Are the Klipschorns mainly for Classical music ??

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Trying some different electronics from your Carver gear. I owned an all Carver system(M1.5T, C-3 preamp(?),TX-10 or 11 tuner, cassete, etc.) in college during the 80's w/ Klipsch Forte's.

System kicked ass for late-night ear blistering heavy metal sessions. I actually gave it to a former college roommate 10-15 years ago when I moved a smaller apartment and he returned it when he got divorced ~7 years ago. It all got badly damaged when my house was robbed a year later.

But, outside of etching glass, I'm not sure I would have much use for it these days. The Fortes weren't too bad when I hooked them up to a decent tube amp. A new solid cabinet and crossover rebuild probably would have made them great.

There's not a lot that can be done for the Carver stuff. But, that's just my opinion now that I'm a flea-powered SET guy. There's probably more people who would disagree with me on that than would agree.

I appreciate any suggestions. All information is greatly appreciated. I have 22 Klipsch speakers. I do love my Forte II's. The '92 Klipschorns are probably my best pair and the Cornwall II's aren't bad either. I have been in a Carver-Klipsch rut for many years now and I am willing to try some new gear. I love hard rock and metal....I was told I would grow out of it....BUT....it never happened !!!! Screaming guitars is my kind of music but I do listen to some mellow stuff. Criss Oliva was one of my favorite guitarists before he got killed in a car accident. I still listen to Savatage "Hall of the Mountain King"....I love that cd. Earlier today I listened to Black Sabbath I....it was better than I ever remembered. Dave Mustaine ain't bad either. There are too many great guitarists to count.

Lordy Allsmiles, you've got the Klipsch bug bad!

22 speakers and you've never really tried any different electronics? The world is about to split open for you.

You haven't indicated your price range for components, so it is hard to make suggestions. Perhaps filling in the rest of your electronics will help, too. What type of cd player or dac do you have? What's your preamp? Also, how big is your room?

At a 101dB for the Cornwall II's and at least that or more for the Klipschorns, it won't take much to get them going. Though, I'd think those 15" woofers have got prefer a little power in the tank for big climaxes.

If you are used to the power reserves of the Carver M1.5T and like to crank it, it might be best for you to start out with a really good push-pull amp. Something with grunt.

Unfortunately, I'd suggest getting a new preamp at the same time or most the benefits of an amp upgrade would probably never shine through.

Let us know how much you'd like to spend on both an amp and preamp, and I'm sure we can give you a great list of potential buys.

I have to admit....I DO NOT want a 50,000-100,000 dollar system. I can spend what I need to on components. I do have a hard time parting with 2000-3000 dollars for components but I may just have to bite the bullet. I am just an average guy who loves classic rock, hard rock, and metal. My '78 Klipschorns sounds sweet now. I don't know much about high end equipment apparently. I honestly thought I owned pretty good stuff. Any suggestions are appreciated.

I do have a hard time parting with 2000-3000 dollars for components but I may just have to bite the bullet. I am just an average guy who loves classic rock, hard rock, and metal.

No need to spend more than that, probably near the lower end of that range. Buy quality used equipment and approach each purchase as short term audition since this is your first foray into tubes. There is a huge difference in the sound of different manufacturers and even models within a line. But, it is possible to buy a component, listen to it for a few months, then sell it without losing any money if you are patient.

First, see if anybody here on A'gon, Audio Asylum, or even the Klipsch forum lives near you and would bring some tube gear over to hear in your system. That's how I got my first taste of tubes. There are plenty willing to help. And if you've really got 22 Klipsch sets, I'm sure quite a few fanatics would just like to see them all.

If that isn't possible, consider an integrated amp since this is your first foray into tubes, it will save you the headache of trying to get components that excel together while getting used to tubes. There are great current production and classic integrated amps that should do everything you need and more. BAT, VTL, Manley Labs, Audiomat, McIntosh, etc.

(the only possible problem is that most integrated, and preamps for that matter, aren't designed to be used 100dB+ speakers. So, fine volume adjustment could be a potential issue)

You don't need monster power, though some on the Klipsch forum definetly prefer it, but you need enough to drive dynamic swings. With your musical preferences, I'd start with good push-pull tube amps in the 40-60 watt range. It is possible to drive with a flea-watt(my preference) 6-10 watt amps, and many find 20W better. But, for a first experience you want a lot of headroom for explosive swings on hard rocking sessions.

Manley Labs integrateds are my first suggestion. Eva Manley is a huge rock fan and builds pro audio amps. They are known for the drive and powerful low frequencies. Her Manley Stingray integrated is a highly respected and well-reviewed amp. It's 40wc, but don't let that number fool you, these suckers rock. You can get them for $2,250 new or ~$1,400 used.

BAT (Balanced Audio Technology) also makes fantastic gear and has a more, high-tech, traditional look. Really first rate stuff all the same. There are a couple used VK-300x SE's for sale here in teh $3k range. These suckers drop 150 wpc and have an extremely pure, transparent sound.

Any of the classic, or more recent, McIntosh integrateds would work, I'm sure.

Also, what kind of interconnects and speaker cables are you using?

What kind of cd player are you using?