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Recommendations for vintage speakers #1000 (sorry, though...)

H

Hildegunst

New Member
Hey people of audiokarma,

until a couple of weeks ago I was quite happy with my basic sound-setup. I had a pair of Canton Chrono 507DC, which was powered by a Yamaha R-S700 and my Technics sl-1300 (+ Denon DL-110) played my records. And then this forum happened and I realized that my 60s/70s living room actually required a 60s/70s hifi-setup. So I started looking for speakers and discovered AK's love for dynaco a-25s (which I bought) and fell in love with their simple yet beautiful design and sound as well. After that a new amp followed (a Sansui 5000x). I had a lot of questions which I posted on another thread and then I sat down, waiting for my new amp to arrive.

While waiting a new idea occupied my mind:

What about that other pair of Magnat Vector 207 which I use as my TV-speakers? They also don't really fit into that whole vintage thing at all. Which pair of “similar” (sound wise) speakers could take their place - but also fit on a level of design? Well... you get the idea; I began searching AK's forums again and came up with the following list and am quite overwhelmed by all the options I got. Do you happy owners of some of the following speakers have any insight you might want to share? Can they be compared to what I have? Will they (or some of them) be steps forward or might I be buying into a much worse sound experience? As said before: design is really an important aspect for me (I like wood-veneer and simple shapes (maybe you know "Bauhaus"?)). Well: here comes the list (regarding prices my limit should be around 1-2k for a pair) - am I missing some allstars? Am I on the right path or do you think some of those speakers won't make me happy at all? jeez... so many questions -.-

- JBL 431*
- JBL 441*
- Wharfedale Heritage (85th...)
- Klipsch Heresy (which Series?)
- Altec 19 (I guess they might be out of reach -.-)
- Yamaha ns2000 (I don't really like the looks of the ns1000)

Well thanks for every bit of input you can give. AK was really helpful so far and has been of great help about alot of my questions ^^

Greetings from Germany: Chris
 
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I'll second Rick's ADS sentiment. They are probably the most universally beloved brand out there. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and Richard So in Mesa can rebuild the drivers to new specs for a very reasonable rate.

DriversJPEG.jpg
 
Porkloin said:
I'll second Rick's ADS sentiment. They are probably the most universally beloved brand out there. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and Richard So in Mesa can rebuild the drivers to new specs for a very reasonable rate.

View attachment 2089484
Click to expand...
Rebuild!?!?!
MW Audio MT-4115: 1 inch Dome Tweeter | Midwest Speaker Repair
Modern methods, modern materials.
This baby will smoke that old worn out "All Day Speaker" poor excuse for a tweeter.
Kick 'em to the curb-save your hearing!!!
Hmmm.......
Come to think, who in there right mind listens to dome tweeters any way?!?!
King Dome Bomb.jpg
Oh sure, I get it now!!
Lordy,lordy...........
 
+What Bodyblue says. ADS seems to be the predecessor to the German brand "Braun" but somehow none of the speakers you mentioned (build by ads) are available around here (not on eBay and not on "ebay-Kleinanzeigen", which is basicly our version of CL).

Another thing: I'm really uncertain about which of the mentioned speakers are the best (regarding price and potential). Many on AK seem to be big fans of the JBL speakers (I did forget the L100 though...) and would prefere them over the Klipsch - even though the Heresys are much heavier priced then the JBL 4312 for example...

EDIT: and another thing; I really like the sound of my old pair (the Magnat Vector 207). Strong lows, maybe lacking hights, but that's fine with me). Which ones of the mentioned speakers is somehow comparable - or will all of them be an improvement?!
 
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Hildegunst said:
+What Bodyblue says. ADS seems to be the predecessor to the German brand "Braun" but somehow none of the speakers you mentioned (build by ads) are available around here (not on eBay and not on "ebay-Kleinanzeigen", which is basicly our version of CL).

Another thing: I'm really uncertain about which of the mentioned speakers are the best (regarding price and potential). Many on AK seem to be big fans of the JBL speakers (I did forget the L100 though...) and would prefere them over the Klipsch - even though the Heresys are much heavier priced then the JBL 4312 for example...
Click to expand...

My advice? Listen to some Heresy speakers BEFORE buying them. They are as well made and famous speaker but they are generally love or hate. I despise them because I cannot stand horn drivers. Also the bass on Heresies rolls off pretty early. But they are popular for people with flea watt amps because they are so easy to drive.
 
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Hildegunst said:
+What Bodyblue says. ADS seems to be the predecessor to the German brand "Braun" but somehow none of the speakers you mentioned (build by ads) are available around here (not on eBay and not on "ebay-Kleinanzeigen", which is basicly our version of CL)
!
Click to expand...

Sometimes I feel like AK should just install an ADS/Advent/JBL button, I see them recommended so much without much regard to location/budget/aesthetics haha
 
first, if you want to try Heresys get the 1st series, can often be purchased for around $400, and if not to your liking can easily be sold for your investment back.

I really like them, there's a reason they've been in production virtually unchanged for 6 decades.

But maybe something from the classic AR line would be a better fit, and most should be within budget. But here's a little secret, there's an AR that's model number is similar to other lesser speakers that makes it a hidden gem.

I stumbled on these a couple of yrs ago looking for some AR12's like I purchased n 1978.

A classic 12" AR 3/way from its dome midrange to its furniture grade cabinets, the AR58s.
20190428_113204.jpg
20190428_112118.jpg
20181028_164303.jpg

They look right at home with the vintage Kenwood gear. Found these on eBay for $275, sold one pair of Heresys for $400 they were replacing.

20180708_120908.jpg

Don't think this is a knock on the Heresys, I still have one pair in the bedroom. Different speakers, here's the best way I can describe the difference. My Infinitys you are there, the Heresys they are here, so if wanting to have Mick and the boys jam at my place it's the Heresys, if wanting to be at the club the Infintys it is.
 
Hildegunst said:
Hey people of audiokarma,

until a couple of weeks ago I was quite happy with my basic sound-setup. I had a pair of Canton Chrono 507DC, which was powered by a Yamaha R-S700 and my Technics sl-1300 (+ Denon DL-110) played my records. And then this forum happened and I realized that my 60s/70s living room actually required a 60s/70s hifi-setup. So I started looking for speakers and discovered AK's love for dynaco a-25s (which I bought) and fell in love with their simple yet beautiful design and sound as well. After that a new amp followed (a Sansui 5000x). I had a lot of questions which I posted on another thread and then I sat down, waiting for my new amp to arrive.

While waiting a new idea occupied my mind:

What about that other pair of Magnat Vector 207 which I use as my TV-speakers? They also don't really fit into that whole vintage thing at all. Which pair of “similar” (sound wise) speakers could take their place - but also fit on a level of design? Well... you get the idea; I began searching AK's forums again and came up with the following list and am quite overwhelmed by all the options I got. Do you happy owners of some of the following speakers have any insight you might want to share? Can they be compared to what I have? Will they (or some of them) be steps forward or might I be buying into a much worse sound experience? As said before: design is really an important aspect for me (I like wood-veneer and simple shapes (maybe you know "Bauhaus"?)). Well: here comes the list (regarding prices my limit should be around 1-2k for a pair) - am I missing some allstars? Am I on the right path or do you think some of those speakers won't make me happy at all? jeez... so many questions -.-

- JBL 431*
- JBL 441*
- Wharfedale Heritage (85th...)
- Klipsch Heresy (which Series?)
- Altec 19 (I guess they might be out of reach -.-)
- Yamaha ns2000 (I don't really like the looks of the ns1000)

Well thanks for every bit of input you can give. AK was really helpful so far and has been of great help about alot of my questions ^^

Greetings from Germany: Chris
Click to expand...

Chris, knowing what music you primarily listen to would be helpful. And what era? Different speakers sound good with different music...also, there are tons of speakers and much of this is personal taste. I personally like British speakers...Their smooth...one option is the Spendor classic SP100r2 or BC1 or the new Wharfe Linton Heritage. They look old school but with modern quality research and engineering. or there's vinatge Tannoy, KEF, Wharf's, Celestion...If you want to buy vintage USA, then get a pair of JBL L100's, or any of the L series and also AR3's...can't go wrong. If you want Japanese, Yamaha NS1000, Pioneer HPM100's, both vintage classics. If you want french, vintage Cabasse 303. Homeland of Germany...vintage Braun, or Philips...
 
Hey Jamie. Well that's quite the question. Right now that should be alot of Funk (old and new - from Stevie Wonder to Vulfpeck), some Fusion (like Organ Freeman or Snarky Puppy) and even some Stoner, Doom or Drone (Bands like Elder or Monkey3). My collection starts in the 60s with alot of Beatles vinyl and ends 2020 with some German HipHop...
 
automojo said:
Rebuild!?!?!
MW Audio MT-4115: 1 inch Dome Tweeter | Midwest Speaker Repair
Modern methods, modern materials.
This baby will smoke that old worn out "All Day Speaker" poor excuse for a tweeter.
Kick 'em to the curb-save your hearing!!!
Hmmm.......
Come to think, who in there right mind listens to dome tweeters any way?!?!
View attachment 2092693
Oh sure, I get it now!!
Lordy,lordy...........
Click to expand...
That tweeter is also an exact match for the tweeters in the Koss CM/1030 (tweeter - 8 ohm; treble tweeter - 4 ohm), the tweeter in the Koss CM/1020 (4 ohm) and the tweeter in the Koss CM/1010 (8 ohm). With a little care and some riveting skills, the original plastic diffusers can be re-used to preserve the like-new sound of those speakers.

And to the OP: you might want to add the above Koss speakers to your list, in that descending order of preference. If you do go that route, and have any questions about them, feel free to contact me at junk666email@hotmail.com.

Jeff
 
FluxT said:
Sometimes I feel like AK should just install an ADS/Advent/JBL button, I see them recommended so much without much regard to location/budget/aesthetics haha
Click to expand...

I am at about a 50% success rate for liking AK recommended speakers. The biggest disappointment were the Dynaco A-50s. I expected angels to sing and white light to appear.....I got a nice looking little speaker with really good bass for the size and decent high end, and that is fine, just not exceptional.

The ADS L570/lls were ones I was really excited to get. But when the woofer cones came unglued from the frame and one woofer died within two days of getting them I was a bit irritated. But I found a replacement woofer and reglued the cones and I ended up liking them: A really nice dome tweeter was the best part. I did an A/B comparo with Realistic Nova 6s. The domes on the ADSs were superior in imaging for sure vs the paper cones on the Novas. The bass was no better with the ADS which rather surprised me. In the end I kept the Novas and the ADS moved on as part of a trade for another piece of equipment. I was not blown away by the ADS but I would like to try some of their bigger ones but they are hard to find.

Speakers are so subjective as to make recommendations almost useless IMO.
 
I agree with @Bodyblue, others opinions or recommendations must be taken lightly. Many speakers may sound good to you, but not others, and vice versa. Opinions are, just opinions. Some people love horns, others hate. Some like solid state, others hate. I will say that some speakers that are well known or well regarded can sound very good, but the flip side is that highly regarded speakers can sound like crap to you. Always take a listen prior to a purchase if paying full market value, and if really cheap you can afford to take a chance and sell if they don't work out. In my opinion only, older gear is priced much lower than new gear. If I were to suggest anything it would be a pair of Klipsch Cornwall's, tough to beat and close to your budget.
 
FluxT said:
Sometimes I feel like AK should just install an ADS/Advent/JBL button, I see them recommended so much without much regard to location/budget/aesthetics haha
Click to expand...
Yep same with Klipsch.
Tin ears!! ;)
I know I'm a ESS bobo-but don't recommend them with out a refurbish-refurbish/mods-and the right driving equipment.
Really-IMHO most of this is thread pointless with out room acoustics-knowing how said equipment REALLY matches up with certain recommended speakers-and frankly taste.
Everyone's got one!
 
automojo said:
Rebuild!?!?!
MW Audio MT-4115: 1 inch Dome Tweeter | Midwest Speaker Repair
Modern methods, modern materials.
This baby will smoke that old worn out "All Day Speaker" poor excuse for a tweeter.
Kick 'em to the curb-save your hearing!!!
Hmmm.......
Come to think, who in there right mind listens to dome tweeters any way?!?!
View attachment 2092693
Oh sure, I get it now!!
Lordy,lordy...........
Click to expand...
Granted, the domes don't hold a candle to the accordions, but the details of the overall ADS product envisioned by Goedhart Guenther made the ESS' of the day look sad.
Most don't have the wherewithal to take on the modifications you acknowledge necessary for an ESS modification- restoration, whereas the ADS speakers are perfectly fine built back to original by a guy in Mesa. If I had the money to burn incorporating a Great Heil into an ADS 1530, that may be the ultimate speaker for a 15 X 25 room due to their wide, shallow enclosures. If I tried to put my gorilla coffins in the corners like I could a pair of L-12/15/20-30's, the booming would make me nauseas.

ListeningSpace.gif
 
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