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The Celestion Owners Thread

Thank you, I think the woofers are easier to pull out on the 33s, but you may have just helped me to change my mind. The speakers sound fantastic to my ears, so I might just be looking for a problem where one doesn’t actually exist!

Thank you, I think the woofers are easier to pull out on the 33s, but you may have just helped me to change my mind. The speakers sound fantastic to my ears, so I might just be looking for a problem where one doesn’t actually exist!
Hi, just became the proud owner of a pair of SL12si speakers. Just one very simple (totally newbie) question, but the connections on the speakers dont have any clear markings +/- or red/black. For now, I've followed the layout on the rear of the amp (right hand on amp goes to right hand on speaker) and it seems to be OK but I'd rather be sure. Thanks in advance.
 
Hi, just became the proud owner of a pair of SL12si speakers. Just one very simple (totally newbie) question, but the connections on the speakers dont have any clear markings +/- or red/black. For now, I've followed the layout on the rear of the amp (right hand on amp goes to right hand on speaker) and it seems to be OK but I'd rather be sure. Thanks in advance.
 
Hi, just became the proud owner of a pair of SL12si speakers. Just one very simple (totally newbie) question, but the connections on the speakers dont have any clear markings +/- or red/black. For now, I've followed the layout on the rear of the amp (right hand on amp goes to right hand on speaker) and it seems to be OK but I'd rather be sure. Thanks in advance.
I think the + connection is on the right. There are plus and minus symbols on the binding cup but they’re really hard to see.
 

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Hi, is there any preference with Ditton 66 speakers between mf500 and md500 midrange drivers? Thanks

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Other than power handling they seem almost interchangeable:

 
I have or have had;
Celestion Ditton 66 1st version
3 pairs Ditton 44s 2nd version with veneered wood under the dust cover
1 pair Ditton 44s 1st version in rosewood
1 pair of Ditton 442s
A single Ditton 10, still have
2 pairs of Ditton 15s including 1 pair in rosewood veneer
Ditton 22s
Ditton 33s

I never did hear the 66s in all their glory in my space, but after I sold them, I got to hear them on a Kenwood 700M. Very impressive when playing Sade "Love is Found"!

The most surprising of these are the Ditton 15s. Excellent sounding speakers for their size when driven by a high current amp. When driven by a regular receiver, just meh...
SL 12si or 44 series ii?? Thoughts?
 
SL 12si or 44 series ii?? Thoughts?

I really couldn't say, I like the 44s, and I hear the SL 12Si are more neutral. Not sure which I would like better, but I lean towards the 44s. My bet is the 44s would go lower, if that is your thing. I could be wrong. Recently, they have done amazing things with bass and small speakers. But for me, it is feel it in your chest kind bass. The 44s can do that given the right power amp. I don't have Dittons anymore. Now my speakers are Kef and Sony, ... plus a little ESS on the side.
 
Here in Canada, the Celestion Ditton models are quite popular. I've had the 15s (one of my favourite small speakers that seem to sell consistently around here for $250), 22s, 332s, 44s, 442s, and 66s. I still like the 44s, and would buy them whenever I find them for a good price. They are all well made heavy speakers that exude quality. I really liked the wide/narrow footprint of the 66s. I didn't have enough power in those days, alas, so I never heard the 66s at their best.
Here in Canada, the Celestion Ditton models are quite popular. I've had the 15s (one of my favourite small speakers that seem to sell consistently around here for $250), 22s, 332s, 44s, 442s, and 66s. I still like the 44s, and would buy them whenever I find them for a good price. They are all well made heavy speakers that exude quality. I really liked the wide/narrow footprint of the 66s. I didn't have enough power in those days, alas, so I never heard the 66s at their best.
I love my 332. I have an oportunity to buy a pair of 44. What difference? W
ould that be an upgrade from 332?
 
Do we think Celestion chose the Nextel finish due to its acoustic properties, as much as fashion? I'm thinking here of its use cropping up amongst several notable makers back in the '80s, eg Revox & avi. As regards 'acoustic properties', I've read elsewhere that the rubberised finished has a damping effect on the Aerolam cabinet, but is that just speculation or an established fact? Does anyone know more about the history of this in my view rather unpleasant finish?
 
Do we think Celestion chose the Nextel finish due to its acoustic properties, as much as fashion? I'm thinking here of its use cropping up amongst several notable makers back in the '80s, eg Revox & avi. As regards 'acoustic properties', I've read elsewhere that the rubberised finished has a damping effect on the Aerolam cabinet, but is that just speculation or an established fact? Does anyone know more about the history of this in my view rather unpleasant finish?
Nextel does mention acoustic properties in their product documentation. It’s said to diffuse and scatter. When I rebuilt my Ditton 551 I just used matte black.

I’ve often wondered if that’s why Klipsch uses textured paint on the front baffles.
 
UL-8 crossover. Does anyone know which wires are for the woofer and the tweeter? The red/blk pair are a bit longer than the yel/blk. A search on here and google did not help. I did find something in German? that said the crossover point was 2K (I think that is what it was saying anyway). I am considering using them in a Maggie console upgrade. Thanks.
 

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Hi everyone. I’m looking to restore or replace two Celestion HF2000 (4-ohm) tweeters. Can anyone recommend a reputable speaker repair shop? Thanks in advance.
 
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Hi everyone. I’m looking to restore or replace two Celestion HF2000 (4-ohm) tweeters. Can anyone recommend a reputable speaker repair shop? Thanks in advance.
If you're looking at replacements, Falcon Acoustics in the UK (perhaps the definitive source for classic British speaker parts) lists the Seas 19TFF1 H0737 Tweeter as a replacement for the Celestion HF2000. However, it appears those Seas are 8 ohms (I believe there were both 4 and 8 ohm versions of the Celestion HF2000). Madisound in Madison, WI (no affiliation) sells those same 8ohm Seas tweeters for $46.90 each. You may want to reach out to either of them about suitable replacements for the 4ohm version (with the understanding that with Falcon there would be international shipping charges if you ended up buying from them). I purchased some Coles 4001 16-ohm super tweeter replacements for B&W DM4 speakers from Falcon years ago, and they were great about answering questions before I bought.
 
It has been a while since I last placed a comment on the forum. I have not seen any reviews lately on the Celestion 3000 speakers. I have owned mine for a number of years. They are currently located in my study and are connected to a Quad 66 system consistong of 66 Preamp and Tuner along with a 606 amplier and 67 CD player. The Turntable is a Project with an Ortofon Cartridge. In addition my recorded music on my pc, all FLAC, is connected via an IFI Zen DAC to the 66 Preamp.

I have tested the speakers in different rooms using my other Quad systems - 33/303, 44/405-2, 34/306 and 99. On balance I prefer the 66 system which has more power than the others. Likewise in comparison with my other speakers it is the quality of the mid range and treble which is closely matched to my Quad 63s which I appreciate. I also have a pair of Celestion 7 Mark 2s which although not in the same league as the 3000s offer good quality sound at a very good price.

Like any speakers there are always compromises. The most obvious one is that it is important to be seated in line with thetreble units. Listening when standing above them you lose quality of sound However when sitting down the stereo image is ideal for sitting on a sofa rather than a single chair. The speakers are not designed for deep heavy rock but I do find their bass response adequate for my enjoyment. They produce more than enough bass, for my ears, when playing Widor's Toccata and Fugue at reasonable levels.

I continue to enjoy the 3000s and have no regrets in purchasing them. In many ways I wish that I could have boiught them sooner.
 
I just picked up some 15’s today and the coating on the woofers has peeled off.

One was already gone and the other I have just cleaned up, and was wondering how to approach re-coating them. I was thinking of shellac, but I saw reference somewhere else to watered down PVA.

Does anyone have experience with this?

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Did some more research, seems Damar Varnish is the way to go…. have ordered some 12uF caps and new binding posts in the meantime.
 
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