• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

IMF owners thread!

Hello,
I'm thinking of buying a pair of IMFs that have been presented to me as TLS 50s. Any insight as to whether these are the correct drivers would be appreciated. I've been looking for a pair of IMFs for a while but I don't want get a set that will require a lot of parts hunting to get back to original specs.

IMG_20240315_071504.jpgIMG_20240315_071509.jpg
 
Last edited:
zibi079 said:
Hi, supertweeter is not orginal, rest speakers is orginal.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I thought it looked suspiciously similar to the sort of tweeter used in many cheap "rack system" speakers from the 80s and 90s. Happy to be corrected if that's not the case though.
 
I'm no IMF expert, but the woofer doesn't appear to fit the cutout, and the midrange drivers seem too big; overlapping the woofer surround. Doesn't look original to me.

The surface of the midrange cone also looks weird; irregular reflections.
 
They are different from the mark 2’s that are more commonly seen (veneer front panel, cleaner driver placement), but they match this pair currently on sale in the Netherlands

IMG_5543.png
 

Attachments

  • IMG_5545.png
    IMG_5545.png
    322.3 KB · Views: 5
The Cole’s super tweeters are currently in stock at Falcon Acoustics, £53.60 each for export (no VAT).

But if you buy them, depending on the sale price and your budget, I would listen first, if you’re over 40 you might not have the hearing range to notice that they aren’t factory specifications (like me, lol).
 
My tls-50 mark 2’s have sounded really good with my 100wpc HK870, solid visceral bass with lovely midrange

But I wouldn’t say no to more power, pair of Schiit Vidars maybe :-)
 
zibi079 said:
If you can buy them cheap, do it, these are very good speakers. My experience is that they will need a powerful amplifier. In my opinion, minimum 2x150W
Click to expand...

beekeo said:
The Cole’s super tweeters are currently in stock at Falcon Acoustics, £53.60 each for export (no VAT).

But if you buy them, depending on the sale price and your budget, I would listen first, if you’re over 40 you might not have the hearing range to notice that they aren’t factory specifications (like me, lol).
Click to expand...
There's a good chance I wouldn't hear the super tweeters anyway, but I don't think I could let the IMFs stay in that modified state for long.
 
dakmensa said:
There's a good chance I wouldn't hear the super tweeters anyway, but I don't think I could let the IMFs stay in that modified state for long.
Click to expand...
Yeah I agree, definitely would still recommend getting the proper drivers in place even if it doesn’t make an obvious difference
 
Hi, get them, if you can get these at a good price, except for the super tweeters, the rest is all original, no problem. I have a spare set of the original super tweeter's and I can sell to you if ever you need, Yvan.
 

Attachments

  • 20240317_121700.jpg
    20240317_121700.jpg
    35.5 KB · Views: 11
Yvan_donald said:
Hi, get them, if you can get these at a good price, except for the super tweeters, the rest is all original, no problem. I have a spare set of the original super tweeter's and I can sell to you if ever you need, Yvan.
Click to expand...
Thanks a lot. I'll definitely message you if I'm able to get the TLS 50s.
 
Yvan_donald said:
HI,this Denon Amp look pretty impresive,I found my IMF usually not so affect by the room,but at high volume it's more critical.Îm not so much with turtable and prefer Cd and Dvd (pcm stereo),I found the IMF more open and with a tube preamp sound really great and natural,Yvan.
Click to expand...
Hi Yvan,
After several years i think i finally found a very good amp for the IMF: Sansui AU Alpha 707. Very impressive!
Thomas
 
tbargfrede said:
Hi Yvan,
After several years i think i finally found a very good amp for the IMF: Sansui AU Alpha 707. Very impressive!
Thomas
Click to expand...
I have some top model Alphas, 907 Limited and 907 NRA. They're awesome piece's of kit. Speakers; i probably would pair them with something faster, more detail and newer imo.
 
Sansui77 said:
I have some top model Alphas, 907 Limited and 907 NRA. They're awesome piece's of kit. Speakers; i probably would pair them with something faster, more detail and newer imo.
Click to expand...
Maybe there are better Speakers in conjunction with this Amps, but this Amps ist one of the best for this Speakers
 
Hi, Thomas myself I'm using a Bryston amp and love it. I never understand the term faster, slower speakers. Listening to classical or jazz, rock, the IMF sound great and well balance.now If I listen to Buddy Rich drum solo, don't tell me with another speaker's it's gonna be faster. I much prefer ear all the harmonics and the nuance in the sound of all instruments. For shure some speaker's are more forward, more emphasis on the midranges. IMF is known for is extend bass, but nothing is exagerated. That's why it's my prefer speaker's, specially the professionnal.
 
dakmensa said:
Hello,
I'm thinking of buying a pair of IMFs that have been presented to me as TLS 50s. Any insight as to whether these are the correct drivers would be appreciated. I've been looking for a pair of IMFs for a while but I don't want get a set that will require a lot of parts hunting to get back to original specs.

View attachment 3148742View attachment 3148741
Click to expand...
These are very first generation TLS 50s under the label of IMF International. I would tend to shy away from them. Find a pair of TLS-80 mkii’s if you can. The B-139 bass driver is best suited for the transmission line. These are KEF-200 bass drivers; good but not best. Rewire and recap a set of 80’s if you choose to go that way. Good luck!
 
Hi, Tls 80 are big, depend the size of the room, Tls 50 mk1 are a very good speaker, I own a pair of Mk1, have the B200 sp1014, the Mk 2 woofer is mostly the B200 sp1039 big magnet so they probably take more power. I just bought 2 sp 1039 and I will install them in my Mk1. But I have never have problem driving the Mk1 with my Bryston, they sound great and play loud enough for my taste.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom