Infinity Reference One Bookshelf Speakers

[jpreza]

Hi everyone,

Just picked up a set of these barely used Infinity Reference One Bookshelf Speakers from a local seller for $30 including the stands. The foam and the tweeters look as in they are in near mint condition. Initially when I first saw them, I was somewhat disappointed because of their small size, but when I picked them up, they are actually hefty for their size.

I plan to pair them with my HK 330C or my Pioneer SX-650 in my workspace in the basement. I believe they should handle either receiver since they are rated at 75W. I have a few questions and I hope someone can help me:

1. Is it possible to upgrade the tweeters to the EMIT line?
2. What year were these made?
3. Where they considered low-end models?
4. Should I have any concerns that they rated for 6 Ohms with either receiver?

TIA....JP

 

[StimpyWan]

That series wasn't covered on the Infinity-Classics site, though, I did find these specs:

2-Speaker, Airtight Type, Bookshelf Type
Units Used For low band : 15.2 cm cone type
For high-pass : 1.9 cm dome type
Frequency band 55 Hz to 25 kHz ± 3 db
Allowable input 75W
Output sound pressure level 90dB/W/m
Crossover frequency 4kHz
Impedance 6 Ω
External dimensions Width 229x Height 361.9x Depth 187.3 mm
Weight 5kg

As to quality, or mods, I'd leave them alone. The Reference One garnered very positive reviews when released. A bit of a rave, for these little bookshelf speakers. Prices on eBay were quite high for a while (none mine). So, I'd listen as-is, then decide if they meet your expectations or not?

Good luck.

 

[goodolpg]

jp if your receivers are rated for 4 ohms (check manual or for info by the speaker terminals on the receiver) then you should be fine.
Especially if you plan to only run that one pair of speakers.

 

[swechsler]

This was my first pair of Infinities 20-something years ago (now sold). Very impressive for what they are. When they were current, they were Infinity's least expensive model. With a 4khz crossover frequency, theoretically you could drop in an EMIT-R (which higher end models in the Reference series had) in place of the polycell tweeter, but I probably wouldn't bother, as @StimpyWan says.

 

[seifreit]

1. Is it possible to upgrade the tweeters to the EMIT line?

As noted by other above, I would not try swapping the EMIT-R for the polycell tweeter. I tried this once just to see with a pair of RS-10s, basically the precursor to the Reference One ( 6.5" woofer, polycell tweeter). The EMIT-R is a direct bolt in with the same flange size and screw hole spacing. The experiment lasted about 10 minutes until I took the EMIT-R out because it sounded so horrible. The crossover point may be compatible but the RS-10 was not voiced for an EMIT-R.

 

[jpreza]

As noted by other above, I would not try swapping the EMIT-R for the polycell tweeter. I tried this once just to see with a pair of RS-10s, basically the precursor to the Reference One ( 6.5" woofer, polycell tweeter). The EMIT-R is a direct bolt in with the same flange size and screw hole spacing. The experiment lasted about 10 minutes until I took the EMIT-R out because it sounded so horrible. The crossover point may be compatible but the RS-10 was not voiced for an EMIT-R.

Good to know! I was going down the same rabbit hole so I appreciate your input not to try it!

On a related subject, after closer inspection, one of the speakers may need to be refoamed. So my question is: how difficult/expensive is it to do this?

TIA...JP

 

[goodolpg]

DIY kits are probably available on ebay or Rick Cobb. Roughly $20-$30 for a kit which includes foams and glue, and sometimes shims or a tone cd to play to center the driver foam. Foam prices and repair seem go up as the size goes up. It looks like your speakers use a 6" woofer so prices would be on the lower end of whatever the current pricing range is.
Like many things, there is a bunch of info on AK "how to refoam speakers" as well as several youtube videos online "refoaming speakers" would be a good starting point for youtube.
If you're not comfortable doing it yourself a speaker repair shop can do them but it might cost around double or a bit more in these crazy times what a DIY kit costs because of labor. And if you don't have shop you can hand deliver them to shipping both ways will add to the total cost.
Like many audio things, if they are keepers it's probably worth doing, and if you DIY it a good learning experience as well. Chances are you might not recoup your money should you decide to move them along later. Same for changing tweeters, if you have some on hand might be a good learning experience, but if you need to buy a pair of EMITs again you might not recoup that cost if you send them down the road.

 

[swechsler]

When refoaming these woofers you'll want to use the test tone method rather than the shim method. While I have heard from some people who've gotten those dust caps off without damage, it's unlikely they'll ever look the same after that.

If one woofer needs new foam, they both will. Don't bother to do just one.

 

[jpreza]

Thanks guys! I'll do a search for speaker DIY kits and I'll do both. I'll put this on my list on projects. Currently working on restoring an HK 930, a Pioneer SX-650, and a Project/One MARK IV B receiver, so they're keeping me pretty busy. Next down the line is a Sherwood S-8900, and an HK 430 with a blown left output channel. I've never dealt in speaker repairs but it sounds like it could be a fun project, and for the price I paid, I'm not risking much and it'll be a good learning experience. I plan to put these in the garage while I do yard work. My main speakers are a pair of CV R-26s, which I love!!

JP

 

[bubbajack80]

How’s it going with the HK 930?