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VL Mod shout out! Nova 8B/Optimus 5B

VINTAGEO

VINTAGEO

Newbie in New B.
OK let's keep this simple, the original VL mod thread started by videolady has become quite cluttered as we who have read it know.
Recently someone asked how many people have done the mod so I thought I would start a new thread and will link it to the original.
So everyone who has done the mod, just chime in (hopefully with pics) and tell us what you think.

My impressions of these speakers (Optimus 5Bs) before the mods were, Nice bass, good looking, and well built, but mids and highs were overlapping, hard to hear where one started and the other ended, and not much projection, almost muted.
Now, the mids and highs are clearly separated, and very present, but not overstated. The Bass is still great, but even more so, more defined, tighter, but still hit very low!
These are the most listenable speakers in my collection now, never annoying or harsh!
I would put these Rat Shack underdogs up against just about anything out there, given the price point, these are a steal, and knowing I did it myself is a bonus!
So lets hear from all the VL modders, and wherever you are Videolady, we thank you for the hard work and the opportunity to take something pretty good and make it spectacular!!

Here's a link to the original thread, http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/realistic-nova-8b-rebuild-crossover-re-design.307141/
 

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I just had an idea, at the end of your post just write the appropriate sequential number so we can keep track of how many have done the mod.,
I'll start

1
 
2

I did mine about a year ago and will likely never sell them. I don't think I ever took photos of the completed crossovers, but might open my speakers up and snap a few.
 
I'm pretty sure there were quite a few more modders, lol I know since the site was updated, people lost links, hopefully they find this one..
 
Just an update, it's been about a week since I finished the mod, and I cannot stop listening! Very non fatiguing, if anyone's contemplating doing this mod, DON'T think, just do it! You wont regret it!
I can't get over the bass, but at the same time not at all overwhelming.
Very balanced sound in these, worth every penny of the 300 i have in them! Seriously!
and if you're wondering, yes I've heard a few speakers, lol check the last pic of my spare room!
 

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I did the mod on my 5B's and they were much improved over stock. I was disappointed that the highs sounded a little dull to me. I have wondered whether that was due to the doping around the tweeter & mids being completely gone. Whoever had them before me also put some sort of varnish or lacquer over the original veneer.
 
RickeyM said:
I did the mod on my 5B's and they were much improved over stock. I was disappointed that the highs sounded a little dull to me. I have wondered whether that was due to the doping around the tweeter & mids being completely gone. Whoever had them before me also put some sort of varnish or lacquer over the original veneer.
Click to expand...

That's too bad, I really love mine, highs are very present, but not fatiguing. Mine appear to have some sort of doping on the mids and tweets too, but everything moves very freely. Wonder if it is original.
I suppose varnish could be removed, but not too easily..
Did you keep them?
Oh and that makes you # 7 btw :)
 
RickeyM said:
I did the mod on my 5B's and they were much improved over stock. I was disappointed that the highs sounded a little dull to me. I have wondered whether that was due to the doping around the tweeter & mids being completely gone. Whoever had them before me also put some sort of varnish or lacquer over the original veneer.
Click to expand...


I've often wondered about the doping on these tweeters myself.
 
Still quite a few out there at ok prices if you're patient, just make sure drivers are correct if you plan to do the mod.
 
RickeyM said:
I did the mod on my 5B's and they were much improved over stock. I was disappointed that the highs sounded a little dull to me. I have wondered whether that was due to the doping around the tweeter & mids being completely gone. Whoever had them before me also put some sort of varnish or lacquer over the original veneer.
Click to expand...

5b's were some of my first stereo speakers, (after MC-1000's) and I really enjoyed them. But the tweeters both went bad which was pretty common, I purchased the RS super tweeters that you could find at Radio Shack, took them out of their stands and installed directly where the old tweeters were. They really worked well.
 
That's awesome! wonder if they would work with the mod?
I remember VL saying that the mod was especially designed for these particular stock drivers. I wouldn't mind trying it though.:)
 
Let me take this moment to say that it's a shame we lost Video Lady from AK, from what I understand VL was having heart trouble right before disappearing from the forum. I imagine since it has been years since VL's last post, that the outcome was not good. I just want to give thanks to the VL spirit that still is going strong here, it reminds us all of the main purpose for this great forum and what it stands for. :thumbsup:
 
RS Steve said:
Let me take this moment to say that it's a shame we lost Video Lady from AK, from what I understand VL was having heart trouble right before disappearing from the forum. I imagine since it has been years since VL's last post, that the outcome was not good. I just want to give thanks to the VL spirit that still is going strong here, it reminds us all of the main purpose for this great forum and what it stands for. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

+1 You said it!
 
VINTAGEO said:
That's too bad, I really love mine, highs are very present, but not fatiguing. Mine appear to have some sort of doping on the mids and tweets too, but everything moves very freely. Wonder if it is original.
I suppose varnish could be removed, but not too easily..
Did you keep them?
Oh and that makes you # 7 btw :)
Click to expand...

I've still got 'em but they're on "closet duty" right now. I've been wondering if the Radio Shack Super Dome Tweeter 40-1276B would work as a replacement tho'.
 
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