Infinity 7 Kappa Tower Speakers

[fixitman865]

I recently purchased a set of Infinity 7 Kappa tower speakers. The seller found them in a house he had just purchased. I picked them up for $50. The domed Mid-range had to be replaced along with re-foaming the base speakers in both units. The wood boxes are in pretty good shape with a few dings and scratches on both. I have of yet connected those to a stereo and listened to them. Not knowing much about the Infinity 7 Kappa units, what are they selling for these days?? Are they of a quality to keep long term? Should I keep them due to any special sound or collector interest?

 

[swechsler]

They are good quality, and would be worth keeping if good sound is important to you. I don't know what they're selling for these days, but that's a question that needs to be asked on the Dollars and Sense subforum, not here. Did you already replace the midranges? One of our members has a repair service for them; purchasing aftermarket replacements will likely not yield the same quality.

 

[bigcaddy64]

I recently purchased a set of Infinity 7 Kappa tower speakers. The seller found them in a house he had just purchased. I picked them up for $50. The domed Mid-range had to be replaced along with re-foaming the base speakers in both units. The wood boxes are in pretty good shape with a few dings and scratches on both. I have of yet connected those to a stereo and listened to them. Not knowing much about the Infinity 7 Kappa units, what are they selling for these days?? Are they of a quality to keep long term? Should I keep them due to any special sound or collector interest?

Kappa 7 speakers are excellent speakers but, like the rest of the Kappa series, require lots of power to sound their best. Infinity made some very iconic speakers over the years and were quite innovative/ahead of their time. Older Infinity speakers are collectible but usually need some work to make them operational again.

I'm assuming the mid-range you mentioned would be the yellowed, Polydome. The Polygraphs usually don't have the same problems the Polydomes do. Drop-ins are available but inferior to the real thing. They can be rebuilt and its worth every dollar. Like Swechsler mentioned, a member on here has created the next best thing to OEM for them so if you want to keep them, he's the man to speak to. The 10" IMG cones are easy to re-foam since the VC suspension is fairly stiff and don't need much alignment while drying.

The crossover should be okay but its filled with electrolytic caps that can drift/fail over the years. All of mine have been rebuilt because i see it as preventative maintenance but 2 of my 3 pairs worked just fine, as found.


I vote to keep if audio interests you. You won't be able to buy anything close to these sonically for $50, let alone $500 today. I think these retailed for $650-750 in the late 1980s, were made in the USA, look great and built with quality materials.

 

[E2]

You won't be able to buy anything close to these sonically for $50, let alone $500 today. I think these retailed for $650-750 in the late 1980s, were made in the USA, look great and built with quality materials.

Not so sure about that. At least on the secondary market. No, I am not saying they are bad speakers.........

 

[swechsler]

The 10" IMG cones are easy to re-foam since the VC suspension is fairly stiff and don't need much alignment while drying.

Nitpick: The Kappa 7s use the same 12" woofers as the 8s and 9s. And there are no Polygraphs, it's a three-way system.

 

[bigcaddy64]

Nitpick: The Kappa 7s use the same 12" woofers as the 8s and 9s. And there are no Polygraphs, it's a three-way system.

I know they have the Polydomes but the online Infinity resource site called out Polygraphs on the data sheet for some reason. The woofer size was a typo i missed. I'll be tackling a set of Kappa 8's this weekend

 

[bigcaddy64]

Not so sure about that. At least on the secondary market. No, I am not saying they are bad speakers.........

I might of been quick on my reply and should of clarified "New" speakers. Plenty of goodies in the used realm but who knows where OP lives.

 

[E2]

Big Speakers sell, but amazing small speakers will at times be a bargain because people don't think many small speakers can deliver. But the best little guys will cost more than highish end floor standers.....

After being spoiled recently, and having the NS 1000's it's tough for me to listen to many big speakers unless modern. Some exceptions, usually more vintage Yamaha's, and other obscenely priced units from decades ago.

I want to get the most sound out of the smallest set up.

The OP obviously can't go wrong. Somebody might pay $250+ for what he picked up. I just wouldn't get to involved unless he can do the work they need himself.

Okay, sorry to get off topic.

Best with your Kappa's folks.