• 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

Pioneer CS-911A Crossover rebuild

angelaudio

angelaudio

Super Member
Howdy folks

I’ve got me a mighty fine set of the aforementioned speakers that I’d like to recap and I wanted to ask you all for some advice on the matter.

This is my first attempt at a crossover rebuild and I am not sure if replacing these caps would make any difference. I don’t have a multimeter with an ESR reading function so I am not able to take measurements of the caps to make sure they are within spec or not. Well, even if they are in spec, would changing out these 40+ year old caps for something more high end ($20-$60 per cap) make a noticeable difference improvement in sound quality? The brand of the original caps is ELNA. Pictures below.

In addition, I would like to know if changing out the existing wiring for a heavier gague would make an improvement as well. I really like the sound of these speakers so I am willing to take the time and invest in them to get them sounding their best.

I also noticed that the components are connected via copper traces and I would like to know if rebuilding an entirely new crossover with point to point wiring would improve the sound. Thank you all in advance for any tips, tricks or recommendations. Cheers.
D2DCCE55-B0DD-4F77-9764-60798796A971.jpeg 49E9CF20-40DC-40B9-B686-94BA0A405BF5.jpeg 564FE335-A96D-4020-B506-9B1A07A769ED.jpeg F9C85C70-7537-4C49-B827-4119D5D4F114.jpeg 8263D5EE-E80D-41FA-AAD7-02174E16B99E.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
angelaudio said:
I would like to know if changing out the existing wiring for a heavier gague would make an improvement as well.
Click to expand...
I doubt it, but it wouldn't be expensive to do and can't do any harm.
angelaudio said:
I also noticed that the components are connected via copper traces and I would like to know if rebuilding an entirely new crossover with point to point wiring would improve the sound.
Click to expand...
The resistance of the copper tracks is negligible so I wouldn't worry about that. Getting the inductors farther apart might be of some benefit, so there may be some benefit in making a new crossover from scratch.
Actually, if you change the caps you might find that the new ones won't fit on the existing board anyway, in which case you may have to ditch the circuit board.
The 3.3uF and 7uF caps could be replaced with polypropylene or polyester caps, but they will be bigger than the originals. The 16uF is also possible to replace with polysomething, though the size and cost might put you off. I suppose if you're going to tackle the job you might as well replace that with a polysomething because sticking with an electrolytic won't save you a great deal of money.
 
Did you access the crossover through the speaker terminal box?

I have a pair of CS-811A that I need to recap. These were purchased new around 1975/76. I’d like to hear them with new caps.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom