Should You Buy Vintage Speakers? Yes!

[@garysmith8455]

Thanks for your love for vintage loudspeakers in this presentation! May I add? In my home (no wife factor), I am fortunate to have a number of rooms with gear. Pinnacle....complete 7.2.4 dedicated Atmos theater top to bottom speakers and subs bought NEW back in the mid 90ies. Have not had to do a thing to them. Had the pleasure to meet and hang out with Rich Rothenburg and his crew at their lab/shop near by. Roy Allison 120ies (new surrounds and doping), same for the European version 130ies (3-way) in genuine oak veneer. Surround and doping on woofers professionally performed on both pairs. They were GIVE AWAYS, free for the taking and previously installed behind grills in a church for an electronic organ back in 1986. Like NEW! Neighbor GIVE AWAY, very nice older lady asked if I wanted some old equipment. Pair of SUPERSCOPE 212-S. Sold in 1972, a big 2 way speaker with a 12" bass driver. Clearly 'West Coast' sound. Changed out the cap in each, oiled the beautiful dark walnut veneer, great sound considering the era. Factory treated cloth surround woofers, mounted with T nuts and machine screws and internal bracing all original quality! Other rooms have new Klipsch Forte' Fours and a pair of newer Martin Logan electrostatics from their current Masterpiece series. So, I'm all over the place with vintage AND new 😀. Thanks again.

[@nicevmax]

I am listening to a pair of early 70s AR2ax speaker's bought at a garage sale for 30 bucks. Needed to be refoamed so I got the refoam kit and did it myself. A learning experience but they turned out real good. The grill cloth was in good shape needed to find an AR2ax badge on eBay, found one polished it up rubbed the cabinets down with lemon oil and they look great. I have since recapped them and they sound wonderful.

[@helifynoe9930]

I may have posted this before, but for less than $250 each, I built my own speakers back in 1978. The each contain one 15" woofer, two mid-range dome drivers, and four dome tweeters, and are mirror images of each other. I am yet to hear speakers that are as good as these for more than $20,000.

[@virtualworlddisorderrealit1848]

A client gave me his huge, thick, teak, homemade in University in the 70'S, monster speakers with a separate box to attach 4 joined cables per speaker... I've changed the fabric once and their still blasting away... I challenge you to a dual! I haven't a clue about exact electronic specs but they measure 3'X2'X10". and are too heavy for anywhere but the floor. They were FREE!

[@chanslorvalorum6905]

Nice. I would be very interested to see them and hear them. I built mine in 1981 high school. But I fitted them with JBL E140 and bullet tweeters more recently. Sure they have a few problems ., but they do some things exceptionally well. My speakers can be seen on my KZbin “channel” But they’re also featured on Steve Gutenberg, the AUDIOPHILIAC daily show from Jan. 8 2021.

[@yankee7809]

Terrific channel! I'm working on my 1978 Klipschorns. The woodwork is still terrific but they need in some places new grille cloth. Trying to find the correct replacement may take some time but it's worth it. Nice to see someone with your interests and skills!

[@marks-the-spot]

Nice work keeping classic speakers alive. I have a pair of ADS 300 speakers that I bought new in 1978 on my desk. The original foam woofer surrounds failed long ago, but I was able to get replacement woofers with rubber surrounds from ADS not long before they went out of business. These speakers still sound great. I don't shop for vintage stereo, I just keep it long enough that it is vintage! 😀

[@Lancaster_Hi-Fi]

That's how I got into vintage as well!

[@danab7472]

I’d had a lot of speakers in and out of my place and one day I noticed an ad for a pair of vintage speakers selling for a hundred dollars. They looked like a fun project and I figured what the heck. I’d had vintage electronics but never speakers. Turns out they were a pair of Celestion Ditton 551, and after replacing the tweeters, restoring the cabinet and making new grilles, they’re very easily the best speaker I’ve ever owned. Just beautiful in every way. If anything it’s a cursed blessing, because my wife loves them and pretty much forbids me from replacing them. Not that I’m in a hurry to; I estimate it would take around six thousand dollars worth of new speaker just to match them.

[@sidesup8286]

I used to do what the person on this video is doing. Then I realized that for $399 or so on ebay, you can get used modern speakers from slightly before and slightly after the turn of the century which have drivers that are simply cleaner than the drivers in the vintage stuff. Driver technology has improved since the 1970s. I can only think of a few good midrange drivers & tweeters from speakers back then, that were realistically priced. The Infinity Emit tweeters come to mind. For less than $400 on the used market you can get real imaging champs too, which really leave behind the usual box speakers from the 1970s. Internal cabinet bracing, so the speaker sounds less like a box, became fairly commonplace in the latter 1980s. My advice is if you're shopping for used bookshelf speakers, or small floorstanding speakers from the 1970s or before; don't go much over $200 a pair. You can do better with more modern used speakers. Stacking speakers of MORE THAN 4 ohm impedence can work out well. Stacking the 1980s B&W Prism 302 speakers with the unique honeycomb semi open back, once worked out for me. The two speakers in each channel, instead of just one, shared the volume and sounded less strained than using just one speaker per channel. You could go twice as loud with the 4 speakers also. The bass predictably is way deeper with 2 speakers per channel and the spatiality, both height and depth is way better. Generally, old speakers just sound strained compated to newer speakers with more modern drivers. Strained in comparison is what you hear just about every time. Well chosen newer drivers simply have less distortion That's why older speakers usually have a duller sounding tweeter to gloss that over. The old speakers do usually have more warmth though. To showcase their clarity, modern speakers often cut back on warmth. A warm sound is a nice sound to have.

[@gvaughan2896]

My Father in law gave us his Mission 737 Renaissance speakers (that he bought new in 1985) when he "upgraded" to some new floor standers. Every time he pops round for a listen he always say's why did I give you these??? to which I obviously reply, "well you're not getting them back!" Stunning clarity and body from a 40 year old speaker, and after some minor maintenance they are truly sensational.

[@SWertheim]

Thanks for the useful info about restoration. I will look into the wood restorers you mentioned. The mid/woofers in my Allison 5s (roughly 40 years old) had cracked surrounds. Found a guy near me who repairs vintage speakers and now they look and sound fantastic. He told me that he checked the capacitors, just as you said, but mine were OK. In other parts of the house I have much newer speakers, but I am so happy with my refurbished Allisons! For those in South Florida, see Carl at South Florida Speaker Repair.

[@if6wuzz9]

Great vid as usual. Thanks for the tip on Briwax. Keep ‘em coming. One of my many too many pairs is a set of Klipsch KG4.2 with titanium tweeters and new crossovers from Crites.

[@MashBill]

My current speakers, that I just restored, are Altec Lansing Valencias. These are keepers and have re-sparked my interest in hifi.

[@charlesmorris574]

I owned a pair of these. I wish I still had them

[@michaelhorton6158]

The best speakers i've ever owned, miss them. I know where they are at :).

[@anoxicfiltrationplenums]

The Empirical Audiophile uses Altec Valencias as his reference speakers.

[@chanslorvalorum6905]

We have a winner. !! Coolest speakers ever made

[@705johnnyboy]

i have a pair of restored kek104/2 best ever speakers ,i had a brand new pair in the 90s .i never got over letting them go ....

[@rolliecorey2928]

Had the 104/2 kefs also and really enjoyed them.

[@longshot9078]

I own a set of SANSUI SP- X8900 speakers and they still have the grills with them , and there are in perfect condition! These are made in 1973 . I bought them new !!!

[@davidworsham4052]

I just got a pair of KLH Model 17 speakers for free. The cabinets are in good shape, the grills look super clean and they sound fantastic. The free part was a gentleman had passed and his family was giving away his hifi equipment. I was going to purchase a set of Small Advents for $175 but the KLHs came along and I got super lucky.

[@gilbertwashburn7095]

Thanks for the video it keeps me going and inspired restoring old stereo equipment and speakers I recently found a dual 721 man it's a mind blower I replaced the RCA cords cleaned it up adjusted it it's direct drive it sounds fantastic it's rated higher than a AR which is a pretty high rating in my book cuz you know AR sound fantastic have a great day keep finding gems I can't buy any more stuff I got enough stuff to restore for 100 years it keeps me busy I'm an old guy my first stereo was given to me by my uncle it was a strumberg Carlson it had two mono tube amps AM/FM tube tuner and turntable and Corner speakers everything was solid oak the drivers are Western Electric it sounded fantastic my mind was blown I was a kid my friends always came over to listen to crank the music and then when I turn 16 I wanted a car actually I already had a car but I wanted a Camaro so I traded the stereo for a 67 Camaro it was a nice car it was a 327 with a four-speed and a positraction no rust the kid I traded to lost his license and couldn't drive his mother thought it was a great idea me too but I miss that stereo that thing was awesome have a great day thanks to the inspiration my uncle also had two Leslie's speakers but I didn't know if they were

[@stephensams709]

I bought a 721 new in 1978 and I still use it to this day. I've had only minor problems that were easily corrected.

[@xtubalnet]

Great video and a very informative subject. Young people need this topic to take things forward. Once you hear good speakers, regardless of the cost, you can't easily go back.

[@garyfain7235]

Loved your video! I have a long personal story that I’ll keep short. Always liked JBL speakers and when I jumped back into audio, I purchased a pair of JBL towers. Disappointed as I remembered my L100 Century studio monitors having amazing “wall monitors for sound” which the towers did not have. So, jump d in the Klipsch Heresy IVs and hitch I really like, but over time kept going back to the JBLs. So bought a pair of, I think, 1975 Century monitors which ended up costing 0 dollars as they were damaged in shipping. Paid $390 to have them tested and minor repairs. Very happy listener. The Klipsch are now part of surround sound video and the JBLs are in my listening room. Looking forward to your next video. Thank you for your contribution to the audio community

[@johnwatrous3058]

I found a pair of Klipsh Cornwall 2 (1976) for $500. Cabinet need a little work but does not affect the sound (original drivers). They sound great to me.

[@richardmacphee2367]

I love finding rare of ball speakers, picked up a pair of kawazawa speakers for 20 bucks, they are built like a tank, sound absolutely amazing, built in the 60s in Japan, only got to the US from service men, loved researching about them, what a beautiful set of speakers, I have about 40 pairs of speakers from different manufacturers like a pair of Optimus pro 4000 can’t find anything on them, keep them videos coming, 😎

[@thor7564]

After 40 years I have arrived at 3 way all paper cone closed cabinet speakers. I listen mainly to rock and these speakers suit that perfectly. 60-70s speakers is 👍🏻

[@WildHorses9958]

I found a pair of Infinity Quantum 3s a few years ago and bought them for 150 bucks. Refoamed the Watkins' dual voice coil woofers, refinished the cabinets, and made new grills for them. My son was able to make very authentic looking logos for the grills and I must say that these bad boys crank and sound amazing! Needless to say, I love vintage audio stuff! 🙂

[@Lif-999]

I have been running a pair of Celestion Ditton 66's for the last forty some years. When I bought them, I immediately replaced the tweaters with new [old stock] originals, rebuilt the xovers with better quality components, added substantial binding posts and did a complete internal rewire. I also modernized them in an aesthetic sense in that I refinished them in black which also nicely reduced their...visual domination of a room. Further, about twenty years ago, as well as another complete xovers recap, I changed out the original 12" T.1600 Rola bass units for original to the model [but superior] T.2619 Rola bass units. The last time I 'operated' on them was some ten years ago, this time merely for a routine xovers recap. My point here then is to agree with your article. The renovation and care of those items of kit that can be assesed as worthy of all the investment in time and money nesessary, can be a very rewarding end, in and of itself. The potential to spend a lifetime living with, using, and enjoying what could otherwise remain in the realm of the unattainable, is priceless. Enjoyed your piece. Regards.

[@canuckle7shucks]

I inherited a pair of those from my Father in law, they were purchased in 77’. he barely used them. They sat in the same spot in his living room for 45 years. They sound awesome, hope to redo crossovers eventually

[@Lif-999]

Congrats, thats a splendid inheritance! Assuming all the drivers are in good fettle, an xovers rebuild would be well worth the time and outlay - not to say a 100% necessary after so many years. Are you familiar/competent with electronics? The 66' xovers comprise of a board upon which are mounted a series of inductors and capacitors. The inductors [large copper coils] can be left in place - these will be as good, electrically, as the day they were fitted. It is the caps [capacitors] that will, absolutely, need replacing - particularly all the electrolytics [the ones marked with plus and minus signs]. Electroylitics are so prone to degredation over time that, even stored and unused, they will eventually become unusable!!! I would advise you further: Do your research. Google is your friend. There are some excellent enthusiast/specialist Ditton 66 sites and forums out there that offer extensive advise and knowhow. But be in no doubt, it is the choices you decide upon as to which make and type of components to use and their procurement therein, that will be the crucial factor in determining the final sound characteristics of the finished project. My ethos here has always been [unless for good reason] to stay as close to the original designers intentions as possible. Others, I know, take an entirely different approach. Forgive me if my ramblings have in any way strayed into the patronising. This would be a reflection on my shortcomings, not yours. Good luck and enjoy.

[@kangajumper572]

I have a pair of Celestion UL-8 as my main speakers - they are smaller than the 66's - but perfect for my living room. Have new capacitors and new wiring - and honestly, they are all the speakers I need. ;-)

[@Lif-999]

@@kangajumper572 Splendid. Capped and rewired, no doubt they sound great. It is worth pondering how much we would have to pay to replace our legacy speakers with modern eqivalents. £1000's with inflation! Cheers.

[@larrynoe6162]

I have a pair of Klipsch Heresy’s from 85. They are awesome.

[@Gili1973]

I still have the Mordaunt-Short(British) MS-25TI that I bought new in 1986,Sounds like new. Also have a pair of JBL L-100T as the main speakers on my HT system. Thanks for another great video!

[@steveowens398]

Nice! I like your approach to restoring. Prices have gone up on vintage speakers, but they are still a good value. The drivers are often significantly better quality than what you can get today in new speakers in the same price range. You said (I think) that you haven't done foam surround replacement yet - don't worry, it's a simple process with very good results once you find the right parts - I've done some Advents that were amazing after the work. I have also restored several Altec Lansing bookshelf speakers with good results - I am re-doing the crossovers on a pair of Altec Lansing Capri's currently. I use these in a tiny 7 x 8 room with a VHS recorder and a Toshiba CRT television/VHS player to enjoy some old movies. They produce spectacular full-range sound. My next effort is restoring my Infinity Column II towers - I've done the surrounds and now need to replace a few of the piezo tweeters and the crossovers. It's a great hobby!

[@TemperTemper...]

I bought a pair of Boston Acoustics VRm-50 bookshelf speakers for $150 seven years ago and still love them. They're now about 25 years old.

[@debilthomes501]

I picked up a pair of Klipsch Forte II’s at a local estate sale. They look like they’ve lived in a frat house basement for a couple of decades. But despite not doing anything to them they sound great. I listen to them every day.

[@domosautomotive1929]

I have a pair of CerwinVega! AT-12's from the late 80's that my dad bought new from Circuit City. I refoamed the woofers a couple yrs ago and they will still shake the house.

[@Treesa-hd3jx]

Wish I still had mine also from Circuit City in the 80s!

[@davidwell686]

I love my JBL 15's and Klipsch Heresy I speakers. L15's off CL, and worked perfect, replaced the surrounds and amazing sound plus the look.

[@telebob5983]

Kudos on snagging those L15s-been looking for those along with their pro monitor brother 4401s for awhile. Would love hooking a pair up to my old Marantz 2215b purchased new in 1978.

[@davidwell686]

I read about those speakers and put a CL "Wanted" ad list them. Wham a guy from Nebraska called, we cut a deal, great packing job too. I've done that a few times on CL when looking for a certain piece of audio gear. Trying to get a nice Sansui 5000x now. @@telebob5983

[@user-bc6ok1yh4s]

Thanks for the video, and I've been saying the same thing for years. The last new speakers I bought were the Paradigm studio 20's back in the early 2000's, they were very good but I prefer the warm, colored mid-range that only vintage speakers do.

[@Daniel-79]

Excellent video with practical information. I appreciate the knowledge and advice you pass on. Keep the videos coming!

[@harveyellis6758]

I picked up a pair of Genesis II speakers at the curb that a neighbour had discarded. I had to re-foam the woofer and passive radiator in each cabinet. So, my total cost was about $20, including contact cement. I still have them and use occasionally, but they are a bit too boomy.

[@robertjermantowicz-uw3iw]

I bought a nice pair of Klipsch Heresy's for $25 from my local Connecticut Goodwill. At the same store I bought KLH 17's ($30), Snell Type E's (need woofer surrounds) $18, JBL 640's ($48), Ohm Sound Cylinders ($37.50).

[@Lancaster_Hi-Fi]

I wish I had a GW like yours!

[@johnbeckham1483]

What a treasure! Klipsch!

[@robertjermantowicz-uw3iw]

​​@@johnbeckham1483I kept the Heresy's for a few months and sold them for $275. I then bought my friend's Altec Madrid's for $275. A much better speaker!

[@naturalverities]

Great post! I buy and flip vintage "consumer" speakers to fund my habit, which is acquiring "sleeper" vintage pro level PA gear to cannibalize the drivers and mix and match them into stunning audiophile-quality systems. I actively multiamplify them with DSP crossovers and inexpensive (because "obsolete") AVRs as multichannel power amps. I have about $650 in my current best system and am getting $50k sound quality from it according to experienced audiophiles who have heard it. I'm having a blast burnishing the sound via DSP, not to mention revelling in the music---which is the main point---reproduced at a level I shouldn't be able to afford. Cheers!

[@mikecampbell5856]

I enjoyed the heck out of this video. I inherited a 1936 Silvertone Radio that was near mint from my grand parents. I applied a coat of tung oil and new grill cloth and it looks like new, and works great. Cost me next to nothing. My son bought four JBL S99 Lancers from 1969 for $80.00. He had two woofers refoamed and bought two tweeters on ebay for about 50 bucks and with the original stands and wooden lattice grills, they look and sound awesome. So yes vintage gear rules! Yes I subbed.

[@scottlowell493]

Yes. dating back (for me to 70's KEF 107. I re-cap them with 1% metal poly, wire wound resistors and air core inductors and I get THOUSANDS worth of sound for hundreds of dollars.

[@richardwhite2344]

I enjoyed this video. I have a pair of Technics Speakers that I bought brand New at a Stereo Store in the late 80's. They sound phenomenal and they still do. Last fall I bought a New pair of Jamo Stage 8 speakers because I was curious how they would compare to the speakers I have Loved and owned since 1989. Well, I hooked up the Jamo speakers to my stereo system and they sounded very good but to be totally honest they were no match for the Technics Speakers which sounded much much better so I sent the Jamo back

[@stevest55]

Nice video. My first pair of speakers were the AR-15 that I purchased new in either late 1979 or 1980. I had to part with them when I downsized (big mistake) and now I am trying to find a nice clean working pair. I've been looking for 3 years now with no luck! Meanwhile, a few months ago, someone gifted me with a very nice pair of ADS L-780 speakers. I used Howard's Restora-A-Finish to clean up the veneer and they looks presentable. More importantly, the speakers sound phenomenal to my ears. I'm still looking for a pair of AR-15 speakers but now that I had the ADS speakers, I'm not in such a hurry anymore.

[@na2305]

I would say no. I respect all your reasons for saying yes. In my opinion, I feel vintage speakers suffer in terms of their design (driver material/design, crossover design, driver layout, etc). But I do think it's fun to restore d speakers

[@Steve-w6k4b]

In 2007 I bought a pair of Altec Lansing Model 17’s with 604-8g drivers at a church yard sale for $150. They are still in my system and paired with a pair of McIntosh MC40 tube amps from 1963.

[@roadrunner3563]

My Infinity Qbs are still going strong. They've had several driver changes, mainly tweeters, but also woofers, with OEM replacement parts.

[@NinjaRunningWild]

During the pandemic someone moving put out a pair of Cerwin Vega RE-38s. Big 90 lb behemoths. They were rough but I knew they'd be repairable. Even though I’m pretty terrible at that sort of thing, I took them & refurbished them over a few months. Cleaned up very nicely. Had to buy new speaker foam, a new dust cap, a new crossover just for the fuse drawer. Now they're the cornerstone of my stereo. Best sounding set of speakers I've ever heard. Edit : Reforming is pretty easy. The first one I did was _ever so slightly_ off-center. I thought I botched it. Simply Speakers told me it was probably fine but they could redo them for $160. I tried it figuring I had a fallback option. They sounded amazing. They were right. The slight imperfection didn't matter at all.

[@multicyclist]

Great stories on vintage speakers. A like and subscribe from me. Vintage audio gear is where my heart is with audio, and restoring electronic is fun. Perhaps I will give vintage speakers a try? When I was still young and living at home I saved up my money from a job and bought my first new receiver, a brand-new Kenwood KR9600, Marantz turntable with a Grado cartridge. I still have the receiver, and it is still in fine condition. I use other vintage and near vintage components in my main system but my plan is to create an "audio wall" similiar to what I used to see in the stereo stores when I was young. I think that would be a so cool to have. Trying to work out where to put it is my biggest problem. 😀

[@arrya5372]

I started out vith vintage speakers. I picked up a pair of JBLs model 4313 B in 2021. I now use Magnepan LRS in my main system. I still can't find something that matches the crispness and realism of the tweeters on the JBLs.

[@peterrichard3706]

I got a pair of Ohn L,s. From 73. Bought new, factory replaced woof,s a year ago. Sounds nice.

[@nicksundby]

Terrific video, highly informative and well presented.

[@steveallen489]

The last two vintage speakers I bought were at estate sales. One had frozen woofers (bang and Olufsen s45-2), and the other, infinity Qb's , both speakers had a non working emit tweeter. Used woofers for the bang and Olufsen are virtually impossible to find on eBay or other gear sites. I was able to purchase new emit tweeters from an eBay vendor who actually makes them himself. Your best bet at an estate sale in my opinion is to take a cheap receiver to the sale with some speaker wire and test any speakers you may want to purchase before you buy them. Yeah, it's a hassle, but will save you time and money. 😊

[@jeremiahchamberlin4499]

I find your channel quite entertaining and informative; but then, I share your interests. I own two KLH model 17s which were re-worked before I bought them both for $60 USD. The tweeters had been replaced, but they sound great. I use them in a 3rd system, and they throw a great soundstage. Bass is a bit boomy and they’re ‘beamy’ if set vertically; they sound much better placed horizontally on the bookshelf. I also own a AR-2a and an AR-2ax; which is to say, one 2-way and one 3-way each in an identical cabinet. The 2-ax (3-way) sounds much better than the 2-a (2-way). I’m contemplating rebuilding the 2-way to match the 3-way, which means replacing the baffle, since the placement of the drivers is different between the two models. I love the sound of acoustic suspension speakers; ported speakers can claim they reach deeper into the lower frequencies, but always with a booming resonant frequency, in my experience. The acoustic suspension’s ’thump’ is always so much more satisfying than the ported ‘boom’ to me. And you’re right, you can always get that thump cheaper with vintage speakers. Anyway, enjoyed the video, subscribed for a while now.

[@Lancaster_Hi-Fi]

Neat. I recently got a pair of AR-2AX's that need work. I haven't even really inspected them yet, but I'm looking forward to those.

[@jameslaidler2152]

B&W DM-220 2.5 way "large bookshelves." Two 8 inch die cast zinc BZ-200/16 16 ohm midwoofers with vented magnets, and either the TP-26 or TZ-26 1 inch polymide tweeters. The TP is brown for the walnut cabinet, and the TZ black for the silver fronted black cabinets. I have two sets in the black, with the blue gasket rings for the midwoofers, the walnut has red. Bought both sets from guys on Facebook. First was $150 AU, and the drivers are a bit yellow. The seller bought them without grills and is a smoker, yuck.🤮 Second pair was $250 AU and in better shape, with grills. Both sound great! I'd already rebuilt my housemate's walnut set with French SCR capacitors, and rewired the drivers with Monster Cable wire, and they sound AMAZING! Love these because the two midbass drivers have a bit of a passive radiator effect going on which does wonders for the bass extension. Planning to someday build a pair of new cabinets to house all the drivers from both sets, and make them 1.5 times the size. I'll either make new crossovers or modify them with resisters to recreate the same impedance. The DM-330s were just a slightly bigger cabinet version, and the DM-110 is a smaller ported version with one 8 ohm version of the midbass driver. With the same tweeter.

[@damirhlobik6488]

great video, thank you 4 years ago I bought an Acoustic Research AR9 in excellent condition, I have never heard such a sound in my life (and I have also listened to 30,000 euro speakers), there is no money for which I would sell it

[@Drummerjuice]

My current speakers are Dahlquist DQ-10's in minty condition along with a matching pair of DQ-1w subwoofers and DQ-LP1 active crossover. I love these. I've also had some Magnepans 1.4's and SMGa's (loved those as well).

[@Lancaster_Hi-Fi]

I just got a pair of DQ-10's, and they're amazing. I'd love to get the sub and crossover. That's a nice setup!

[@Drummerjuice]

@@Lancaster_Hi-Fi I was really lucky to find them in such great condition. They do take up a lot of room! My wife loves the look of them, butt wishes the subs were smaller! lol

[@chriswnek8485]

I rehabbed (replaced caps, dead tweeters and pots, doped surrounds, and resealed the cabinets) a pair of AR-4Xs that I inherited last year, and did similar work on a pair of KLH 17s that I bought this winter for $150, and I'm astounded by how good they sound relative to what I have invested in them. What can you buy new that sound and look as good as these do that doesn't cost ten times as much or more?

[@rickg8015]

I grew up listening to KEF 104 Mk1’s with oval race track passive radiators.. My Dad gave them away to a friend in the 90’s.. I knew even back then it was a bad move even if the tweeters were damaged.. I’m doing an Altec project these days..

[@artprince9163]

I bought some vintage klh 32s that had some water damage to the bottoms so they had separated a bit. Veneer was coming off in spots as well but they sound good. Used some wood filler to close gaps between bottoms and sides and then painted them dark brown. So not the prettiest but very nice sounding bookshelf speakers.

[@freemenofengland2880]

I picked up some large Wharfedale Mach 5s last month for just £20 - good to listen to even without a re-cap. Also picked up a couple of Celestion SL6s for a bargain £70 but they need a little work.

[@frankr8271]

I have about 15 vintage pairs myself and a newer pair of Polk RTI-A7 i purchased new $1000 and a $50 pair of 80s Scott 196B- 96db spl that have taken there place..The new Polks are gathering dust wa,wa,wa and the Scotts are rocking.

[@simonheffernan1767]

I have a pair of B&W DM620'S from 1991. They sound great, Im currently driving these with a Luxman5L15 integrated. Im happy with this combo. I haven't owned anything else yet. I have heard some large tannoys driven by Accuphase. Wow.

[@nuznikas]

Very good and creative speaking about speakers

[@annebokma4637]

Quad ESL 57 owner here. Never selling those ... €600.. nothing new at that price comes close Still want a pair of acoustat x again.. heavenly

[@jr1479]

Funny, the one thing you haven't done (re-foam) I have. And speakers are the most important part of system. I have two systems with two speaker sets each. System 1 has Pioneers with 15" woofers. $12 goodwill, and JBL L100's (gifted needing tweeters, $300) System 2 has Marantz $20 garage sale that needed woofers (around $200 simply speakers) and EPI's that when I got home and took off grille found Radio Shack 8" woofers, but still sound great. The L100's beat out most others hands down; but I also have JBL C53 Libra's which go for big money, yet I don't care for them. Receivers: Sansui 7070, Scott 380R, Scott 375R 1. A three tone control amp/receiver is optimal for testing 2. If you want boom boom bass, 15" not 12 3. This is tough. I could go on for an hour......

[@trog69]

I'd never heard of aDs speakers until I saw a pair of L810s on their stands and I had to try a pair after hearing all the praise. Turned out to be just right for my tastes. The next year I had an immaculate pair of 910s practically drop into my lap and they're my likely end-game loudspeakers. 28htz-25khtz/93db/4ohms.

[@Lancaster_Hi-Fi]

I just sold my L730's, but I still have two more pairs, L520's and B4's. ADS TOTL speakers could well be my end game.

[@trog69]

I really thought I knew how the 910s would sound after listening to the l810s for abouty a year, but the 910s, like the L1590s are a different sound altogether, probably due to the massive cabinets. The dual-10.5" bass drivers are installed into a separate bass enclosure, which helps with the slam of kick drums. The tweeters/mids are the same in the 910s and the L810s yet instruments sound much more lifesized coming out of the 910's domes. I just replaced the tweeters in the 910s with rehabbed ones from Mr. So here in Arizona and I'll send the replaced ones to him for rehabbing as well. @@Lancaster_Hi-Fi

[@trog69]

I'd love to hear those L730s. I've heard only great things about them.

[@Foxrock321]

Advent double stacked with dual sub woofers so nice

[@bertroost1675]

JBL L55, JBL 44 Lancers, KLH 17, AR4x these are my favorites vintage speakers. I also have modern speakers but I prefer laid back vintage.

[@jonboy9912]

I am of a similar mind about vintage speakers and was very impressed with your knowledge, experience and delivery! Consequently, I have subscribed and was amazed how few followers you have! I will be eagerly awaiting your new fixes in the future and in passing can you help me? I just picked up some Celestion 3 mK2 bookshelf speakers for my secondary system located in a small sitting room that lack deep bass, but are very musical, for the equivalent of $35, in immaculate condition. I have been looking for replacements that would give me more bass, but people say what I have is one of the best alternatives and I should add a boom box, but I don't have the room. Do you or anyone reading this have any suggestions?

[@Lancaster_Hi-Fi]

You could add a subwoofer. I have not ventured into subs. I think placement can be tricky, or you can just put it wherever it's out of the way. There are some slim, downward firing ones.

[@johndalzell5887]

I have early 90s B&W 805 Matrix. Faaaaaantastic!!!!

[@aliedva]

Hi, very interesting video, I do the same thing and buy cheap vintage speakers. The last interesting purchase was Goodmans Magnum K. If you cann buy it inexpensively, I recommend trying them

[@mrboat580]

I like some of the JBL budget Northridge speakers from either side of around Y2k. Cast baskets, separate chamber for mids, simple crossovers from using their own well matched drivers and rubber surrounds, which I own 3 pairs of. Same with Harman's Infiniti brand with a lot of the same traits. What many so-called 'proper audiophiles' don't realize is, that many of these speakers designers eschewed technical correctness because the speakers had to sound good with popular music of the times. I have been buying hi-fi since the '70s and very few modern flat measuring speakers do well with classic electric music. Look at the eclectic choice of music many of the current crop of audiophiles listen to. What I don't care for is, speakers that have been hoarded and hyped into collector pricing like the JBL L100 etc. I have built most of my modern speakers from kits. I like (I have 3 of his designs) Paul Carmody's designs. He seems to get what sounds good with popular music, measurements be damned. I find I need both vintage and newer designs to cover all the bases.

[@toddchapin6093]

I have a pair of Marantz hd88 I bought in near mint condition paired with a recapped Marantz 2285. Perfection!

[@kellygrant4964]

When I was looking for my speakers (about 25 years ago) it took me months to make my decision. Ended up with fantastic Medowlark Kestrels. I haven't wanted to get anything newer.... well maybe if I ever come across some of the Medowlarks bigger brothers. I would snap up a great set up vintage Medowlarks before buying 99.9 percent of new speakers. Your purchasing power goes a lot further. In the end as long as those speakers makes the sound you love and brings enjoyment to your music - go for it!

[@WS-gs6sf]

Cabinet value is a key attribute, especially with horns. Good wood is good.

[@gregwilliams2746]

I agree with your recommendation. I don't think I will ever buy new loudspeakers. I bought a pair of Audio Physic Spark IIs designed by Joachim Gerhard back in 2009. The previous owner had had them damaged in shipment and couldn't bear to use them after they were repaired so I got them cheap ($NZD760 compared with >$4k for new equivalent). I bought them because the drivers were fine and I had young boys so I figured I would not be so precious about them being toppled given they already had a few dings. I have had to replace the woofers in a mystery electrical mishap (blown woofer). Luckily, Audio Physic still had a pair in their spares that I had shipped to NZ. Then the cones needed attachment leads reglued a couple of years ago. However, the crossover is very simple and only has a couple of film caps so no work needed there. They still look and sound great so I don't see the need to change them and probably never will!

[@scottlowell493]

My short list of favorite vintage: KEF, Polk audio, B&W, A/D/S, Infinity, Gale, Celestion, Snell

[@keithmoriyama5421]

I bought a pair of Castle Winchester flagship speakers in immaculate condition from the little old lady across the street. $4,200. USD in 1990-- paid $400. CND. These are true high end audiophile speakers and are my main living room system. My best buy was a pair of JBL 4411 studio monitors-- $100.

[@oldpaint7533]

Nice content. My oldest son picked up a pair of Pioneer HPM 100's for free from a friend a few years ago. They were used as a garage speaker. The corners in a few places on the cabinets are crushed but they play ok and there doesn't seem to be any problems with the drivers. Worth fixing or just sell? I could spend several hundred dollars fixing/restoring them but I've never done vernier work before. We'll see.... maybe a summer project.

[@Lancaster_Hi-Fi]

Those are desirable speakers. Not everyone likes them but enough do so that they're worth some investment of time and resources. If you don't like them after the work, they'll fetch a decent price.

[@joehohman8586]

I use Murphys oil soap on my walnut veneer realistic mach one speakers. I am very impressed with the sound and appearance of these classics. For the money, they will be hard-pressed for any new speaker to compare

[@johnbeckham1483]

Radio Shack, Division of Tandy Corporation! I have always been partial to the Realistic brand indeed!

[@chanslorvalorum6905]

I always loved the realistic MACH one. Until I got a free pair from our church and I set them up in my living room to sell them. As I switched back-and-forth doing an AB comparison between those and my DIY homemade speakers.., the gentleman flipped his lid because we couldn’t believe how much better my homemade speakers sounded. When I turned the RADIO SHACK speakers back on it was so disappointing that I was sure I blew the sale. He bought the Mach 1 anyway because he had a collection.

[@malcolmbliss777]

My current number one speakers are a pair of JBL L40. They’re in A to A- condition, and feature their original hang tags. Paid $14 for both at the Goodwill about 10 years ago. They sound amazing!

[@TheRealWindlePoons]

About twenty years ago I bought my current speakers from Ebay here in the UK. They are Lowther Acousta 115s which were made by Lowther from 1962 to 1973 (I say "by Lowther" as the cabinets have been in continuous production by small third party outfits ever since). Mine are later models as from 1970 on the internal horn panels were particle board instead of ply. The drivers were very tired, so I traded them in and bought service exchange units from Lowther. The Ebay purchase was 280 pounds sterling and the drivers were 550 pounds. 830 pounds sterling may not sound much of a bargain but current models sell for over seven grand. The sound is not for everyone, I would describe them as "unflatteringly transparent" - but they really sing with a high-quality signal. I have no plans to replace them. Ever.

[@Lancaster_Hi-Fi]

I've been researching speaker efficiency and sensitivity recently, and Lowther is a make that comes up. I've run into two issues: back in the day, makers didn't publish those specs; and specs published by makers these days are generally unreliable, even for purposes of comparisons among models. For my Wharfedale W70D speakers, for example, I found a number of 96 dB in an ad for a used pair, but I have no idea where that number comes from. Is not on the spec sheets I've seen from Wharfedale. Do you know of any specs for your Lowthers?

[@gerrymaitland9799]

I have an original pair of Vega (Cerwin Vega) stereo speakers. They were made by Gene Czerwinski himself My parents bought them from Gene in 1960-61. Any idea what they might be worth.

[@Lancaster_Hi-Fi]

None! Certainly, they have a huge cool factor!

[@lunam7249]

the company HQ will by them with proof of gene

[@BobO-ps1py]

Vintage speakers are great. The higher quality companies produced speaker models that both sounded and looked very good, even by today’s standards. My EPI 250’s, and Allison CD6 models are an excellent example. High quality solid wood cabinetry, and surprisingly accurate sound.

[@russgare6523]

I was given a pair of Bozak B4000 speakers they sound great but they are huge

[@MarkMiller-i8q]

My ADS 1230s, purchased new in 1983, still sound great to my ears. I did have them recapped in 2018 because it seemed like the "thing to do." The drivers look and sound in good shape. No problem with the rubber surrounds either. According to the gurus on the ADS Facebook site, the 1230s did not use ferrofluid.

[@Lancaster_Hi-Fi]

I still have two pairs of ADS speakers. Although I sold the L730's, I still enjoy L520's in my home office and B7's in my work office. I recapped all three pairs and repainted the metal grilles on the L730's and L520's, but all the drivers are in good shape.

[@wwz1011]

I've had a lot of vintage speakers in the last few years, Advent, KLH, Cerwin Vega. All were $100 or less, often a lot less. My one budget buster is my set of JBL C50s. You are not going to find them cheap. But I did buy a complete set up with McIntosh, Thorens, and the JBLs at about the price of the McIntosh. As far as re-foaming, I've done several and it's not hard. I find the choice of a good glue is important, I use "Tacky Glue" and their speedier "Turbo", Turbo for the surround to cone gluing, where faster is better, and the regular for the surround to the frame where slower allows more adjustment time.

[@Lancaster_Hi-Fi]

Aleene's?

[@Lancaster_Hi-Fi]

Just ordered some. Thanks!

[@thefreestylefrEaK]

I like how you work. I've been collecting vintage audio equipment for 15 years. I too have bought and sold many over that time, and have currently held on to about 20 pairs myself. Back in 2017 I fell upon a pair of slightly rough but all original and fully working Heresy II's for $25 (CAD) for the pair. I held onto them for 5 years, playing them a handful of times but was never happy with their bass response. I had a friend over one day and he wasn't impressed with them either and suggest I sell them, and so I did within 3 days for $600. I took that money and put it into a pair of $500 Cerwin Vega D9's. I'm glad I did. I enjoy them much more than the Heresy's and finding a pair of D9's these days for $500 (at least around here) is just about unheard of.

[@davidfromamerica1871]

Definitely Yes. Lots of used speakers on the market as well as used audio gear.

[@keithjones7810]

I use vintage UK speakers. Celestion Ditton 11 and KEF Coda 2. I can't get on with ported speakers. To my ear sealed speakers sound more balanced.

[@jonathandavis9507]

Agreed. You just really need the experience to know what to look for.

[@edwardgonczy3170]

There was a period of time and lived in Sarasota, FL just south of Tampa. The area was growing rapidly and I hope I won't get flack for this but I think there was a lot of WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) going on. People would move to the area and have a garage sale and perhaps the wife would say: "honey, when are you going to get rid of those large speakers you got in college? I see now where Bose has a satellite sub-woofer system". During the period of about 1987 until we left town in 2013, I went through about 17 pairs of great vintage speakers. Interestingly, the preponderance seemed to be JBLs. I probably had about 11 pairs: 4 pairs L100s, 2 pairs L26 Decade, Lancer 77, Athena S99, 2 pair Aquarius S109, L50s. I came to dislike L-pads. I tend to favor speakers that have no control (Smaller Advent) or the three-way toggle like the KLH 17, KLH 6, Large Advent. Everything had to go when we made this ill-advised move to Tennessee except one pair of Large Advents. My wife can get rid of them if I die first. In 8 years up here, NOTHING. Man, what a dismal area. But yes, I concur: vintage speakers are the bomb!

[@raygarafano3633]

Yup picked up a pair of 42 inch high magnavox 3way 12 in woofer 5mid 3 tweeter damn good as long as ya have to move them much, but sound is right up there w Cerwin V's SL-12. Yes about the wife liking them and same w stereo receivers. She won't have a black style rcvr but likes the Pioneer 850 950 and Kenwood 6030 and 6600 yup damn nice tuning dials heavy knob turning tuners.

[@raygarafano3633]

Great if ya don't have to move them much. Hernia makers.

[@Synthematix]

Best speakers I've ever heard were made of solid wood, wish I could remember the make of them

[@bc5299]

I still have my Altec 19's from 1979.

[@philbarone4603]

Proac Response III’s baby! Good luck finding a pair.

[@67daltonknox]

A basic rule of engineering is that things that move, wear out. In comparison with solid state electronics where mostly it is capacitors that degrade with time, with speakers it is usually the cones followed by the motor. The most extreme case of this that I've seen is in my BMW where the "bass" cones had literally turned to dust. Have I ever bought used speakers? Yes once, because they were only 2 years old. I have a pair of KEF transmission line speakers that are 45 years old. I looked at the cost of replacing the drivers - thousands.

[@robertclark9]

I have a pair of JBL-166 Horizons in pristine condition. After a very gentle restoration (foam on the woofers), I had no problem whatsoever paying $1,500 for them. And as far as the condition, they could easily bring $2k. The sound of these vintage speakers simply can’t be replicated by current models. Driven by a Marantz 2270, it’s simply awesome.

[@philbarone4603]

I’m missing several screws for my old Proacs. I wish I could find them.

[@Lancaster_Hi-Fi]

I hate it when that happens.

[@Lif-999]

Hahaha. I used to have a shaggy rug that just swallowed screws and things whole. It had to go! Have you considered deploying a powerful magnet in your quest to find those pesky screws? Do you happen have an old, obsolete or broken and unused mechanical computer hard drive knocking about? If so, cracking it open will yield [amongst other sundry parts] 2x powerful magnets! We have the technology! Good luck.

[@Lancaster_Hi-Fi]

Several years ago, I rebuilt a couple of bicycles in my garage. I learned to keep magnets handy. I don't know how many times I swept that floor and went through the dust pan with a magnet.

[@philbarone4603]

@@Lif-999 they came that way and I didn’t catch it. Skyfi sold them to me.

[@arthursarkisian4712]

Hi Stephen! I was looking at your vintage speaker selection and I have notice Design Acoustics D-8 speakers. I have a set of D-8 speakers myself. It sure seems these speakers are unique and were almost custom made in a limited run. I am trying to find more information about them and I would like to get your opinion about the sound and if you have any or information to share please let me know.

[@Lancaster_Hi-Fi]

There's so little information about them. There's at least one thread on Audiokarma.org that talks about them and even features posts by a former employee of DA during the time the D-8's were made. My problem right now is the front-facing midrange drivers have rotted foam, and the dimensions are very unusual. I haven't been able to find new surrounds that I'm sure will fit.

[@arthursarkisian4712]

​@@Lancaster_Hi-Fi Thank you for getting back to me. I had a same problem with my midrange driver. I was able to refoam it. The driver name is Peerless K040MRF. Just search for 4.25″ Refoam Kit Angle- single foam roll- RFK4.25.

[@Lancaster_Hi-Fi]

I got the kit the other day. Now I just need to do the work.

[@Lancaster_Hi-Fi]

I got the old surrounds off and placed (not glued) the new surrounds to make sure they fit. I don't know if they sent the wrong ones; the fold isn't reversed, and the roll doesn't fit into the gap! They would fit with the roll in the usual, convex-out configuration, but I'm worried that the roll would interact with the grille.

[@Jack96993]

Oh yeah!! You want to talk about vintage 😅 I was given a 1914 Victor-Victrola console record player in mint condition and still in working condition

[@thriftygolfer9943]

Currently restoring a pair og Goodmans 201s from the 60's.

[@Lancaster_Hi-Fi]

I just looked those up. Pretty cool! Are yours already in cabinets? My dad's speakers had coaxial drivers from the UK, and he put them in big Electro-Voice cabinets.

[@rafaelleonalcolea3967]

What model of amp is the one sitting behind you? Please. Looks like a Luxman

[@Lancaster_Hi-Fi]

There's a preamp, which is a Phase Linear 4000, and to its right, a Sony X77ES. One of my tube power amps is on top of the preamp but blocked by my head.

[@harrypeters8306]

Walsh ohm 2 speakers, found in the trash, connected to a marantz receiver and you have a winning combination.

[@outerstar64inthecosmos]

Within the past week I found a pair of Wharfedale Linton 3's for $15 Canadian at a Local St. Vincent DePaul. I was hesitant at first when purchasing because I thought they must be fake, but for $15 --- I figured I'll take the burn if they aren't real. But after researching them and checking them online they are the real deal for absolute certain---what a shocker!. Their overall condition in regard to appearance of how I first saw them would be about a 5 out of 10. But after cleaning them up really good, they almost reach a 7 for appearance. I plan on leaving the ding and scratches on the cabinets alone and just going over them with a mild cleaner and beeswax. In regard to how they sound at a medium volume------ well, at first I thought ---- dear God these things are LOUD- LOUD and SHOUTY Man --- so no problem on the power end. This was sort of at a medium-high volume- say a 6 out 10 level--nothing crazy at all. But, I have found after turning them down to a medium to low medium volume say 2 to 4, they sound AMAZING --- I am hearing things in my CD's and ALBUMS that I have never heard with my PARADIGM's. The main thing I have learned about these speakers is that they NEED TIME TO WARM UP to sound their best. I'd be curious to know if anyone else has older HI-FI speakers and equipment that sounds best after you give the components a bit of time to warm? Thanks. JDP

[@jakeg2307]

I have a pair of cherry klipsch epic- would walnut work? Seeing what everyone thinks?