Infinity Reference Five’s - DIY upgrades?

[cheapcuts]

I got my ref 4's in part because of the great reviews of the 5's they are similar but you have to raise them to the height of the 5's to get that good sound staging. Listening to FM last night the sound spread on some of the music was quite a surprise. Rick James Super Freak was wall to wall panoramic while a lot of newer pop stuff seemed more boring, possibly mixed for headphones ?

 

[WFHDad]

I ecstatically picked up a pair of Infinity Reference Five at an estate sale last month — something I've always wanted but couldn't afford back in the 1990s. Endeavored my first ever attempt to re-foam all four drivers, and was surprised by the level of difficulty and the very positive outcome. The new foam will needs additional time to break-in. However, I find these speakers to lean towards the warmer side. The mids and the lows seemed balanced. I can probably stiffen the enclosures at a later date, and add additional fill to tighten up the lower registers.

Question:
Do the EMIT-Rs sound naturally warm by default? to the point where the high-hats seemed muffled?
For reference, I use high current solid-state (Yamaha RX-Z9) and 6L6 tube amps, and A/B/C with other speakers for comparison. Also the tweeter's C1 capacitor ESR readings measured to be within factory specifications (see attached pictures — only tested one speaker for now).

I know the caps would drift after 30 years and will increase resistance, but the measurements said otherwise. Am I missing something?

 

[swechsler]

Do the EMIT-Rs sound naturally warm by default? to the point where the high-hats seemed muffled?

Never owned Ref 5s but I have owned several other Infinity models with EMIT-Rs. I would never describe any EMIT or EMIT-R as "muffled". I think there may be something wrong. Cap replacement time, perhaps?

 

[WFHDad]

Never owned Ref 5s but I have owned several other Infinity models with EMIT-Rs. I would never describe any EMIT or EMIT-R as "muffled". I think there may be something wrong. Cap replacement time, perhaps?

Will do that in the near future. Will update.

 

[seifreit]

You may also want to check the 2 diodes that form the protection part of the circuit.

 

[skyegreen424]

I ecstatically picked up a pair of Infinity Reference Five at an estate sale last month — something I've always wanted but couldn't afford back in the 1990s. Endeavored my first ever attempt to re-foam all four drivers, and was surprised by the level of difficulty and the very positive outcome. The new foam will needs additional time to break-in. However, I find these speakers to lean towards the warmer side. The mids and the lows seemed balanced. I can probably stiffen the enclosures at a later date, and add additional fill to tighten up the lower registers.

Question:
Do the EMIT-Rs sound naturally warm by default? to the point where the high-hats seemed muffled?
For reference, I use high current solid-state (Yamaha RX-Z9) and 6L6 tube amps, and A/B/C with other speakers for comparison. Also the tweeter's C1 capacitor ESR readings measured to be within factory specifications (see attached pictures — only tested one speaker for now).

I know the caps would drift after 30 years and will increase resistance, but the measurements said otherwise. Am I missing something?

I've actually experienced the opposite -- after adding bracing and recapping I'd say the speakers feel pretty neutral if not leaning a bit cooler/brighter. This may have something to do with my receiver that I'm using to power the speakers, adding some low end through the receivers built in EQ brought back the bass that I felt was missing with no audible distortion. From what I remember, before doing all the recaps I noticed that the whole speaker was very warm but the bass didn't feel too controlled...
I've broken my ankle and just had surgery so I'm still in the bedrest phase of my recovery and can't listen to my reference fives right now but next time I am able to I'll write you a better reply explaining what I'm hearing at the moment. I'm inclined to suggest that if you want the sound to be more neutral than you should definitely recap at least the tweeter circuit -- measured values of the preexisting caps in the crossover be damned! I used Dayton caps and after break-in everything sounds great. Lots of detail and texture. Imaging is fantastic too. I think the room that the speaker's are in can also make a MAJOR difference.

 

[WFHDad]

I've actually experienced the opposite -- after adding bracing and recapping I'd say the speakers feel pretty neutral if not leaning a bit cooler/brighter. This may have something to do with my receiver that I'm using to power the speakers, adding some low end through the receivers built in EQ brought back the bass that I felt was missing with no audible distortion. From what I remember, before doing all the recaps I noticed that the whole speaker was very warm but the bass didn't feel too controlled...
I've broken my ankle and just had surgery so I'm still in the bedrest phase of my recovery and can't listen to my reference fives right now but next time I am able to I'll write you a better reply explaining what I'm hearing at the moment. I'm inclined to suggest that if you want the sound to be more neutral than you should definitely recap at least the tweeter circuit -- measured values of the preexisting caps in the crossover be damned! I used Dayton caps and after break-in everything sounds great. Lots of detail and texture. Imaging is fantastic too. I think the room that the speaker's are in can also make a MAJOR difference.

Thanks for the response. I will definitely do the recaps. Get well soon!

 

[WFHDad]

You may also want to check the 2 diodes that form the protection part of the circuit.

Good point. Will do as well. Thanks.