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Sprout 100 + Dynaco A25 ?

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poznerol

New Member
Hi all, I am trying to build my first ~$1000 listening system (mostly for classical / old and modern jazz / acoustic / blues) and after a few days of youtube videos and reviews I am totally sold on the Sprout 100 as the pivot piece of the setup (I change houses a lot - as an academic - including overseas etc. and I like its portability and people say it has a nice DAC and I will listen mostly digital files and/or on Bluetooth).

I see people recommending to pair the Elac B5 to keep things simple and low on price (<~ 1200$ tot) so that's definitely an option. Howeverrrr I've found these very pretty Dynaco A25 on the local craigslist https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/ele/d/bronx-dynaco-a25-speakers/7186302600.html and I wonder if they would be a nice match and if anyone has experience with this pairing.
Thanks a lot!
 
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I just bought a pair of a25’s today, and have high hopes for them. I haven’t heard the Elac’s, or the a25’s either (yet). The big difference between the 2 will be efficiency and deep bass. I’m guessing the Elac’s are probably 85 db efficient, and the Dynaco’s are around 90, meaning the a25’s will play louder than the Elac’s with the same amp. The Elac’s probably play deeper bass better than the a25’s. That may not be an issue for the music you mentioned.

I believe vintage speakers like the a25, KLH five and six, Advent original large and small, and many AR models (just to name a few) are unbelievable values in today’s market. I have several now, and with proper service, can make your jaw drop when you hear them. Lots of folks will tell you technology has left these old designs behind, and maybe that’s true. What I know, is Some of these these old designs use Components of very high quality. New speakers likely sound different, but that doesn’t mean better in every case or system. The main advantage to the a25, is if you buy at a fair market value, and decide they are not for you, you can likely flip them for no loss. Buying new Elac’s might not offer that same “insurance “.

If you decide to get the a25’s, plan to replace the capacitor in the cross over. This isn’t a difficult task, and I’m sure if you aren’t able to solder, there is a shop or AK member close by that could help. The soldering will take 10 minutes.

Good luck on your quest.
 
That seems a little pricey for A25's, but I don't know your market. My son recently bought a pair of Emotiva B1+ speakers and is very happy. He has a good ear IMO. Steve Guttenberg gives them a good review. At $229/pr they seem a pretty good deal. In general I like the sound of a Heil pleated type tweeter. I haven't heard the Emotivas so take this accordingly.

All the best,
John
 
Onebean said:
I believe vintage speakers like the a25, KLH five and six, Advent original large and small, and many AR models (just to name a few) are unbelievable values in today’s market. I have several now, and with proper service, can make your jaw drop when you hear them. Lots of folks will tell you technology has left these old designs behind, and maybe that’s true. What I know, is Some of these these old designs use Components of very high quality. New speakers likely sound different, but that doesn’t mean better in every case or system. The main advantage to the a25, is if you buy at a fair market value, and decide they are not for you, you can likely flip them for no loss. Buying new Elac’s might not offer that same “insurance “.

If you decide to get the a25’s, plan to replace the capacitor in the cross over. This isn’t a difficult task, and I’m sure if you aren’t able to solder, there is a shop or AK member close by that could help. The soldering will take 10 minutes.

Good luck on your quest.
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Thank you for your answer! My main concern for the Dynaco now is that as a total newbie I won't be able to tell if there is some component that needs servicing, and there is a risk I "settle" for some mediocre sound with old/damaged components since I don't have anything for an A-B testing. Is this a common risk with vintage speakers or am I overreacting?
 
I'd say your overthinking it a bit. Yes, they might not be at 100% of their capable performance, but if all the drivers are working, you can enjoy them as is for a while, and then get them recapped when it's convenient. The A25's were manufactured 50 years ago, and people are still seeking them out, and talking about them all over the internet. I wonder if the same will be said for the current Elac designs that get so much good press.

I lean toward used / vintage almost all the time in hifi. I've been very lucky to get some great vintage gear (both tube and solid state) based on recommendations from members here on AK. We all hear things a little different, but from my perspective, listening to properly restored electronics and speakers, I don't think there has been much improvement in sound quality in the last 50 years. Certainly there have been some improvements, but it's not like comparing a 50 year old car to one manufactured today. I feel like many of the "improvements" in hifi today, revolve around things like reducing the weight to decrease shipping costs, and using sustainable eco friendly components to protect our environment. That's good thoughtful design principles. For me personally, it's about the hunt too. I just bought a Sansui model eight last week. I've been on the hunt for one to add to my collection, and it's taken me over a year to find the right one at the right price. I enjoy that hunt more than going to the store to buy something.

Back to your speaker choice.In typical AK fashion, I'd say buy them both. You can likely purchase the Elac's somewhere that will allow returns for 15-30 days (Best Buy comes to my mind). Then compare them to each other, and see which one sounds better to you. If you like the Elac's, flip the A25's, if you like the A25's, return the Elac's. Then you will be able to enjoy your system, without wondering if you made the right choice.
 
I see. I guess I'll give it a try then, thanks a lot for sharing your experience :)
btw I just noticed these RP 150M on the local craigslist for a very small price compared to what you usually find them. I am afraid this will escalate to an A-B-C test :)
 
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The Dynaco A25 is just fine, not much to complain about. But the Dynaco to get is the A40xl. More extension, more sensitive, handles more power. And yes, cost more money.
 
I do, but don't know where. And I have the 40's. Had the a25's. And both at the same time.
Of all the old acoustic suspension bookshelf speakers I have the 40's do the best job of stepping out of the little box sound and into something it's not expected to do.

Little speakers on hand and in use.
Advent OLA.
Bozak b-301 Tempo.
AR 3A
Fisher xp7b
KLH 5
Nova 8 and Optimus 5b
Criterion 5xb
Pioneer cs99a.
Wharfedale w60.
Kenwood KL777a, (a most excellent rock speaker)
 
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