Upgrading Vintage Speakers, Bowers and Wilkins and LSA!

[@karlcotleanu4144]

Speaking of upgrades, a few weeks back I quizzed Danny about the necessity to change out an old dental floss type air core inductor in my speakers Tweeter section. All I can say is, wow!! It made a huge difference. I just happened to have an Erse foil copper coil lying around that was rated at 0.39mh. Just what I needed. Amazing lift in dynamics, and stereo separation, and overall clarity. Thanks Danny!!

[@Believeintimetravel]

The Flat Earth Globe is priceless.... Thanks for excellent content as always. Really look forward to these vids.

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

That's not flat earth but rather square earth.

[@Jake-tw8qr]

I just finished restoring some RS4B's. I can assure anyone here that it is very worth restoring them. That speaker is capable of sounding much better than either of the others as long as that Samarium Cobalt ribbon isn't screwed up. And even then, replacing the diaphragm or magnet on those units is cheap, easy and bears outstanding results. Availability of the woofers is minimal right now, however.

[@brandonsingletary1188]

I would love to see the Dahlquist DQ-10s get an GR-Research upgrade!

[@FranciscoHernandez-bt5jh]

I would love to see as well, I have a pair of DQ - 10 that I bought used in 84.

[@cliffburks480]

I only recently discovered your channel and have enjoyed the information and your no hype presentation. I was eager to watch last weeks video when I saw a B&W 602 on the bench but that episode focused on the LSA's. You mentioned you might follow up with an upgrade to the 602. Do you still plan to?

[@hifiman4562]

Love these informational videos Danny. I'm working on getting all my wood working gear into my shop. One day soon I'll be able to put your kits together.

[@courtneyswaby3178]

Want to do the same Lol.

[@dominicvalois]

Hi Danny, thanks for all these great videos! Also thank you for making me discover Vienna Teng! She's a really good artist, kind of remind me of Tori Amos on some songs.

[@rolliekelly6783]

I second that even though I no longer have mine. Gave them to my nephew who had always coveted them.

[@mlgboy1]

Love the videos and insights into Audio in general especially with speaker construction. Are you planning to do an in depth video of the B&W’s. I have a pair and would love to see what you find and indeed recommend to get the best out of them.

[@hugobloemers4425]

Sounds like a good deal to get those speakers back up again, they look nice enough.

Very nice, thanks for sharing. Although I watch these videos on a laptop, I would like to hear some audio samples, both from "old" and new upgraded speakers. I know I would not be able to discern much, but it would be interesting to hear something other than theoretical vocabulary and technical details (which are on spot I have no doubt about that). Once again, thanks for making and sharing these videos.

[@themadpirahna8810]

Current plans on a video of the Bowers and Wilkins upgrade?? I'm VERY interested in seeing what you can do with that.

[@franciscocunhaetavora9132]

Upgrades! Upgrades! Upgrades!

[@lawrencev.athill7502]

Shouldn't have been drinking my tea, when you grabbed the sq. globe, I lost it 😂

[@mattmackay2973]

Fantastic chanel Danny !, Tell me if something like the Sonus Fabar Minima Vintage can benifit from an upgrade or is this design taken as far as it can go for it's size ??? , Keep up the fantastic chanel !........

[@lynnpoole7830]

PVC jacketed wire has a ''bad'' sound? How does the jacketing of the wire influence the sound enough to where you can't ''stand'' the sound? I'm curious?

[@cranixten2620]

I'm wondering the same thing sounds ridiculous. Does it corrode the conductor. I would like to see some messurements.

[@randszzob8590]

@@cranixten2620 I don't think you'll get them. He didn't answer my question about one time when he said that cast resistors "sound bad".

[@dannyrichie9743]

Dielectric material has a dramatic effect on the sound. Materials like PVC, polyethylene and Teflon all have a different sound and effect on the signal transfer. Once you get used to hearing the effect of the different material then it is not that hard to identify them.

[@dannyrichie9743]

Rands, Sand caste resistors are also the bottom of the barrel when it comes to resistors. Moving up the performance ladder to Lynk, Mills, and the more exotic types yield surprising results. Swapping out the PRP resistors in my pre-amp for naked Vasha resistors was quite the revelation.

[@randszzob8590]

@@dannyrichie9743 I'm going to try it for myself. I'll let you know how I make out if I can!

[@johnb5519]

I'm amazed at the sound quality of these new age designs with only two speakers, compared to our old monsters from back in the 70's. The surrounds rotted out on my old vintage set 20 years ago, and I am going to put new surrounds on them. It will be interesting to see what they sound like compared to today's designs.

[@Koru-Health]

Could you please discuss phase, and how to modify it when you do the B&W review. Much appreciated!

[@bobwatson2177]

I own the B&Ws in this video. Did you ever do an upgrade video on it as you said you would? Can't find it if you did. Do you have an upgrade package for it even if you didn't do an video. Any info would be appreciated!

[@dougg1075]

The base LSA 1 speaker as legend goes was built in China ( as they all are) and when you upgraded to the Signature ( middle) and Statement ( top) you get a ring tweeter in the Signature and a ribbon tweeter in the Statement, both were supposed to get a John Tucker rebuilt crossover and real wool stuffing. I purchased the middle Signature and it sounds terrific. The Statement got rave reviews. The base model you have there is the generic Chinese model with no upgrades.So the legend goes:) When asked why the Signature and Statement were upgraded in the states by John Tucker of Exemplar Audio and not just built in China with upgrades,, the legend states it was so the Chinese would not copy Tuckers crossover. Would love to hear from Wally of Underwood HiFi and see if the legend is true:) Wally is a good dude

[@courtneyswaby3178]

Great video! how do you deal with speakers you haven't got to test and do you have measurements of previous speaker models that can be used as a reference to more accurately select the parts for an upgrade of the same speaker over and over again?

[@nathanbaker8245]

Would love to see what could be done with a pair of 602 S3!

[@hoth2112]

Funny that you decided not to mess with the Infinity 3-ways! I found a pair of more entry-level SM112 3-ways local to me for about 1/3 of what most are going for, and I was considering picking it up to refresh, do some small, inexpensive upgrades & then reselling them. I know this style of 3-ways speakers aren't the best, & many reviews say the bass is definitely it's biggest weakness. That said, it could a dtill fun DIY project just to gain some practice, & it should be pretty easy to at least break even!

[@karlcotleanu4144]

I had some old Infinity speakers much like what Danny had on his table. I just gave them away. They sure do look pretty, but that is about it.

[@netmoe]

6:03 that was epic! 🤣

[@biggs10able]

I wish this guy lived in my town

[@jody2965]

Really enjoying the upgrade videos, but I am really most interested in your diy stuff. Just wondering if you can share any info on the NX-Studio's (available soonish?). Thanks.

[@dinhduynguyen3809]

They are already available

[@jody2965]

@@dinhduynguyen3809 the X-LS's are available, but not the NX-Studio. Different speakers.

[@dinhduynguyen3809]

@@jody2965 I am aware that those are different speakers and I was in fact referring to the NX Studio's. Can't remember the exact video where Danny announced it but i think they are selling for 899 or 999 USD. Best you email him. There are also already build threads by people who built them e.g. www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=168181.0

[@jody2965]

@@dinhduynguyen3809 Somehow I completely missed it with nothing being on their website. Thank you

[@carlyarroyo4846]

Hey danny had you upgraded any polk RTi10 ? Keep up all the great videos i enjoy them all 💪🏽👍🏽

[@Jrakula10]

I have a pair of Akai sw-137's and it needs new drivers where is a good place to find new ones? Are there any you recommend?

[@davidrusso4750]

good tip on the Vienna Teng. I listened to "Gravity" and "Ain't no sunshine" on you tube. Thanks.

[@matthewsallman1700]

Another thumbs up for Vienna Teng. She has been based near me in Ann Arbor and Detroit, Michigan for several years. I saw her at the Ann Arbor Folk Festival a few years ago but haven't paid enough attention to her work. Listening now. Thanks Danny!

[@christopher3963]

I wonder if it’s worth rebuilding the crossovers in any vintage speaker? I’ve got some Sony SS 7300’s, large Advents and Dynacos a25 and a35. While they all sound different, they all seem like something is missing.

[@dougg1075]

I have LSA SIGNATURE speakers with the ring tweeter.. freakin love em.

[@wokthetalk3079]

Hello Danny, Have you come across a pair of B&W DM7 Mk1 (the original version). I would like to add tube connectors to my pair, upgrade the crossover and remove the two fuses to tha pathways as well. I also like the feet that are on the bottom of the pedestal base. I look forward to your response.

[@Bar-D831]

Do you have a list of the speakers for which you've already developed upgrade kits?

[@southernjag05]

New stuff. Looking forward to the bower and Wilkins video. I have a pair of b&w 686 s2. Thinking about selling them for some Klipsch 600m but I am interested in upgrade before selling them

[@kdomster9141]

I own these 686s2 and love them after all it has just 2 parts in a crossover , 4.3uf cap and 0.5ohm resistor to keep the woofer quieter but I have removed it and changed the cap to 3.9uf Mundorf Supreme and 0.22uf True Copper and than 0.01uf Mudorf silver oil and it sounds so open and detailed . Woofer had 0.82mh 18ga that I have replaced with foil copper inductor 16ga and it also made this woofer more effortless and open with less muddy and better defined bass I got rid off crossover board and just mounted the parts to bottom of cabinet . After 100hrs or so these sound amazing.

[@frankieknuckles9610]

Close ups of speakers and parts would make your videos much more interesting.

[@davidmorgen4558]

Danny have You Ever gotten a pair of Dahlquist DQ 10S to upgrade?

[@watcheroftheworldwells3294]

First time here ,love the flat earth cube ,to get back you're telling me what I needed to know seem to be the guy?

[@frankiegonzalez7989]

I have a pair of Dali 5 Blue speakers, what’s your recommendations on upgrading the crossover?

[@maorsahar815]

I don't really understand how he opened all the speakers tell as how he fixes everything changed the components and Have new measurements! and while talking about them I can still see the "old version" of speaker with the old components inside , in front of him ? Does he charge it back??

[@jamesarchuleta4854]

I own a pair of JBL L100 speakers from the 70s Any suggestions to upgrading them James from Norco California

[@IliyaOsnovikov]

A nickel plating layer that is often used as a base for a gold plating is magnetic as well.

[@victorrivera6375]

Hi, i have a question if you can help. Someone has a b&w 650 sub that don't turn on... any thoughts on what it could be? Thanks.

[@milosevicbojan07]

What is your favorite wire for internal wiring and for amp-speaker connection?

[@georgemarch3933]

was this a LSA 1 statement speaker

[@mkfmkf55]

As much as these changes might be upgrades, ANY changes hurt resale value. Buyers almost always want original everything, so I'd only consider changes if I planned to keep the speakers a long time.

[@scottlowell493]

I rebuilt some old infinity reference. They sounded decent, a bit on the warm flabby side as the pure poly woofer is just too soft to handle G forces.

[@MrStrike3]

Scott Lowell , so something a little bizarre... that is my Infinity in the video & I am Scott Powell. It would be really weird if your middle name started with M.

[@scottlowell493]

SCOTT P nope...

[@kgdies]

I have an old set of Pioneer HPM 150's I would sure like to upgrade the crossovers.

[@VoltLover00]

Do a video where you prove you can hear the difference in connectors

[@JamesJones-et2iq]

I guess LSA spent money on the velvet bags rather than the woofer assemblies. I used to own these speakers and sold them after about six months. They cost $600. I recently purchased ELAC Debut Reference for $600 and it is a better speaker.

[@Clobercow1]

PVC Jacketed wire has a sound?

[@johnsweda2999]

Which peerless drivers are they! I want to look at the data sheet you go on about them I want to look

[@dannyrichie9743]

They are all on our site.

[@johnsweda2999]

@@dannyrichie9743 no disrespect I want to see it on the official manufacturers site what's the model

[@dannyrichie9743]

Those are our models. I designed them and had them custom made by Peerless. If you want to see what the specs are then you can view them on our site. You won't see them anywhere else.

[@johnsweda2999]

@@dannyrichie9743 that's not true I've seen drivers for other manufacturers they will still have the spec sheet, just some rebanding is that what you're saying sounds like

[@dannyrichie9743]

Sorry John, but we aren't other manufacturers, and these are not re-branded drivers. In some cases I even have four different variations of prototypes that were made during development while trying to meet my specified parameters and measurements. I have designed drivers for other companies as well. What we sell are all proprietary.

[@bradleybunk6463]

What is wrong with sand cast resistors?

[@Bucefal76]

This not an update, this is a new design. Well done. Hard to accept how bad this speakers are design by original manufacturer.

[@yvesboutin5604]

Do you think it would be possible to pierce a bigger hole for the port and put a new one to retune the frequency with the new woofer?

[@dannyrichie9743]

That could be done.

[@yvesboutin5604]

@@dannyrichie9743 What diameter and lenght would you recommend to tune it around 40 hertz? Thank you for the effort!

[@dannyrichie9743]

@@yvesboutin5604 It really needs to be tuned to around 55Hz. A 2" port would need to be about 4" to 5" long.

[@yvesboutin5604]

@@dannyrichie9743 Thank you for the information. I know a colleague who bought those speakers years ago, and was unsatisfied with the bass response. Maybe I would be able to persuade him to invest in retrofitting them.

[@theejoeylee]

Has there ever been a speaker you measured that doesn't have some issues?

[@norbertorivera7958]

Check out what he said concerning the ATC speaker

[@Geerladenlad]

How old does a speaker have to be for you to recommend replacing the capacitors on the crossover network?

[@karlcotleanu4144]

If they are electrolytic replace immediately, preferably with poly caps. My vintage speakers had poly caps originally installed. I replaced them after some twenty odd years, because I was upgrading anyway. However, I did notice one was bulging out/expanding which is a sign that they are past their use by date.

[@TuiCatNZ]

Does any speaker manufacturer know what their doing?

[@labalo5]

You’ve earned a subby!!

[@Dani-hk4hg]

What best inductor iron or air core for sq

[@raynergalid9227]

THAT looks like the beginnings of a Mullet :-)

[@dannyrichie9743]

I had one many years ago.

[@RennieAsh]

I’ve had the Infinity and B&W before. Never seen an LSA1

[@ujean56]

What happened to the Infinity speakers?

[@dannyrichie9743]

They're getting sent back to the customer.

[@dilbyjones]

All of the “ hacks” Danny suggests are those that PREFORM & preform well with the other “hacks” he has built into the speaker. I’ve been doing this for a few years and that is a big deal.

[@pizzaearthpancakesandother2549]

"PREFORM & preform well" - its "perform" your welcome

[@alfredbaxter1061]

I got tecnics A52 speakers they 12s I would like to upgrade to jbl speakers

[@optimusvader7823]

I think 🤔 I never see a SPEAKER here that measure good from factory 😂😂😂🔊🔊🔊🔊🔊!

[@dannyrichie9743]

We've shown two that were really good. Maybe you should watch more of our video's.

[@optimusvader7823]

Danny Richie i did not see that video . I Will keep watching them . I really like what you do and appreciate the knowledge that you give us in your videos !

[@dannyrichie9743]

This was one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3S6h6uQftdoqpo

[@optimusvader7823]

Danny Richie thank you very much !

[@Finn-McCool]

Could someone please share with me the method in which to get some input on upgrading a particular speaker? My 5.4.4 consists of four bookshelves and a center channel that have exactly the same drivers as well as my four heights have all of the same drivers as well as all four subs. If possible and feasible from what it sounds like Danny, you also make it AFFORDABLE. I have... 4: Polk RT55 1: Polk CS400 4: Polk M5 studio series monitors. 4: JBL PB10 subs. 27 drivers, 5 "different" speakers All being driven by a Sony STR ZA5000ES. And viewed on a 55" Panasonic plasma from '08. What are ya gonna do. I'm not upgrading again until Sony's OLED eARC rigs are in a more painless price range but still available as new. Timing is everything. 😃 So I send a speaker in? Or get it approved first I would imagine....

[@dannyrichie9743]

Have a look at the speakers on the inside. In this case you will see very budget level parts. So the potential improvements can be significant.

[@Finn-McCool]

@@dannyrichie9743 I have seen inside when I replaced a tweeter of an RT55 and when I glued the spider to the basket of three of the M5s woofer. I only see green boards and bits and bobs and silicone. However I'll take your word for it. That's for dang sure.👍🏼

[@johnsweda2999]

@@dannyrichie9743 yeah right...!

[@dannyrichie9743]

@@johnsweda2999 Yep.

[@bartvanransbeeck1341]

Great job , I would love to send my kef pro p60 crossovers to rebuild with best components

[@freone111]

Haha. Flat earth always crack me up😂 love it danny

[@RennieAsh]

Frederick del rosario the problem is that it’s not really the best analogy as there isn’t a bunch of scientific evidence they are presenting us, unlike the globe/flat debate

[@stevieg2755]

Danny with millions of people out of work why not get some young man to make your x,-ls crossover,give him like 25 a set and pass the cost into the kit.Im sure there's a young person like 17 or so that after putting a few together could knock them out no problem.i know I could,I've been in manufacturing for 40 years as cnc machinist,/toolmaker

[@dannyrichie9743]

I just interviewed a guy two days ago.

[@stevieg2755]

@@dannyrichie9743 I wish I lived closer,as a retired machinist who knows production,a system could be adopted easily

[@stevelueb7787]

Touche' Danny on the flat earthers

[@machavez00]

$1299 a pair!?

[@nickparkin8527]

I don’t think pvc jacketing makes any difference

[@timothywild9670]

That part of the video kind of stuck out for me as well. I would like to hear an explanation for this. It just seems like a pretty far out idea that wire insulation material affects sound quality.

[@nickparkin8527]

@@timothywild9670 I agree. I love Danny but some of the things he says can be just a little bit out there…

[@xedasxedas]

Ah ah ah

[@prabhatlamsal4658]

What does this guy like? He has negative thoughts about everything? Should I not get anything?

[@JEG6919]

Keep forever for this will diminish resale values

[@dannyrichie9743]

Actually we have a lot of customers that want the upgrade but aren't comfortable doing it themselves. So they pay quite well for an already upgraded pair.

[@chrisulmer3925]

I like when your cynical side comes out. Flat-Earthers beware!

[@wiebl5266]

I wonder why you wouldn't offer your services to other people who wants to upgrade their speakers. But instead you show off your knowledge and skills to people who cant do what you do, because they don't have the tools and skills? Frankly this is fascinating, but not useful. When you open up your business of upgrading speakers, I'll be the first to engage you, i.e. if you REALLY want to help others.

[@cribbbbb]

see you actually watch to obtain the knowledge to do it yourself