ESS amt 1a Bookshelf speakers: bypass circuit breaker?
- Thread starter DavidAlm
- Start date
Interesting, I’ll have to check I noticed the wires were slightly different colors and stiffer
And my earlier 4 cool crossover pair to have to measure
I bought a new older style Heil years ago with a bunch of replacement diaphragms (used) Those all had the newer flexible wire.
I don’t recall the measurements of those but will check
But if you look at the crossover the values, and ESS states crossover points with the 3 coil would indicate a 4 ohm tweeter
As mentioned, they definitely have more output but the diaphragms they replaced were definitely well used even the one that wasn’t so melty!
Swapping 8 to 4ohm doubles the crossover points in a 8 ohm crossover
jcidave
Well-Known Member
Yup. That makes sense. Its a 2 way the way as all the Great Heil systems were except the AMT3. Now there were some other ESS systems that were 3 ways, some LS series or Performance systems and/or Tempest systems that used the ring Heil or the dual plate Heil and these crossover over at a higher frequency. I don't think they are going to make a diaphragm just for the AMT3 when all others use 4 ohm and they are far more abundant.
Sure
I had a set of PS 1220’s I bought from Alltronics in South Bend IN. in 1982 3-ways. monopole Heil- mid and Heil l-pads 12” + 12” foam slab low end
Should have kept them- went with KG 5.5’s til I got the first pair of 3’s
jcidave
Well-Known Member
I'm selling a couple of these diaphragms to my west coast seller and getting a couple of empty Heil cores with which I'm going to cobble together a couple of add on Heil supplemental tweeters. So I had to measure all these. The old one with tripple rows of silicone is 6.7. The older pair with no silicone or bridal veil measured 5.5. A somewhat newer pair in ESS factory packaging measure 4.0 and 3.8. Even though these may be as much as 10 years old, I think they are representative of the current product.
Porkloin
Oscar Heil Groupie
If I remember correctly, my originals measured 3.3 ohms on the VOM.
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Porkloin
Oscar Heil Groupie
The new ones matched the old ones in DC resistance.
Listening results: So far, the differences are subtle, I think my original right channel diaphragm was a little weaker than my left as the bigger difference was from the right. There's a slightly increased forward edge on the featured performer (vocalist, soloist) with the new diaphragms, but not the drastic change I was hoping for - the lead is still rearward of the rest of the band . A better sense of the hardness of the drum stick tip hitting the metal cymbal. The kid is asleep and will be getting up to go to work, so I should have some time for more critical listening later tonight.
Nice!
My db difference was probably because the old own were 8 ohm-still need to measure the 4 coil Heils.
As a side note-I just got a interesting gift from another member I helped out with his 3's.
A mini DPS and microphone-he used to set up his room.
I'm kind of interested in trying this out-just down loaded the hand book.
FIY-apparently it can easily flatten out the peaks ( or valleys) in any run of the mill E. Mermans you may run across!!
Minnie Pearls however-sorry it has NOT been approved on these to date....
Lordy, lordy what a consort...
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Those 5.4 diaphragms look like my 5.4's as well.
Critical listening???
Forget biamping and active crossovers
Waste of time and money
This integrates your “other” loudspeaker, know as your room , with you actual speakers.
FIY, we still enjoy the so called ‘Great Heil’ peak... leave it alone, or your listening enjoyment will be as flat and boring as the Salt Flats of Utah!!
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Porkloin
Oscar Heil Groupie
After much more listening at the varying levels that my ears go back and forth between, I've come to the conclusion that the diaphragms were a worthy upgrade. The overall transient response on hand claps and snare drums was the first noticeable symptom. The level on both channel's Heils has increased to the point where I had to turn them down a notch. I tried tweaking the level on the Alphas, but I still prefer them at the halfway point, even with the new diaphragms.
If I'd have known of this outcome, I'd have made the purchase back when I did the rebuild.
As for bi-amping, given the equipment that I'd want to do it with for free, I'd do it in a heartbeat. I've heard the AMT-1A's through a tube amp and would love to duplicate that, only with solid state oomph to the woofers. It would be the best of both worlds.
jcidave
Well-Known Member
Appreciate your comments and assessment. I think new diaphragms are something I should consider for my older pair of 3s. Especially before the price increase filters to all suppliers.
Sure-I had to put them down a notch-for a few weeks-now they are currently in the middle position.
Maybe I got used to it-they broke in-or a combo platter.
I agree-it makes a great difference.
Well if you still want drive for your woofers-you go tube preamp and SS amp.
Or a Harmon Kardon Citation II tube amp.
The closest SS preamp I have heard to a tube is the Proton AP1000-and the NAD equivalent.
Frankly-IMHO get a Van Alstine Transcendence 10RB-a bargain at the current prices $809 with newsletter discount) Not the classic tube sound-but a big wide, breezy sound that's never harsh-and has superior transient response. Much like a Harmon Kardon Citation I.
Yep-it's that good folks.
The best of what tubes have to offer in a modern hifi world. No colored CJ sound to be found in this Van Alstine. CJ sound is interesting-but way too colored on a daily basis-especially with digital-yuk!!
And yes-this is what you really want with a ESS AMT3-especially modded. It's a huge, fast and nimble airy sound (FIY no lack of bass here-tight and powerful) -pretty much the ultimate hifi characteristic IMHO-and hard to find.
It certainly will improve on any amp you currently have-it just fits in and improves-not common in most components these days. They usually having you switching something else out to sound right/etc.
Frankly I'm surprised you don't here more about these newer Van Alstine preamps-especially here.
He has really made substantial, logical sonic improvements over the years-that don't have you hovering over you equipment, but really hearing how enjoyable music is.
The price vs performance ratio blows my mind-frankly can't see wanting another preamp.
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DavidAlm
Member
Holy cow. These 75uf Daytons are huge! Sorry automojo, I know you are not a fan of the Dayton's, but I thought I might save some space by getting a single cap as opposed to combining multiple caps. I should have looked at the specs for dimensions. Anyway, I measured both Daytons with my Fluke and got 75.1uf and 75.3uf. I purchased 10uf and 16uf Jantzen Cross-Caps for the 26uf capacitor. It will require a little creativity to mount the 75ufs.
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Yep, you will figure it out- but they are giant!!
The 75uf is perfectly fine for the bass circuit...
Get some nylon tie base squares a little silicone or hot glue they well be fine.
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