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Can I successfully mix different (orphan) speakers?

I

IanMcI

Active Member
While I'm sure it isn't ideal, could I successfully mix different make/model speakers, if they are otherwise the same, i.e. resistance, wattage handling, size, type, etc.?

I have a single Ampex 2115 three-way speaker that I'd like to use, but I don't have its partner.

What are the concerns (benefits?) of pairing different speakers, If all else were pretty much the same in terms of resistance and wattage handling, quality? I'm guessing the soundstage may somehow suffer (though, I don't know how). But as we're talking stereo, with different channel dynamics from each speaker, couldn't this be done with some chance of quality sound?

Have any of you done this with good results?

Ian
SF Bay Area
 
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I'd run a single speaker in mono before I tried to pair it with a different brand/design speaker. The many variables make it just about impossible to create a pair, that performs well, out of two mismatched speakers.

Some of the old Ampex speakers had very nice drivers in them. Goodmans, EV, even some co-ax drivers, though yours does not seem to have a co-ax. You might investigate, and consider parting out the orphan, if financially worthwhile, and buy a pair of something.
 
It's that my one 2115 has that Goodmans driver that I'd hope to learn I could somehow make use of it. I was hoping to hear that matching parameters within some range might allow for (awesome!) results. I don't see finding a match for what I have, or, for that matter, finding someone in the like position of having just the one. I stare at the thing wistfully - and hope.

Mono? I have used this for mono with a mono tube amp. I liked it, but never committed to mono (sold the amp).

Ian
SF Bay Area
 
I think the wattage rating is the least of your problems. That can be easily remedied with the balance knob.

The biggest 'problem', imo, would be the potentially different sound coming from each speaker. If you can get something close enough to each other that it doesn't bother you, go for it. But I'd be more tempted to try to either find good homes for the orphans, or try to find what you need to complete a pair.

Just out of curiosity, what have you got?

bs
 
I have an Ampex 2115 with a Goodmans woofer that I'd like, ideally, to find a match for, but they're pretty rare and can be pricey. I'd love to keep it.

Taco and Sushi? Um... is that a good thing?

I don't have anything comparable to test in a setup. Unless I use one of a pair of my Maximus 7s (I should really try that). That may tell me something, like it's worthwhile pursuing (or not). But I don't see that as a permanent solution, as I do like my Maximus' paired as they are (the could use a recap, though).

I do thank you for the feedback! I feel like I'm on to something, whichever way it goes.

Ian
SF Bay Area
 
I have half a dozen orphan speakers (or drivers) that are waiting for a mate. Like was said above, you should either wait and try to find a match for it, or sell it to fund a pair of speakers.
I bet there are quite a few AK'ers that also have orphans. Its just part of being a speaker hoarder
 
Farmhand said:
Wonton tacos are delicious.

Orphan speakers are a good excuse to get a mono amp, no?
Click to expand...

NO,i would rather have mismatched.:D
At least i think i would,i can't figure out why someone would choose a mono setup if they had a choice.

A manual transmission makes more sense.:)
 
I would try to sell it as a home theater center. There a quite a few people who prefer having three identical speakers up front. How many looking for this particular speaker is impossible to know.
 
Yk Thom said:
I would try to sell it as a home theater center. There a quite a few people who prefer having three identical speakers up front. How many looking for this particular speaker is impossible to know.
Click to expand...
I'd say the odds of someone have 2 of these and needing a 3rd are between slim and none.

Many home theater receivers have speaker calibration systems (Audyssey, MCAAC, YPAO,etc.) that among other things, attempt to match different speakers to sound similarly.

If you wanted to just match it with something similar the tweeters are more important for imaging than the woofers.
 
Some amps may not work if the speakers are different in ohms, if the mismatch is alot.
 
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