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Upgrade my modest system for < $1000

G

geodr

New Member
Wanting to dig deeper into my 1970's-80's record collection than the occasional listen, but will listen to (Sonos) digital sources probably 75% of the time, and want some advice on any weak spots in my modest system that might be worth upgrading. Would like to spend < $1000.

Monster HTS 2000 power center
NAD C272 Power Amp
NAD C162 Preamp
Philips 312 turntable
Audio-Technica 440MLa Cartridge (probably less than 100 hours on it)
Sonos Connect + Bridge to NAS
Sima SSW-L6EX Speaker Selecter
Blue Jean cable Twelve white speaker cable
Boston Acoustics A100 main listening speakers
Cambridge Soundworks Ensemble III (dining room)
Cambridge Soundworks Ensemble IV (kitchen)
Cambridge Soundworks Outdoor 61 (outdoors!)

Getting a spin-clean to refresh these old LPs.

Issue #1 is Boston Acoustics need to be re-foamed and maybe re-coned. I have enjoyed these speakers a lot, but are they worth spending $200+ on to rehab? Would anything floorstanding or standmounted < say $750 be a big improvement?

Issue #2 to to replace CS Ensemble III in dining room, leaning to Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2, since they will be placed close to corners - am I right in selecting a front ported speaker?

If I rehab the BA, I would have the $ to upgrade the Sonos to Bluesound node 2i.

Thought on Philips 312 turntable?

Thanks!
 
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geodr said:
Would anything floorstanding or standmounted < say $750 be a big improvement?
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The new Magnepan LRS speakers have a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. They would certainly be a change of pace. Improvement is subjective, so if you save the box, you can just send them back if you don't like them. They replace the Magneplanar MMG model, which introduced thousands of people to planar loudspeakers.

P.S. - they will need 3-4 feet between them and the wall behind them.
 
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Goedr, welcome to AK.
I had a pair of BA100s til recently. I refoamed with what was called filleted foams. They were nice speakers. Mine were the series one with Seas tweeters. If they just need refoam, it can be done for around $25-30 for kit. Well worth effort. I never recapped mine. I preferred them over New Large Advents I had. Similar two ways. Think the tweeter was difference. If you think the woofers are sagging, you could try rotating woofs180° at refoam. Mine had some custom 5" tall tilted stands that helped direct tweeter.
Stepping up from these is up to your taste in sound.

I like my ADS L880 10" three ways and Ohm C2 10" three ways. Either are nice warm vintage speakers.

I also have Maggie 1.7i dipole speakers. They can sound amazing when setup well into your room from front wall. Placement is quite critical, and took a lot of fine tuning. And having right electronics and good recordings. But they aren't happy with poor recordings. I play mostly jazz, and jazz recordings are generally well recorded. They are quite tranparant speakers. Just my 2 ¢. I'm guessing a smaller version LRS, to your budget, would be similar sounding. I have not heard them. Again if able to have them 3' to maybe 5' from front wall for enough delay of reflected sound, IMO. Any speaker should be sized to the room you have.
 
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I don't have a lot of space to give much more than one foot spacing between the back of the speakers and the wall.
 
geodr said:
I don't have a lot of space to give much more than one foot spacing between the back of the speakers and the wall.
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In that case you would probably want to look for a sealed, or front ported cabinet.

I have no ideas if you're looking for new. However for used, ADS is always a good bet. Sealed cabinet, rubber surrounds (for the most part), quality crossovers (no rebuilding necessary), great sound and most models available for far less than your limit.

There is a pair of L710's for sale on CL in your area. The asking is a little more than I would pay, but you could always offer less. If it's not too far from you, give them a listen. (They need to be on stands to sound their best.)
 
I would look at upgrading the speakers. An AK membership gets you access to Barter Town and lots of options.
 
rickb119 said:
In that case you would probably want to look for a sealed, or front ported cabinet.

I have no ideas if you're looking for new. However for used, ADS is always a good bet. Sealed cabinet, rubber surrounds (for the most part), quality crossovers (no rebuilding necessary), great sound and most models available for far less than your limit.

There is a pair of L710's for sale on CL in your area. The asking is a little more than I would pay, but you could always offer less. If it's not too far from you, give them a listen. (They need to be on stands to sound their best.)
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A foot is PLENTY of space for a rear ported speaker. Both my ESS AMT1's and my Focal 936's are bottom ported with just a few inches between the floor or the plinth.
 
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Ideal for me would be stand mounted (to be above coffee table) and front ported or sealed (only ~1 foot from back of speaker to wall). Rock pop jazz listening. I'm probably not savvy enough to buy used, so any recommendations in the < $1000 category new (including stands)?
 
Check out the Monitor Audio Bronze 5. The stand is the speaker cab itself. A petite tower. The advantages of a slender tower over a stand-mount results in better sound, all else being equal (which, of course, never happens). Takes up no more space. This model, based on the Silver 6 I own, has ports rear and aft, and works very well with a foot clearance in my bedroom. It also includes port plugs which can be used, if needed. Currently sale-priced online via Audio Advisor. I can't say enough about the SQ - wonderful.
 
ReactiveLoad said:
A foot PLENTY of space for a rear ported speaker. Both my ESS AMT1's and my Focal 936's are bottom ported with just a few inches between the floor or the plinth.
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My mistake. I always thought more room was needed for rear ported speakers. :dunno:
 
geodr said:
Ideal for me would be stand mounted (to be above coffee table) and front ported or sealed (only ~1 foot from back of speaker to wall). Rock pop jazz listening. I'm probably not savvy enough to buy used, so any recommendations in the < $1000 category new (including stands)?
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You might be shocked at what you can get used for $500 since the bay area has plenty of folks with disposable income that are looking for newer/better (and plenty of folks that do not). Of course that takes a some time, some luck, and a willingness drive to check them out.

Good luck with the hunt!
 
After hearing them at Capitol Audiofest, my new recommendation are the new Wharfedale Evo 4.2 speakers. Three way with the jet folded ribbon tweeter, dome mid and I think bottom ported but don't quote me. I don't think you will find any used yet, but perhaps open box for $800. I think they are a fantastic value at $1000 regardless. a If you want full range add an affordable sub like the smallest Rel perhaps.
 
ReactiveLoad said:
That's what I meant. I'm becoming convinced auto-correct makes proof reading more necessary.
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NBD. It's in the same category as those who say "I could care less" when what they actually mean is, I couldn't care less. There is a difference.
 
geodr said:
Then B&W 606?
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I have a pair of BW 607 on my sx-1250. They are power hungry for such a little guy but they are the best sounding speakers I have by far. I am very happy with them. Excellent Tweeter.

I am also a fan of Boston, not be because they sound the best, I just like them. I have a pair of CR6, CR9, and HD6.
 
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