01:21

Owner

Tame Junglecat,

It generall runs from $950 to $1100 a month , depending on the time of year, but that includes the electricity for my shop behind the house. I spend as much time out there working on projects as I do listening to the set.

Cheers, Ken

kftool February 14, 2007 16:38

Owner

Mike,

I guess I need to go to Apple computer school. Part of my text message was omitted in my last response. one more time.

There are only two theories of audio wave propogation: point source and line source.

Point source sends all frequencies from an emanating sphere. It is the same as a rock droping in a pool of water, concentric spheres of energy, only audio is in 3 dimensions.

Consider a 7 ft ,3 or 4 way vertical D'Apolitto array, there are many. If you sit in the center of the acoustic sweet spot, generally around 42 inches from the floor, there will be no time delay problems, your ears are on the acoustic center of the speaker. Stand up, or lie down, and you're no longer on the acoustic center of the speaker. The time delay effect are generally masked by the sheer acoustic power of a system you've spent from $50,00 to $100,00 to purchase. In reality, the slight change in acoustic center doesn't matter much when you have friends over for a good time. After all, you've purchased all this for------ you.

Point source speakers generate spherical sound fields. Ceiling, floor and sidewall reflections generate a complex acoustical problem to deal with. In reality, one speaker is a cheaper problem to deal with than the more complex, and expensive multiple driver system. REMEMBER, more isn't always better.

Enter the line source. Instead of generating a spherical wave form which will add many more random waveforms to the listening area, the line source eliminates 2 boundaries of sonic interference, ceiling and floor reflections. The line source generates a vertical cylindrical waveform. Stand up , lie down or sit, the sound will be the same. The sound will only vary with a left or right change in position, dependent on the polar pattern of the system. While polar patterns of a line source speaker are not effected by floor and ceiling reflections, others are.

If you're still looking for the speaker to satisfy, a line source may be the beautiful woman you've not been handsome enough to marry, but it can be the beautiful woman you may be able to buy; if anyone is still making them.

kftool December 04, 2006 04:32

Owner

Hi Mike,

Before responding to your posting' a few days late, I looked at your system photos, it gives me an idea of the frame of reference the posting is coming from. It's good to see someone who puts his , or her, thoughts into a plan of action. Not everyone has the time to build what they hope will sound good, but many of the high end speaker manufcturers started just that way; Wilson, Vandersteen, etc. I noticed th A5- Voice of the theater bass horns and the gorgeous edgar mid horns.

Now to answer your questions.

First timing; when I laid out the plan for a 9 ft line source with mid bass, mid range and tweeter colums, it became obvious that time allignment would be a must or comb filtering effects would be disaterous. This is the third line source I've built. The first was not time alligned, after that I learned my lesson. I spoke to the actual designers of all the drivers used in my entire system. My first question was "do you see a mistake in my plan?". The second was, if not , I need the dimension of the acoustic center of the driver I have chosen. All the large multi driver systems offset the drivers. Please keep in mind most conform to the D'Apolitto theory of sound convergence, mine do.

Regarding phase errors: being a speaker builder at heart, you know that at the crossover point phase errors can be disasterous, especially with PASSIVE crossovers. Everyone uses them so they can sell a$80,000 pair of speakers that can be driven by TWO expensive, high quality amps. With the use of active crossovers, even better sound will result, but at what cost. Some use Integral amps for the subs, and they should, as it leaves the audiophile to make their own choice to drive the less power hungry mid and hf drivers.

Dynamic drivers change impedance with respect to frequency, as you know. Passive xovers allow an interaction, fed back through the crossover, between drivers crossing over at the same frequency. The change in electrical characteristics of the adjoining drivers have a symbiotic effect on the work they need to perform. It is expensive for a speaker mfg to design a xover to reduce the driver interactions. The phase angle of a driver changes at the crossover point, but what if we could eliminate the driver interaction at the crossover point. WE CAN by using active, rather than passive xovers. With this implementation all drivers are operating as if they are they only ones working. There will still be acoustic interference but that is more easily handled. WHY don't we see more use of this solution? MONEY. If you're in business you need to stay in business, ergo, make a profit.

I chose to use Krell active xovers throughout the system. It solves problems in a system as complex as I decided to build. I have control of the power level to each speaker bank. This is active control , rather than the passive, power robbing effects of passive xovers. ALL the amplifier pewer should go to the drivers rather than resisters thad pad the power for the sake of balance.The downside?, more amps and more cost. As they say,"you can have anything you want, as long as you're willing to pay for it.

I've had the system set up and measured by Acoustics First. ETF measurements were used to balance the levels of all the 7 speakers separately, and then the proper overall balance of the system as a whole.

The room and electronic equalization is another factor. As the room is trimmed out the Parc equalizers will fine tune the room . I hope I'll live that long

This will be the last speaker system I'll build, so what can I say.

I appreciate your poinent questions, as many audiophiles may not be aware of the pitfalls of DIY speaker building, I no you concurr.

Thanks, Ken

kftool December 04, 2006 01:26

Owner

Hi Aaron,

I'm hoping to settle down and make a decision on a head amp soon. The table I building should be done around Christmas and it would be nice to have everything buttoned up by then. I plan on going to the CES to look at the candidates and order what I need there.

The 3 cartridges I purchased are the Shelter 90X, My Sonic Labs Eminent, and the Koetsu Platinum Signature Jade.

I have a Krell KPE Reference now, but only one, so it would be necessary to swap cables, open it up to change the loading in order to listen to the 3 different cartridges. Getting 2 more KPE's would solve the problem, but having only single ended outputs, I'd need to keep the table right next to the preamp, something I didn't want to do.

Thanks for the reply,regards Ken

kftool November 29, 2006 13:59

Owner

Hi Bulldogger,

This is the first I've heard about Sandmans. I plan on going to the CES and hope they will be there. I thank you for the tip.

I've been thinking about how I can get a new screen, when Sue says the one we have is big enough, and it really is. I think I will invite Sue's 6 year old nephew over to watch a football game, he's a terror. Maybe the Gods will shine on me along with a new football from Toys R Us.

Thanks again, Ken

kftool November 29, 2006 01:23

Owner

Hi Aram,

Thank you for noticing the rugs, they are beautiful, but not Persian.

When I laid out the room , I intended to use oriental rugs, not only for their estethic contribution to the decor of the room, but also because of the acoustical properties they possess. We have a friend who is a 5th generation rug merchant. He supplied us with the rugs throughout our home, some of which, are Persian. We always chose rugs from showroom stock, but soon realized that when we wanted specific sizes, colors and patterns, they could be supplied in authentic Persian patterns and colors, but had to come from India. It seems that, in the arena of oriental rugs, India has benefitted from the turmoil in Iran etc.

We chose from Persian designs, made with New Zeeland wool, to the sizes we specified. The rugs under the 3 front channels incorporate the same design but with reverse and contrasting colors in the fields and borders. While we had to wait 3 years for those to be delivered, we waited over 4 1/2 years for the large frontal rug. That rug, made with a 310 line knot count , took 2 crews of 7 people each, working 10 hour shifts per day, 7 days a week, for 19 months, to weave; so we were told. It was almost a 3 year wait for a loom large enough to become available before the rug was begun, the result was worth the wait.

One additional benefit of having wool rugs is that they don't have a deliterious effect on audio cables as do synthetic fiber rugs; so say the golden ears, of which I am not one.

Building a room that is acoustically correct doesn't always have to incorporate things that enhance the audio performance, but only look good in the dark. I intend not to follow that scenario.

thanks Ken.

kftool November 21, 2006 00:33

Owner

Kha,

I finally got to the Barco web site. I guess that I won the lottery and just didn't know it because that is the only way I could afford that fantastic projector. They were designed for Metroplexes to replace film projectors.

Last year I saw the $30,000 Sony Quallia projector at Home Media here in Richmond. There was and still is nothing like it. The problem was that the ANSI lumen output was too low to work in a dimly lit room, which is how Sue and I like to view movies.

My brother just bought the new Sony projector using the SXRD panel , less than $4500. and NO SCREEN DOOR EFFECT. It may only be a matter of time before Sony escalates that technology to the level that I can use. We have the Sony 60 inch SXRD in another room and the picture is better than anything out there. It is able to present images that the present media is unable to provide.

Think about the old adage---"I just met a woman who is rich, over sexed , and owns a liquor store," but in my case, I'm too young to drink. I'm hoping that in a year or so, when the technology progresses, I'll be able to purchase that LAST video projector I'll ever need. YEAH right !!

We have a beautiful audio video set -up but the majority of our enjoyment comes from 2 channel audio, especially on the nights we set aside for ourselves. Good dance music, a big dance floor, no shoes or much of anything else, but fun until we are too tired to keep it going.

Karl, getting on the subject of vinyl, arms, etc; I know you have 2 Kuzma Air Lines, and cartridges galore, I hope I may presume to call on you when I finally get my arms and cartridges up and running. There are few "gonners' that have the gear and knowledge to get the most from what they have. I trust you will impart your experience to a fellow "gonner" that hasn't had vinyl spinning for many years.

thanks, Ken

kftool October 03, 2006 00:01

Owner

Kha ,

You have me at a disadvantage, I have no idea what the DP100 system is.

I have 158 inches between the left and right speakers. My present screen is 20 inches less. I cannot use a widescreen formated screen without increasing the vertical dimension that would make me bug eyed. Having all format pictures the same height and adjusting only the width is apealing to me.

I will check the Barco web site but I feel you have an opinion that a salesman wouldn't have. Please enlighten me, and thanks.

regards, Ken

kftool September 25, 2006 00:44

Owner

Hey Bulldogger,

You're right,fantastic audio is the perfect venue for great video. When I first started building the room, the idea was for 2 channel audio only; I started the room about17 years ago. When the plan changed to accommodate video the first screen I installed was a 135 inch Stewart techscreen micro-perf formatted for an ntsc image. This screen was later replaced with the same series screen only formatted for widescreen.

At the last cedia show I saw a Screen Research spun woven acoustically transparent screen that is nothing short of spectacular. If that screen would have been available in a side electromasked, letterbox formatted, electroscreen in a 152 size, it would be in the front of my room along with a Runco projector fitted with their auto lens feature. As of now a RETRACTABLE screen is unavailable with those features in that size. When one is it will be the next upgrade for my system.

While the system is portrayed as a 7.1 system, 90% of its use is for 2 channel or multi channel audio using the SACD format. However, the impact it delivers on video; Master and Commanderand other blockbusters is nothing short of spectacular. As Blu Ray and HD DVD begin to take hold, the addition of movies in hi def will have me licking my chops.

kftool September 24, 2006 13:59

Owner

Hi Rehan,

There are times when I think my address should be a sanitoriom, my wife thinks that now. It's great to build whatever you want without any restrictions, that certainly has been my circumstance. It took 5400 man hours over 2 1/2 years to build the loudspeakers that underpin my system. The way they sound was worth the effort.

I recognise the BG tweeters you use in your line arrays. Igor Levitsky , who designs the drivers for BG was very helpful when I was designing and building my speakers. It was fun to finally meet him at the 2005 CES after the many times we talked on the phone . I know your system incorporates some of the finest drivers money can buy. I can't help but think you have your eye on something bigger.

I'm in Richmond Va. If you ever come my way, just email and we can set up some time to clear out a few cobwebs from our ear canals.

regards, Ken Fritz

kftool September 24, 2006 04:08

Owner

Hi Jlambrick,

Thanks for the reply. The system does presint a soundstage unlike anything I've heard. The 9ft 4 inch line arrays along with the 26,000 cubic foot room I designed and built for this type of a system work beautifully together. As you might imagine, the speakers and the room they play in must exhibit good synergy or all will be lost.

I'm located in Richmond, Va. If you're ever in the area, you're welcome to come by for a listen, just email me and we'll set up a time.

regards, Ken Fritz

kftool September 20, 2006 13:59

Owner

Bryan, I assume that when you say; "I am definitely going to put together an office system with nice monitors," you mean computer screens for your new office staff to monitor your new accounts. Just kidding, as I know what too much exhuberance can do. When I bought out the "Alligators" who were my last partners, I went out and bought 5 computer terminals to bring my company up to speed; 2 years later I sold them for 10 cents on the dollar, unopened. I knew then, that only hard work will get results.

I'm sure you know, the last comments were made in jest, I know
you'll do what it takes to finance the next audio upgrade.

I'm working on a new posting that will encompass many of the shots I took over the 2 -1/2 years it took to build the speakers. Most of the postings on Audiogon show shots of commercially available products. I hope to include shots that might otherwise seem to have been taken at a speaker manufacturing plant. 4 months ago I registered a domain name for a dedicated web site for the project. Time has not been on my side as I have done nothing but paying the bill for the web site. Maybe things will change and I will find time to compleat a project that has caused my wife, Saint Mary, to call me extreme. thanks Ken

kftool July 05, 2006 21:53

Owner

Hi Bryan, It's Sunday now, I've been away for a few days and just read your posting. I hope the meeting regarding your business purchase went well, and you are now another over taxes and over regulated business man.

There area few changes to the system in the works. In a few months Krell should be delivering their Evolution 8.4 processor. When I was building my speakers I called Krell to see if the next generation processor would support a rear center channel. When they said it wouild I purchased the same driver complement as I was using for the 4 rear and side surrounds along with the Krell KBX 3 way crossover and associated Krell amps for the rear center skpeaker that would be required some time in the future. It looks as though the future is now, so I've started building the cabinet. It will be a full horizontal D'appolito array and be mounted 7 feet from the floor. I hope it works out.

While I still don't have my SOTA Milennium-Tri Plainer- Shelter 90X together and playing, I've decided to build a table; vacuum platter, double motor-flywheel drive, cast polymer base etc. I plan on using 2 tonearms on the table; a Dynavector DV507 MK II which I picked up here on Audiogon. Twenty years or so ago, I had a chance for a Dynavector 505 arm, and waited too long in deciding to buy it. When the opportunity passed I regreated not acting faster and figured there would be another time. A new 507 MK II came up a month ago in the U.K. at a great price, I didn't hesitate this time. The build quality is fantastic. While it is a nostalgic purchase, it won't be my main arm.

I had been reading all I could find on linear trackers and pretty much decided on one. It appeared that until Andy Payer comes out with his Sirius Series 5 table, I guess I missed the Series 4, the Kuzma Air Line seemed to be at the top lf the heap. I spoke with another Audiogoner who was in the threads on Kuzma. After that discussion, I ordered it, and should have it in another week or so. Now I need to get started on the tooling for the cast base. I'm experimenting with a variety of fillers for the matrix. I'll be using 200 lbs of #6 lead shot along with other materials, It will be a fun project.

I had my Ampex 351-2 shipped back to me from Milwaukee 2 months ago. I bought it new in 1958, used it for 4 years, sold it to a friend of mine who never used it, and bought it back from him this last Christmas.. It is gorgeous and doesn't have a scratch on it.

I need to edit my posting and show better pictures than those I have up there now. There never seems to be enough time to get it all done.

Thanks for the reply and please keep in touch. Now that you have your own business, I can see you're already thinking about your next system upgrade. Ken

kftool July 02, 2006 13:29

Owner

Hi Bryan, you're heading in the right direction; being in business for yourself is great , especially when the rewards or dissapointments for your personal capabalities are shared with a woman who realizis that you, as an audiophile, need a new toy when he, "Does good", as they say in the south.

The Richmond Audiophile Society refers to my wife as "Saint Mary". It would be hard to enjoy this hobby if my wife didn't realize the satisfaction I get from every facet of music and the means it takes to realize that enjoyment. As time goes on I'm sure you will realize the importance of having a wife that recognizises the importance, not of only the monetary rewards, but the feeling of being able to enjoy the thrill of the musical experience that escalates along with your ability to upgrade that "old stuff', you've had for years. When she sneaks in a new pair of shoes; I feel confident that, you as an accountant, can materialize a Krell, which you've had around for ages but forgot about, that will convert her to the Audiogon camp. If not, at least it was worth a try. regards, Ken

Please keepin touch, and good luck, best regards, Ken

kftool June 04, 2006 04:02

Owner

Hi Bryan, priorities seem to change as the weather gets warmer. I never seem to be able to finish one outdoor project before another pops up.

There are a few system changes in the works; Krell is about to release the new Evolution 8.4 processor they've been working on. Two years ago they said their next generation processor would support a rear center channel so I purchased all the drivers, active xovers and amps to facilitate construction of that speaker. I'm building the pattern for the mold for the cast polymer baffle I'll need to produce.

The acoustic treatment panels I had Acoustics First build for me, they've been in the crate for a year now, will be installed soon, as I'm now starting the woodwork trim for the music room. I generally only work on the room on rainy days.

Although my Sota Mellennium, Tri-Plainer, Shelter 90X has been sitting for almost a year, not yet set up and running, I wanted to look into getting a second table, with a straight line arm. I considered looking at a Walker, but it isn't a vacuum table, a feature I like. I decided to assemble a table with the features that are important to me. The direction I've chosen will be unique and fun to build.

Bryan, with all the fun stuff going on it would be nice to be retired and play all the time. I'm hoping that time will come in a few short years.

How about your system; any thoughts on pending upgrades or changes? Did you see anything interesting on your trip to China? The articles in "Voice Coil' magazine continue to make greater references to all the high end manufacturers now not only sourcing drivers in China, but also having a good portion of the lower end of their lines completely produced there.

As always, I look forward to your responses and hope your ears are well. ken

kftool May 31, 2006 14:32

Owner

2-18-06 firecracker-77. Bryan, I hope you'll have some time to check out some of the Chinese audio brands we're seeing on the American scene
There have been a few references in the replies listed on my posting regarding how one goes about acquiring the information to build a properly designed loudspeaker. It's certainly more involved than just assembling drivers.
There is a forum for those who are interested in getting "just the facts", without assimilating the comments made by reviewers offering their opinions on their listening experiences. Old Colony Sound in Peterborough, NH has long been a source for straight forward technical information on drivers , enclosure designs, crossover types and designs etc. They are available in book form and written by the industry icons who have determined and laid down the physical constants that define the parameters on how loudspeakers work. Some of the books are written in a way that require a firm grasp of higher level mathematics. Others are presented in a way that make it possible for someone with an average education to understand and apply the basic principles of how loudspeakers work to assemble a reasonable good system. This information can be viewed at www.audioxpress.com. Back issues of Speaker Builder magazine, now AudioXpress, contain articles written by audio enthusiasts who took the plunge and invested in their ideas by building a loudspeaker system. Sometimes just reading about the attempts of others can cultivate the creative abilities in the rest of us.
Another wealth of readily available knowledge comes from the many companies that supply drivers, computer designed crossovers, cabinets and other items needed when one sets out to build their own speakers. Those that work at Madisound, Meniscus, and the other industry suppliers listed in AudioXpress, in many cases are super speakerphiles that are more than willing to impart their experience to a new speaker builder.
Last, but not least and maybe even foremost, are the written reviews of the golden ears in the press that have the envious ability to make a phone call or two and have some of the most exotic, expensive and desirable loudspeakers delivered to their doors for reviewing, without ever writing a check. The rest of us should be so lucky. Reading and assimilating their opinions , along with the published technical data available on speakers , was enough impetus for me to start building my own designs many years ago. It might also be enough for you to take the plunge, try it, it's great fun. Ken Fritz--kftool

kftool February 19, 2006 16:14

Owner

02-12-06 kftool
Rob, Your comment was on the mark. I've never been able to say as much, using so few words, as you have. The dedication has always been there, with the resources arriving much later. At some point in time, perseverance crept in to keep the dedication rolling. Long term goals are great, and better appreciated, when they're finally realized. Thanks, Ken

kftool February 13, 2006 00:07

Owner

02-10-06 dewey, you have posted a great reply. I will be celebrating my 64 th birthday next week. A former employee of mine called me last week from Utah and asked me if I could tell him how to make fiberglass molds. In my industry this is called a "Technology Transfer." He worked for my company for 6 years, and if he didn't learn the basics ,on my dollar , he's out of luck. As a person grows older, the bits of knowledge that are important need to be filed away so that when an important decision needs to be made, it is not just guesswork. The questions you presented will be addressed in a magazine article I'm writing that should be published in a few months. From your reply I might conclude that anyone that builds their own speakers goes to Radio Shack and Home Depot and ends up in audio heaven. Some probably do, but there is a cult of those of us that use the information available to build what you could never afford to buy. There are high end icons that deserve every dollar that they charge for their speakers, but being in business , they realize a statement product is only a lost leader that will draw the regular folks to their profitable lines, after all, that what this country is all about. If you email your address , I will send a dvd with over 400 hi rez photos of the project that took about 3 years to complete. I extend this offer to any Audiogon member in the continental US. In regard to the information you need to study. WWW. Audioxpress.com. Vance Dickason's Loudspeaker Cookbook is the difinitive source on drivers and how they work. My wife says it's 9:30 and time to dine. Please feel free to reply , Thanks, Ken --kftool

kftool February 11, 2006 02:25

Owner

02-09-06 firecracker 77 I finally accesed your system on audiogon. For a guy that just graudated from college that can afford the system you have , I congratulate you. My tuition at UWM in 1960 was $325 per semester. My hourly wage at the local tv repair shop was $2.25 per hr. The only way I could afford my hi fi addiction was to build everything myself. You still have that option in the realm of loudspeakers. You need not have the facilities you saw in the the dvd I sent you, there is a vast resource of information available to you. I suggest you check out Audio Express.com. Spend the money and buy the issues for the last 2 years on cd. I guarantee it will open your eyes as to what you can realize in sound quality by building versus dollars on the retail market. You got through college , don't sell your intelligence short. You may have the ability to build a loudspeaker system that may be better than the best you you could afford to buy on the used market. I had the help of many industry experts as i followed my dream . If you feel I may be of some help for a young wippersnapper in the audio realm , I await your reply. I

kftool February 10, 2006 02:30

Owner

02-08-06 Peepoy2, The references you made to the experience of feeling the German tank advance and the romp of the T-rex certainly did showcase the acoustic power of the subs. A few nites ago we put an "Open Range", again! The gunfight at the end is as good as it gets. Robert Duval was lying, wounded, in a room off an alley when one of the killers walked by. Duval saw the killer's outline between the clapboards and opened up with both barrels of his shotgun. Shooting through the wall, Duval's blast propelled the killer backwards as if he flew. The impact of that blast hit my chest as if I was the one being shot. Not just the power of the subs but also that of the 72 -7 inch mid bass drivers impressed the heck out of me. The cannonfire in "Master And Commander" not only caused an impact in my chest , but I could also feel my hair move. While it's great to experience those sensations while watching a movie, it was not the impetus in my building the system. I first began putting thoughts together for the speakers in 1996, and the plan was for a 2 channel system only. As time went on I realized that multi channel was to become the norm. I then realized that by planning on a horizontal D'Apolito array I'd be able to build 3 identical front channels. The type of design present day high end line sources subscribe to, mirror image pairs with inboard tweeter banks, make it necessary to accept some type of compromise for the center channel. The compromise doesn't matter much for movies, but it does when playing multi channel SACD's. The re-mastered Living Stereo recordings of the 1950's, recorded an Ampex 300, half inch, 3 track machines using 3 Neuman U-47 mikes, sound better than any modern day recordings I've played on the system. I get my chills listening to the type of orchestral recordings that, in this day and age, are impossible to produce with present day production costs. I realize that sacd isn't setting the world on fire, but I , for one, will buy all I can lay my hands on. Ken

kftool February 08, 2006 19:35

Owner

Audiogon members, I tank you for yur enduljense wit my emprupur yus of comaz befur or aftur kwortation marks, mispelued wurds or udder krap dat may mek u think,hay, dat guy needs some skoulin. Plz dun't tink Ju are koresponding to an idjut. I are traned az a injuner. Gajuated 1965, tanks, Ken

kftool February 06, 2006 02:11

Owner

02-06-06 firecracker 77 ooomph capability,-----The system requires 24 separate channels of amplification to drive the 8 speaker and 2 sub towers, all thru active xovers. Less power needed for tweeters and progressively greater power as you move on down to the subs. Krell amps, being pure class A in design, will double their rated power output at 8 ohms as the load impedance is halved down to below 1 ohm. Eg, 600 watts at 8 ohms, 1200 at 4, 2400 at 2 etc.- the lower the impedance, the greater the power, within reason. Push it too far and the amp will overheat and shut itself down. The idea is to utilize the amps greatest performance without pushing it into the shut down range. Keeping in mind that the amp only knows the impedance into which it must deliver power, the number of drivers is not as relevant as long as the amp has enough overkill in power output. How many times do we hear about doing more damage to a speaker with an amp too small than with one too large. When it was time to wire the speakers, I discussed the load configuration with Tod Eichenbaum, Krell's senior analogue engineer, who determined the wiring configuration for the 310 drivers employed in this 7.1 system---soon to be an 8.2--- as Krell has just announced a new Evolution 8.4 processor available in the 3rd quarter of 2006; I just wonder if I can integrate the new processor without Sue asking what that new "thing"is. When she wears something I've never seen before she says"I've had that a while", maybe I'll try that. Tod's recommendations optimized the best output capabilities of the amps with requirements of the speaker banks, capitalizing on the most efficient use of Class A design. As a footnote, all the amps run on 220 volt circuits, each fused separately from a dedicated 200 amp service installed exclusively for the music room. All circuits are wired with #10 copper wire, good for 30 amps at 220 volts; a fpb 600 draws 10 amps max at 220 volts before the linternal circuit breaker trips. As I've been formulating the concept of this system for almost 10 years, I've had enough time to plan for any eventuality, but who knows what's just around the corner. At my age, if Krell goes to all digital amps next year, I might just sell it all and buy a Magnavox. I welcome your comments. As Dennis Miller says, "This is only my opinion, I may be wrong." Ken

kftool February 06, 2006 00:31

Owner

02-06-06,
firecracker 77 The loft you referred to is at the rear of the music room, as we call it. It leads out from our master bedroom and will have a spiral stairway down to the ground floor. Under the balcony are the 5 surround speakers for the system and a 6ft-1in conservatory grand I hope to learn to play someday.
The ceiling height under the balcony is 8 ft. so the sound isn't hampered in any way. The listening area is directly in front of the balcony edge. The dimensional arrangements were planned in advance so nothing was compromised. The electronics were purchased new, with a few unavoidable exceptions. When I decided to scrap the passive xovers on the surrounds and use 3 more Krell kbx active units I found out Krell had discontinued the kbx units a few months earlier and there were not enough spare parts left , mainly circuit boards, for them to produce the 3 more I needed. Their dealer network located a new unit in Canada, I found one in Australia that Krell made for Duntech, also new and unused, and a third in California that was new in a sealed box. After returning them to Krell to have the xover points and slopes changed to fit my needs I was home free in that department. Going active meant 3 more fpb 300 amps. Krell had just begun producing the fpb series with cast input circuitry a few months earlier and obsoleted the series I was using. A dealer demo yielded one of the 3 and Audiogon the remaining 2. Checking the serial numbers enabled me to purchase 2 newer units. When I decided to replace the 8 Hartley 24 in subs with the drivers I now use it was necessary to get another fpb 600, also discontinued a few months earlier. A Krell dealer had a demo he was anxious to sell so I was in luck once again. For as long as I planned to keep this equiptment, it just seemed to be good sense to get all the life from it I can, new was the way to go.

kftool February 05, 2006 21:31

Owner

02-04-06 kftool Audiofrik,. Why do I feel you also have all the Speaker Builder issues published, as do I. In 1958 I built a pair of Electrto Voice Patricians for about 20 % of the retail price. Since then I have owned only one commercially built speaker system, The Thiel CS 5. I still use and enjoy them in a system I put together for my wife.They were acquired when my company did the tooling for the cast polymer baffle employed in that unit. The experience I gained was instrumental in my deciding to tool up for, and cast, the polymer baffles employed throughout my system. Being a speaker builder yourself you probably know that, in many cases, the journey can be as enjoyable as the destination. In this case, mine certainly was. With the myriad of drivers available today the number of possible combinations is mind boggling . Choosing the right combination was greatly aided by the help I recieved from the designers at the drivers themselves. I recall conversations with the engineers at Scan Speak regarding acoustic centers etc., Igor Levitsky at Bohlander Graebner regarding acoustic planes and time allignment. Jennifer Nitty at Panasonic, whose graceous gift of 36 leaf tweeters, unavailable on the open market, made it possible to finish the front center channel tower. Last ,but certainly not least, my good friends at Krell who provided direction in choosing the appropriate electronics, speaker configuration loads, and the sexy Krell strings used on the baffles of the speakers. They also made it possible for me to acquire the 16 metal cone sub drivers that underpin the sound of this system. Van Dickason and Joe D'Apolito, and others, offered reassurance along the way that I hadn't strayed from sound design principles in building these speakers. There were times durring the construction period when someone would say, "Ken, what if they don't sound good", and I'd think to myself, I'll just lie. I'm happy to say that is a sin I didn't have to commit. Audiofrik, thanks for your comments and if you're ever in the area of Richmond Va an open invitation exists. Ken

kftool February 05, 2006 13:21

Owner

2-04-06 firecrcker-77 . your questions regarding the room could take enough time with the reply to wear my typing abilities down to nothing. The room is an addition to our home , off to the side and built into a hill. 30 by 55 ft , 12 inch concrete walls, 8 inch concrete floor, no parallel surfaces. There was an article in an audio magazine some years ago, I cannot recall the year , issue ,or the magazine , that featured a concert hall in Japan that had progressive ceiling geometry that expanded the floolr to ceiling height as the distance from the stage increased. I tried to adapt this idea to my room. While it became an interopolation of dimentions, it seems to have worked out fine. Before the room treatment panels from Acoustics First are up it all sounds quite good The Rives Audio Parc processors should even out the bumps. Please give me a few days to address the other questions you presented. I appreciate your interest , thanks Ken

kftool February 05, 2006 01:45

Owner

1-29-06 kftool Lawrence, I'm glad you posted a question regarding something other than the loudspeakers I've featured on this posting. As you can see, from viewing my list of components, that I am a BIG Krell fan. In regard to the online reviews, any high end manufacturer has it's fans, and foes. The bigger the company, the more vehiment they'll be.. If you check the Stereophile review of the Krell SACD back in '93 or '94 you'll read pretty much the same opinions of the Krell SACD Standard as you'll see on other more recent reviews on Audiogon and other web based reviewers. I first expressed interest in purchasing the SACD Standard over a year and a half ago. I was told krell took it off the market because of the reliability problem with the Phillips SACD transport, which not only Krell, but many other manufacturers were using as the heart of their player. Needdless to say, Phillips also used this drive in their players. Because Krell felt they needed to honor the substantial warranty they offered, they ceased shipping that unit so the remaining in stock transports could be used for warranty replacements; Phillips had simply discontinued the production of that drive. It should be known that, as I understood it, only a certain batch of Phillips drives had problems. Many manufacturers that incorporated that drive had warranty problems.I'd like to think that other high end manufacturers did as Krell did and saved their remaining drives for warranty replacement, although, I doubt that many did. There was talk of a class action suit against Phillips, BUT, a suit against Phillips, Sony, or the US government is a waste of both time and money. I attended the last CEDIA show and saw the SACD Standard on display and again up for delivery. Krell had sourced a new and more reliable transport for the SACD Standard. Unfortunately, the new transport was not retro- fittable to the older units. I took delivery on my new SACD Standard a few months ago and I am happy as " white on rice". I suggest that if you contemplate purchasing a used SACD Standard, you ask the seller for the serial number and where they purchased the unit. Then call Krell for the date of manufacture. Tell Krell you have concerns based on the information I have just stated and they will advise you accordingly. In this day and age, high end companies are bought and sold, in some cases, with the name of the founder on the marquee. A company's "Vision Statement" can only be realistically expected to reign throughout the existance of that company if the founders retain ownership and control of the company. Check the Krell website, and you'll see that that those who envisioned the Krell mission statement are still at the helm. Lawrence, if you have any other reservations on purchasing the SACD Standard , please post another response and maybe I can set your mind at ease regards, Ken Fritz

kftool January 29, 2006 23:43

Owner

01-29-06: kftool Bryan, Your comments regarding owning a business are very astute. In many cases that ownership only contributes the funds necessary to lead a more materially satisfying life. As you recognized, my business has contributed more to my personal life than just money. KF Tooling & Design produces polyester and epoxy molds for the cast polymer industry, solid surface countertops, marble bath products etc. I first need to build a pattern of the product and then produce the tooling. I doubt there are many tools, hand or machine, that I don"t own, some used constantly, and some almost never but all necessary. Without these facilities, my projects would be just another "do it yourself" project supported by Craftsman tools and the material inventory of the Home Depot. Realizing this years ago, I have been able to plan and complete my projects on somewhat of a grander scale than possible by just buying what was available on the open market. As any business owner knows, it's not all money and roses. When times get tough the possibility of losing everything you have always exists. The industry I support relies heavily on petrochemical feedstocks. As the price of oil has escalated I have seen numerous domestic consumers of my products go out of business. That gap is being filled by low priced products from Mexico and China. Good quality solid surface products comming in from Korea and the elsewhere are putting the squeeze on my better customers. I am one of only two companies in the US who supply tooling for the cast polymer industry. My only competitor's business is about 25 times larger than mine. I produce low volume at a high price, while my competitor produces high volume at a low price. As long as there are those out there that want the best money can buy, I'll have a market that will sustain my company, that is "if the creek don't rise." regards, Ken

kftool January 29, 2006 15:03

Owner

1-26-06:Kftool Ekovalsky,While the size of the loudspeaker is important, the performance of a large line source is never realized if they are in a small room. If you have 1600 lbs of line arrays, I know you realize the effect a larger room has on the integration of the cylindrical wavefronts generated by the low, mid, high etc. driver columns. What comments have your friends made after listening at a sound level higher than they think you're playing without actually sounding that loud?
Size does matter, especially when it comes to the room. Substituting different amps and crossovers would almost impossible as there are 6 Krell 2 and 3way active xovers and 12 stereo amps driving the system. 2 years ago I pondered using the DEQX digital xover instead of the Krell xovers. They would offer time and phase correction along with infinitely adjustable xover points and slopes, BUT, injecting all digital processing in an otherwise pure class a,discrete analog electronic chain,was something I couldn"t bring myself to do, maybe at some time in the future. If you're ever in the Richmond, Va. area, inviting you for a listen would be my pleasure. regards, Ken Fritz.--kftool

kftool January 26, 2006 17:24

Owner

1-26-06 firecracker 77.I'm glad you're enjoying the photos. Seeing shots taken durring a project can enlighted a person as to how involved and complicated a seemingly straight forward project can get. Owning a large and well equipt pattern shop,necessary in my business, made the whole project a joy to undertake. After the Sept 11 terror attacks our business took quite a hit which enabled me to devote the type of hours necessary to complete the project. On another note, I am setting up a web site with register .com where the photos you received, along with other information regarding the various other phases of the project, will be posted. I'll let you know when it is done. regards, and thanks for your interest, Ken Fritz -kftool

kftool January 26, 2006 16:30

Owner

1-19-06 firecracker77 While the cost of the drivers used in high end loudspeakers can range from 10 to 20% of the retail price of the system, it may not always be the costliest factor in determining the final price of the speaker. In my case, the costs associated in producing the patterns, masters, and production epoxy tooling needed to cast the polymer baffles probably exceded the cost of the drivers. Furthermore, using the tooling to generate only one set of loudspeakers eliminated the possibility of amortizing the tooling over multiple sets of loudspeakers. Factors such as this is why flagship loudspeakers have a tough time showing a profit on the bottom line. When asked why I spent what I did on the speakers, I just say, "The devil made me do it". regards, Ken Fritz

kftool January 19, 2006 16:36

Owner

1-19-06 kftool [email protected] Thanks for the question; I am very much married, and happily so,. While Sue doesn't exhibit the level of enthusiasm for music and audio equiptment that I do, she does enjoy the home theater experience. Best of all, she has never complained about the time or money I've put into the system. A member of our local audio society refers to her as Saint Mary and I tend to agree.

kftool January 19, 2006 15:27

Owner

1-19-16 kftool firecracker 77; the sound IS room filling, and I feel, in a way that only line arrays could acomplish. With the mids and tweeters operating in a dipole configuration the air and soundstage is heavenly.

kftool January 19, 2006 14:28

Owner

01-02-06: [email protected] steve , I thank you for the response. question 1, 25 years ago i maxed out the x former Va power used to supply our property when I had two 200 amp services installed to supply power to the pattern shop located on our property. When I had 3 additional 200 amp services connected on our property, they were required to install an additional x former to accommodate the load. At that time they connected only our 5 services to the new x former, leaving an additional 400 amp capacity available to our neighbors on the existing x former. Va power will install anything you request if you are willing to pay for the installation, and guarantee them a minimum level of billing per month. Panasonic leaf tweeters, no longer available, but good substitutions are available. email me if you'd like my opinions, as Dennis Miller says, "It's my opinion, I may be wrong." there are good alternatives. question 3. room design, mine is 26,000 cubic feet, no parallel surfaces. Ideas came from mix magazine, absolute sound, stereophile, speaker builder etc. My wife wonders why I need all these issues. You need to know that unless you are in the business, as all the high end icons are , you need help in designing and building a loudspeaker system as large as I did. Help is there, and if you ask, you'll find that you will get help that can enable you to accomplish a goal that may require financial depth that only a very few would attempt. Steve, thanks form your reply to my posting. please reply again , regards, Ken Fritz, kftool

kftool January 19, 2006 04:00

Owner

thanks avfreak, I poured the footings for the room 15 years ago . It is 30 by 55 feet , with the ceiling height of 12 ft at the front,where the speakers are, and 17 feet at the rear. all cast concrete, 12 inch walls, 8 inch floor, details at a later posting. Register .com will be hosting a web site detailing around 1200 digital photos of the construction of the speakers. With the room built as it is , my neighborsdon't even know I'm here. thanks for your reply, don't stop now. After the effort I've put forth, I enjoy sharing the experience.

kftool January 19, 2006 02:48

Owner

Thanks for the reply, Robin. You've prompted me to recall some of the very thoughts I had while I was trying to determine exactly what it was I was hoping to acomplish by this undertaking. This began as a 2 way system until 5 years ago when I realized home theater and 3 front channels must be the norm in my system. I found this to be a problem when i tried to purchase 40 additional Panasonic leaf tweeters, then unavailable in the US, unless someone purchases 1000 units thru a distributor. This problem disappeared when a saint of a customer service representative, at Panasonic USA, offered to send me 36 engineering samples, at no charge, to help me complete my system .
Two dozen red roses went off to Jennifer Nitty, I'll never forget her.Back to your question; I feel that anyone building a serious system, with the gift of sight, must integrate video; plan for it early so as to not make any mistakes in equipment choices you may have to rectify at greater cost at a later time. Originally, I used 2 Hartley 24 inch subs, and then, purchased 6 more ,thinking it would do the trick for video. They were good on 2 channel audio, but were too lethargic for digital effects and I was constantly worried about frying the voice coils. The subs I have now set off all the glass break detectors in the house when I play the system, I just reset them all each night before bed. Musical tastes; symphonic first, everything else second, except rap music which is an oxymoron. Our home, in Richmond Va, is Colonial Williamsburg as are our furnishings. The room is purpose built, and will be finished out and furnished accordingly. I started construction on this room 15 years ago when few people thought that the room was as important as is really is. I'll post this reply with the intent of expounding on the details of the project in the future. Thanks for your questions, I'm looking forward to your pointed questions that would require a dissertation that would not turn off fellow Audiogon members from reading on . As the first reply to my posting of my system, I thank you. Ken Fritz, kftool

kftool January 19, 2006 02:24

7.1 - Not exactly off the rack

Description

Components Toggle details

Krell HTS-7.1

Krell Krell DVD Standard

Krell sacd standard

Krell FPB-200

Krell FPB-300

Krell FPB-600

Krell KBX

Krell Krell Link Controller

Krell KPE Reference

Rives Audio PARC, & PARC PLUS

DOMINION VIRGINA POWER 26KVA LINE XFORMER

American Power Conversion APC Smart UPS 2200VA USB

APC APC Smart UPS 1100 UPS

Personally designed and built Four- 7ft,4in surround towers,

Personally designed and built, 3 identical front channels

Personally designed and built, 3 way rear center channel

Personally designed and built, Sub woofer towers

Sota Millennia

triplainar 12 inch series vII

Shelter 90X

Stewart Tech screen 130 microperf

Sanyo PLV 75 projector

Pioneer Elite CD CLV laser disc player

Direct TV HD DVR HR 10-250

Thompson DRD 486DH

TIVO Tivo series 2

Pioneer DVR 510 H

Belden-neutrik Belden 8014 Quad star-2

Luminous audio digital -optical interconnects

Luminous Audio Silver reference

carol cable and wire 10-3 neoprene coverd power cord

Comments 186

Showing all comments by kftool.

Latest forum discussions

Audiogon

Forum

Bluebook

Merch

7.1 - Not exactly off the rack

Description

Components Toggle details

Krell HTS-7.1

Krell Krell DVD Standard

Krell sacd standard

Krell FPB-200

Krell FPB-300

Krell FPB-600

Krell KBX

Krell Krell Link Controller

Krell KPE Reference

Rives Audio PARC, & PARC PLUS

DOMINION VIRGINA POWER 26KVA LINE XFORMER

American Power Conversion APC Smart UPS 2200VA USB

APC APC Smart UPS 1100 UPS

Personally designed and built Four- 7ft,4in surround towers,

Personally designed and built, 3 identical front channels

Personally designed and built, 3 way rear center channel

Personally designed and built, Sub woofer towers

Sota Millennia

triplainar 12 inch series vII

Shelter 90X

Stewart Tech screen 130 microperf

Sanyo PLV 75 projector

Pioneer Elite CD CLV laser disc player

Direct TV HD DVR HR 10-250

Thompson DRD 486DH

TIVO Tivo series 2

Pioneer DVR 510 H

Belden-neutrik Belden 8014 Quad star-2

Luminous audio digital -optical interconnects

Luminous Audio Silver reference

carol cable and wire 10-3 neoprene coverd power cord

Comments 186

Showing all comments by kftool.

Latest forum discussions