a/d/s L1290/2 Crossover Capacitor Repair/Restore/Upgrade

[eyespy18]

I know this has been generally discussed, but any specific advice for these speakers would be greatly appreciated. They are an original pair of L1290/2's and I'd say it's time to rebuild/upgrade the crossovers. I have NO experience or know-how and, as Richard So appears to be unavailable these days (contact page says "temporary close"), I plan on giving them to a knowledgable hi-fi tech to rebuild. Trick is that he has no experience with a/d/s specifically, so I'd like to give him as much specific info as possible,so.....What parts would create a "nice/reasonable" upgrade for these crossovers? Not looking to spend hundreds (like 2-5) on capacitors, but willing to put a healthy few bucks towards what'll be the rest of their life (for me) and be a worthwhile investment. Or go with straight replacement parts?. FWIW, I think the mids sound a touch muddy, or muffled, and hopefully a rebuild would clear a little of that up..I'll be greedy and ask for any details to share with the tech and be really greedy and mention that a parts list would be fantastic!!...Also, (even though I "think" I know the answer, is it worthwhile to replace the wires from the speakers to the crossovers? if so, any recs on specific wire welcomed....One last thing: If there's a knowledgeable and experienced with a/d/s member (and better to go this way) to recommend for rebuilding these, please let me know....Thanks in advance for your knowledge, experience and generosity of your time!

 

[Blue Shadow]

I'd say it's time to rebuild/upgrade the crossovers.

Based on what specific criteria? Just age? Let em ride, it might only have a single 'lytic cap with the remaining components that don't age.

 

[Blue Shadow]

Recapping an ADS L 1090 | Audiokarma Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums
has a diagram of the crossover. Should have your 'really greedy' covered as it has the parts list. Now for the new parts, your choices are only slightly different in number than the answers from akers and will be everything from a-z.

You can improve the resistors with mills.

The inductors are very hard to replace as they provide a specific inductance and an associated resistance that was built into the design and finding the same resistance in a new better (Copper Foil) inductor will be very hard and that means crossover design needs to be considered.

The link says the film caps can be bettered

Everyone replaces the electrolytic as that's was we on ak do, get intimate with our gear by swapping electrolytic caps.

Wire, How much you want to spend? The sky is the limit. The point of diminishing returns sets in at about a buck a foot for wire inside a speaker cabinet, all color coded for ease of use.

 

[eyespy18]

Recapping an ADS L 1090 | Audiokarma Home Audio Stereo Discussion Forums
has a diagram of the crossover. Should have your 'really greedy' covered as it has the parts list. Now for the new parts, your choices are only slightly different in number than the answers from akers and will be everything from a-z.

You can improve the resistors with mills.

The inductors are very hard to replace as they provide a specific inductance and an associated resistance that was built into the design and finding the same resistance in a new better (Copper Foil) inductor will be very hard and that means crossover design needs to be considered.

The link says the film caps can be bettered

Everyone replaces the electrolytic as that's was we on ak do, get intimate with our gear by swapping electrolytic caps.

Wire, How much you want to spend? The sky is the limit. The point of diminishing returns sets in at about a buck a foot for wire inside a speaker cabinet, all color coded for ease of use.

Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it-we'll see how it goes. I figured that about the speaker wire (and the number of opinions!)

 

[avguytx]

I replaced the caps and resistors in my L1230's with Mundorf but I won't say it was a wow moment when they were done. Maybe a little but nothing major.