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Best Vintage Speakers...

93.91.80.6
Posted on February 5, 2016 at 07:48:02
Supercool!
Audiophile

Posts: 703
Location: East Coast
Joined: August 5, 2004
 Just curious what folks think about the best choices for a vintage set of speakers. I've got a friend who's looking at stuff probably under $400 or so and then of course I'll re-cap and rewire for him...

KLH, Bozak, Advents???? Your input is greatly appreciated and will be shared this evening..

Side note...and important one...he like Metal and Hard Rock...has a tt to play them...

 

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RE: Best Vintage Speakers..., posted on February 5, 2016 at 07:59:09
Hornlover
Manufacturer

Posts: 2529
Joined: March 8, 2002
 Any of those 3 would work OK. Also the much maligned JBL L-100s, great for vintage rock. There are many others, as well, such as Altec, Marantz, AR...

 

RE: Best Vintage Speakers..., posted on February 5, 2016 at 07:59:46
Poinzy
 There are vintage speakers. Then there are vintage speakers that need to have their dried-out, 40-year-old drivers replaced.

With that in mind, my father would say KLH speakers. I don't have an opinion regarding brand.

 

RE: Best Vintage Speakers..., posted on February 5, 2016 at 08:09:19
dadbar
Audiophile

Posts: 1675
Location: Portland OR
Joined: June 29, 2003
Contributor
  Since: March 25, 2006
 Put the Dynaco A25 on that list. They don't need refoaming and they are 2 way with just one cap to replace so it's easy to get these going...and they are very plentiful.



 

RE: Best Vintage Speakers..., posted on February 5, 2016 at 08:21:12
tedk.
Audiophile

Posts: 401
Location: chicagoland
Joined: July 7, 2004
Klipsch Forte, Pioneer HPM 100... Might be hard to do for under $400, but "hard to do" doesn't mean "impossible".

 

RE: Best Vintage Speakers..., posted on February 5, 2016 at 08:22:18
SteveBrown
Audiophile

Posts: 2454
Location: Portland, OR
Joined: November 14, 2002
 Years ago (early 80's) I bought a 2-way from a company called RTR, 12" front woofer, 12" passive, metal tweeter (with circuit breaker). Worked great for 70's and 80's rock! However, foam surrounds do need to be replaced. These were big heavy MDF towers. When I bought them I was comparing to Klipsch Heresy, similar price point. The RTRs sounded much smoother and went deeper.

 

RE: Best Vintage Speakers..., posted on February 5, 2016 at 12:37:08
Macncheez
Audiophile

Posts: 125
Location: Cookeville, TN
Joined: June 25, 2007
 I'll tell you I just recently came upon a pair of ESS AMT 1B (bookshelf's) and I am just stunned at how good they sound. I am using them with vintage 1983-ish Nikko separates. I sold my Klipsch Forte I's because the ESS's were so solid sounding. They especially sound excellent on rock music. Don't know if you could grab a pair for under $400 but I got mine for $250.

 

RE: Best Vintage Speakers..., posted on February 5, 2016 at 13:29:02
satellite65
Audiophile

Posts: 484
Location: Illinois, NE
Joined: December 13, 2004
My favorite is the Epicure 400+.

(The nearly identical EPI 400 is not quite as good)

 

RE: Best Vintage Speakers..., posted on February 5, 2016 at 14:55:04
Tadlo
Audiophile

Posts: 1925
Location: midwest
Joined: March 8, 2003
 I have seen the Pioneer HPM 100 mentioned here many times when discussions like this come up, but I have never seen anyone mention the HPM 500, which blew me away when I heard a pair in an audio shop back in the day. It was a big floor stander with an omnidirectional version of that fancy tweeter. Does any one know anything about the 500?

 

I remember those speakers - drool, posted on February 5, 2016 at 15:18:42
airtime
Audiophile

Posts: 11287
Location: Arizona
Joined: February 4, 2003
 As a kid I would have given my left #$+ to have a pair of those!!!!

 

RE: Best Vintage Speakers..., posted on February 5, 2016 at 16:39:50
krankkall
Audiophile

Posts: 296
Location: New Mexico
Joined: April 5, 2014
 ADS

 

RE: Best Vintage Speakers..., posted on February 5, 2016 at 16:53:57
Eli Duttman
Audiophile

Posts: 10455
Location: Monroe Township, NJ
Joined: March 31, 2000
 You did say "headbanger" material. Cerwin-Vega?

My musical tastes are VERY different. So, what I like in speakers rates to be dead wrong. NO C/V for me, but "Different strokes, for different folks".


Eli D.

 

Anything from ADS..., posted on February 5, 2016 at 17:44:09
mbnx01
Audiophile

Posts: 7956
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Joined: October 22, 2004
 Or Rectilinear III's if you can find a pair.





'A lie is halfway around the world before the truth gets its boots on'. -Mark Twain

 

Agree with most everyone..., posted on February 5, 2016 at 17:47:28
realistico
Audiophile

Posts: 1303
Location: New England
Joined: January 12, 2003
 If you're looking for vintage speakers that rock, you ought to have on your list, JBL-L100 and Pioneer HPM 100. Also: I would look at AR. Not only the classic AR2a and AR2ax, but also the AR3a and AR5, with the AR5 marketed specifically as a Rock speaker. Also look for the later Teledyne Acoustic Research speakers, which I have found worked well with rock. For a while I had a pair of largish, 3 way speakers with 10" woofers that really excelled at Rockin'. I think they were the AR48bxi

Good luck,
--Matt
"When you think everything is someone else's fault, you will suffer a lot."
--Dalai Lama

 

RE: Anything from ADS..., posted on February 5, 2016 at 20:34:10
cloudwalker
Audiophile

Posts: 634
Location: central wa
Joined: September 27, 2012
 Agree. I use ADS L710's and they sound awesome. I think a quality subwoofer adds to them too, even though the bass is good without

 

RE: Agree with most everyone..., posted on February 5, 2016 at 20:38:01
Supercool!
Audiophile

Posts: 703
Location: East Coast
Joined: August 5, 2004
 Thank you guys...as always I am so impressed with the friendly advice of everyone here. Its my buddy's birthday today so I think what he has in mind is a self-generated birthday present... also talking about Pioneer SX series receivers so you know where this is going. I figured the 100's would be a good choice along with maybe 4311's but you've indicated some other choices that will be well worth checking out and maybe within his budget. Thanks again!

 

KLH-17, posted on February 6, 2016 at 05:39:46
Dave Pogue
Audiophile

Posts: 11689
Location: DC Area
Joined: October 9, 2001
 I heard a pair of these ages ago at a friend's place and still can't get over how impressed I was.

 

Original Advent, posted on February 6, 2016 at 14:51:36
Ross
Audiophile

Posts: 1814
Joined: January 24, 2000
 The speaker that is was at the top of most lists for best RnR speaker back in the day.

Vintage AR (2ax,3a,5) WERE NOT designed for rock played at high SPL. The AR 7 and 8 were designed to compete with the Advent, EPI 100 and similar.

JBL L100 and Pioneer HPM 100 will be hard to find in good working condition for $400 or less because most know what they are, and CMV. However you should be able to find a pr in need of crossover rebuild p, new surrounds etc--ie in need of work.

Someone else recommended Cerwin Vega. Another good choice. I recall that they once demonstrated a new woofer design by litterally connecting it to a 12v AC outlet and letting it play a 60hz for several hours. Should be good for rock and metal I would think.

 

+1 (nt), posted on February 6, 2016 at 15:15:32
reelsmith.
Audiophile

Posts: 13131
Location: CT
Joined: June 7, 2005
Contributor
  Since: January 19, 2010
 .


reelsmith's axiom: Its going to be used equipment when I sell it, so it may as well be used equipment when I buy it.


 

Double New Advents, posted on February 6, 2016 at 18:44:50
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37589
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 High output capability, large image size and solid first octave response. Drive them with a solid 200+ watts/channel for optimum results.

 

RE: Double New Advents, posted on February 6, 2016 at 20:20:43
hahax@verizon.net
Audiophile

Posts: 4306
Location: New Jersey
Joined: March 22, 2006
 I recall comparing original double Advents to IMF Studio speakers 40 years ago just about the time Harry Pearson was extolling their virtues. Then for fun we tried comparing single Advents to doubles. The sound was cleaner, better focused and the individual elements in the sound field were better defined. The double tweeters and widely spaced double woofers produce a comb filter affect that seems like a huge sound field but is really a diffuse, poorly defined sonic experience. It's not a set up where listen through and maximum information is desired.

 

RE: Best Vintage Speakers..., posted on February 6, 2016 at 21:30:45
Todd Krieger
Audiophile

Posts: 37333
Location: SW United States
Joined: November 2, 2000
 JBL L-110. The successor of the L-100, a more compact box, one of my faves.

 

Yes, you've observed that before, posted on February 7, 2016 at 06:12:26
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37589
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 Fortunately, New Advents have closer driver spacing among other improvements. It all depends upon which set of compromises you prefer. Let's recall the specific request:

Side note...and important one...he like Metal and Hard Rock

Doubles add about 5 db more output when using an amp that doubles down, better bass and a more lifelike image size. I'm thinking they would do better for "Metal and Hard Rock". :)

I've used doubles in my garage and at the neighbor's Halloween Party for the teenaged daugther. They will crank much better than singles:



I gave away one pair and today am running singles supplemented by a spare sub crossed at 50 hz. Image is smaller, but as you opined they are a bit more focused on vocal and instrumental music.

 

RE: Best Vintage Speakers..., posted on February 7, 2016 at 06:26:59
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37589
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 I heard Bold Eagle's pair vs his Advents a number of years ago. They have a dead neutral tonal balance (unlike the Centuries) and offer very clean top end response.

I just couldn't get over the weird imaging of instruments that spanned the upper range of the midrange into the tweeter because of a severe directivity transition. Pushing a 5" piston to an octave higher than ideal (4 kHz) took its toll. I suspect that choice was made for higher power handling with respect to the tweeter.

Fortunately, JBL learned that lesson as reflected with current models such as the LSR6332.

 

RE: KLH-17, posted on February 8, 2016 at 09:24:54
Crazy Dave
Audiophile

Posts: 14371
Location: East Coast
Joined: October 4, 2001
 Yes but probably too much of a commitment for most!

Dave

 

RE: KLH-17, posted on February 8, 2016 at 09:49:54
Dave Pogue
Audiophile

Posts: 11689
Location: DC Area
Joined: October 9, 2001
 Not sure what you mean. They go dirt cheap on Ebay and elsewhere and don't need re-coning.

 

Altec Lancing ..., posted on February 8, 2016 at 12:46:26
Crazy Dave
Audiophile

Posts: 14371
Location: East Coast
Joined: October 4, 2001
 I am surprised that no one has mentioned the home versions of the Altec Lancing A-7. I am referring to the Barcelona, Santiago, Model 14 and (probably the best) Model 19. There are owners that consider them the best speaker period. They certainly belong on the list. I would also put the duplex model 18 there too.

Dave

 

Oops, you are right ..., posted on February 8, 2016 at 13:01:49
Crazy Dave
Audiophile

Posts: 14371
Location: East Coast
Joined: October 4, 2001

I was got the numbers confused and was thinking about the Model 9's. They are the Electrostatic panels. They are excellent but require a lot of work.

Dave

 

I have a pair of Valencias, they were the bee's knees. )MT(, posted on February 8, 2016 at 13:58:11
J. S. Bach
Audiophile

Posts: 9575
Location: Chester, SC
Joined: November 28, 2001
Contributor
  Since: June 29, 2004

Later Gator,
Dave
Find more about Weather in Chester, SC

 

I own 19's...., posted on February 8, 2016 at 23:32:32
Oface
Audiophile

Posts: 1497
Location: columbia, south carolina
Joined: May 3, 2003
 And I purchased mine for $400 last year, I do not think the op could find a pair for that cheap...

I was going to recommend them, with the caveat of my purchase price, which was a steal and uncommon.

 

before, posted on February 9, 2016 at 02:16:27
hifitommy
Audiophile

Posts: 15387
Location: canyon country califiornia, orig from buffalo ny
Joined: June 9, 2000
 i always found that woofer to woofer was the more satisfying setup of stacked advents.

...regards...tr

 

You might be able to find 14's for $400, posted on February 9, 2016 at 03:25:29
DFaulds
Audiophile

Posts: 616
Location: Northeast Ohio
Joined: October 19, 2000
 Although $400 would be an excellent price for them, I was able to find two pairs of 14's in the past 10 years for less than $400 and they usually only bring $500-$600 or so on eBay. And I actually like the 14's better than the 19's. I know it's probably blasphemy on this forum, but the mantaray horn provides a much smoother dispersion pattern than the old sectoral horns. The 14's are also considerably smaller and easier to fit into a normal home.

 

Never tried that way, posted on February 9, 2016 at 05:52:26
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37589
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since: April 5, 2002
 Just the quasi-MTM arrangement.

 

that way, posted on February 9, 2016 at 08:19:45
hifitommy
Audiophile

Posts: 15387
Location: canyon country califiornia, orig from buffalo ny
Joined: June 9, 2000
 stacking them woofer to woofer allows the woofs to couple and it reinforces the bass.

i had dyna a25s stacked horizontally, woofers to the outside, tweets to center

0o o0
0o o0

on stands (the dyna boxes painted flat black)

philips clear dome tweeter above 10k balanced at the speakers' front edge on the magnet. the tweeter opened up the top and gave the air missing from nekkid a25s.

...regards...tr

 

RE: You might be able to find 14's for $400, posted on February 9, 2016 at 08:51:16
Crazy Dave
Audiophile

Posts: 14371
Location: East Coast
Joined: October 4, 2001
 I don't know about this forum but on the High Efficiency Forum, there are definitely inmates who prefer the mantaray horns. Altec considered it an upgrade. Regardless off the market, I would consider sound pre dollar, $400 to $600 to be a fantastic bargain for the 14's.

Dave

 

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