Santana II Speakers

[COYS]

Hey all, recently acquired my dads vintage stereo gear (SX-850, PL-550, Santana II) and am wanting to add some more speakers to this set up because I have heard the Santana II aren't the best. My father said he used to have some old Klipsch speakers too that made the system sound great, but he gave those away years ago.

Do you all have any suggestions on what I should add to this set up to make up for what the Santana II are missing? I was thinking something from that same time period would be a great addition, but just have no idea where to begin.

 

[alteclipsch]

Lots of options for your system, since you're dealing with a decent amount of clean power in that sx 850. It would depend on space requirements, budget, what your listening habits are like, etc. You'll get many opinions soon. My personal preferences lean toward fairly large, efficient Altecs (Valencia) or the bigger vintage ADS, AR, or KLH speakers. Mostly because I've had them all of my adult life and love their sound.

 

[rider33]

the original Santana's had a 15" biflex woofer. That's a woofer sort of pleated in the middle to attempt to improve mid-range sound. It was built on a very good motor (frame & magnet assembly) but that hinged if you will cone could make things sound a bit muddy. The 2's tho are a more traditional woofer, I would not expect those issues. They are foam surrounds tho I believe so you want to be sure they are in good shape (or refoam). You could try switching out the tweeter for a horn but really, I'd try listening to them & what you think as the only ears that matter are yours. If you do
want to dial it up it's likely easier to add some bookshelf speakers on top of them (I had some JBL L26's that worked well) than to mess with the Santana's, it's kind of nice to get the sound up closer to seated ear level actually.

 

[Ds2000]

the original Santana's had a 15" biflex woofer. That's a woofer sort of pleated in the middle to attempt to improve mid-range sound. It was built on a very good motor (frame & magnet assembly) but that hinged if you will cone could make things sound a bit muddy. The 2's tho are a more traditional woofer, I would not expect those issues. They are foam surrounds tho I believe so you want to be sure they are in good shape (or refoam). You could try switching out the tweeter for a horn but really, I'd try listening to them & what you think as the only ears that matter are yours. If you do
want to dial it up it's likely easier to add some bookshelf speakers on top of them (I had some JBL L26's that worked well) than to mess with the Santana's, it's kind of nice to get the sound up closer to seated ear level actually.

Second the try them out sentiment. Some really like this series from Altec. If they need new foam, that can easily be solved too.

 

[COYS]

the original Santana's had a 15" biflex woofer. That's a woofer sort of pleated in the middle to attempt to improve mid-range sound. It was built on a very good motor (frame & magnet assembly) but that hinged if you will cone could make things sound a bit muddy. The 2's tho are a more traditional woofer, I would not expect those issues. They are foam surrounds tho I believe so you want to be sure they are in good shape (or refoam). You could try switching out the tweeter for a horn but really, I'd try listening to them & what you think as the only ears that matter are yours. If you do
want to dial it up it's likely easier to add some bookshelf speakers on top of them (I had some JBL L26's that worked well) than to mess with the Santana's, it's kind of nice to get the sound up closer to seated ear level actually.

yeah I was going to keep them and was looking for something that would compliment them, like the JBL L26 that you suggested.

 

[quiet]

Hey all, recently acquired my dads vintage stereo gear (SX-850, PL-550, Santana II) and am wanting to add some more speakers to this set up because I have heard the Santana II aren't the best. My father said he used to have some old Klipsch speakers too that made the system sound great, but he gave those away years ago.

Do you all have any suggestions on what I should add to this set up to make up for what the Santana II are missing? I was thinking something from that same time period would be a great addition, but just have no idea where to begin.

How long have you been listening to them in "your" sound room? Do "you" find anything missing with the Santana? If so, what? Are you new to paying close attention to what comes out of speakers?
If you haven't already figured it out, it can take some time to learn to listen. And yet more to identify what you're hearing. And longer still to find out what you like. It did me.
Anyway, try some Rectilinear 111 Highboys or Wharfedale w70d. Good match for your receiver.
If you're leaning toward rock, the Kenwood KL777a will light the house up.