[EVGuy]

I just found this forum and have really enjoyed reading all the threads.  I met Frank at AKFest last year and after listening to all the different vendors, my father and I both agreed that Frank's amps were the best sounding to our ears.  We'll be there again in a few weeks and can't wait to listen too whatever he'll bring with this year.  This year I'm in the market for a new pre-amp and need some input as to which pre-amp would go best with my Khorns?  I'm looking at the Transcendence Eight and the Ultra EC.  I'm probably going to pair it with a VRD tube amp from Craig Ostby but may decide on one of Frank's amps instead.  Thanks for the input!

[charmerci]

I used to have KHorns when I was a teenager. (My brother still has some.) Good times! You're going to blown away if you get an AVA amp!

 

Frank also recommends that you cover the midrange horn with a half inch of Plasti-clay (or other nondrying clay - no time right now to look up the other recommendations.) It'll make a big difference.

[avahifi]

I thing our new Insight Control Amplifier would be ideal for you.  It is VERY quiet (important with the high efficiency K-Horns).  It is also very smooth and very dynamic with no grain are glare at all.

We will have the newest Insight Control Amp on display at the AKFest.  I hope to see you there again.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

[EVGuy]

I used to have KHorns when I was a teenager. (My brother still has some.) Good times! You're going to blown away if you get an AVA amp!

 

Frank also recommends that you cover the midrange horn with a half inch of Plasti-clay (or other nondrying clay - no time right now to look up the other recommendations.) It'll make a big difference.

I've replaced the midrange horns with Martinelli wooden horns from ALK so no need to dampen them but I appreciate the advice.

Frank,
Thanks for your response.  Would the Insight pre-amp match well with a tube amp?  I wanted to stay with tubes because they're such a good match with K-horns.  Right now I'm using a Manley Stingray which is great but time for a change.  You all know how that is.

[Wayner]

Yes!!!!!!

I run my Insight+EC into the U70 powering Dynaco A25XLs and it is very marvolus!

Wayner 

[boycephoto]

My 2 sense worth, 

With the efficiency of your horns you may find the power of the Ultimate 70 to be plenty.  With good tubes it is a great musical instrument  Do your self a favor and check it out before you buy anything else. Oh yea, it's a bargin too!

Cheers
Dave

[avahifi]

Maybe Wayne and Boycephoto are right after all.

I betcha the Ultimate 70 will outplay any other tube amp you can afford.  I have one available in a nice used Dyna St-70 chassis for $999 complete with new tubes and the AVA jack set.

The new chassis version will have to cost substantially more.

Frank

[EVGuy]

Maybe Wayne and Boycephoto are right after all.

I betcha the Ultimate 70 will outplay any other tube amp you can afford.  I have one available in a nice used Dyna St-70 chassis for $999 complete with new tubes and the AVA jack set.

The new chassis version will have to cost substantially more.

Frank

I actually did think of that option because my father has an all original ST70 and PAS (can't recall which version) pre sitting on a shelf in his basement in excellent ++ condition.  I've asked to take it and have it rebuilt several times but he won't let me.  He says he wants to keep it all original and I can't convince him that it won't sound original without having work done to it to at least bring it up to factory specs. 

I'll certainly consider your offer though.  Will you have that amp at AKFest?

[avahifi]

Yes, we will have an Ultimate 70 amp or two at the show.  In addition Nate Field will be using AVA equipment in his room on the third floor showing off his new pretty amazing mini-speakers with very "big box" performance at a rational price.

Frank

[turkey]

I've replaced the midrange horns with Martinelli wooden horns from ALK so no need to dampen them but I appreciate the advice.

I just looked at their web site, and they appear to make horns out of solid woods. Solid woods need to be damped unless you want them to make sound (like with a violin or guitar). It wasn't obvious from the pictures, but unless they supply them with damping on the backs, you should add it yourself