Info needed on ADS L1530 speakers.

The Stereo Review's Stereo Buyers Guide 1983 edition has the following description of the ADC L1530 speaker:

Acoustic suspension 3-way floor standing professional monitor speaker system with 2 10" high-compliance Stifflite woofers in separate chambers, 2" soft-dome midrange, 1" samarium-cobalt soft-dome tweeter. Features single switch biamplifier conversion, tweeter level switch, tweeter, midrange protection fuses; mirror symmetrical midrange/hifrequency baffles for minimum diffraction; walnut veneer finish with radius-edged solid walnut corner inserts, removable black cloth grille. Frequency response 25-20,000 Hz +\- 3dB crossovers 500 and 4k Hz; sensitivity 95 dB SPL/W/m; power rating 150 W nominal, 300 W peak program, impedajnce 6 ohms; 50/5/8" H X 23-11/4"W X 12-1/8"D..........$1250

This model was not listed in the 1984 Directory being superceded by the L1090 and L1290 and I do not have the issues prior to 1983, so I do not know when that series came out initially.

I do have a pair of these in my garage and I had just hooked them up after purchase to check them out. They did have one defective midrange and I replaced it with a similar one that came from an L810. I find they are good speakers for their time, truly full range with dynamic impact, but very dry. What is your comment on these speakers?

Thanks for your response, Jimjenjr. I question the $1250 cost, tho, as I recall these were originally sold for around $2800. That's why I'd like to hear from someone who actually bought them new. To answer you question as to what I think of the L1530's, I think they're great. I actually do own a pair, but because my new family room can't accomodate these large speakers, I purchased a pair of L1590's. However, and some may think I'm nuts, I replaced the tweeters/midranges/crossovers in the 1590's with the same stuff out of the 1530's. I didn't replace the woofers, as their physical shape doesn't match the 1530's. By doing this, I also was able to use my ADS C-2000 Biamp X-over without modifying it(the C-2000 has to be internally modified to work with the 1590's). By the way, if anyone reading this needs info on this modification, I'd be glad to share the info.
To be honest, I love the sound of this configuration much better than the original 1590's. The detailing is excellent, and the sound is fantastic. You'd have to try it to know what I mean. So I now have the size I can live with, and the sound I really enjoy!
Now I'm looking for more 1530 drivers and crossovers to put back into my 1530's. You may have noticed my ad in the "wanteds" in Audiogon looking for these. I don't ever plan to get rid of the 1530's, I like them that much!
Everybody's got such wild ideas of what the 1530's originally cost, that I'm having a tough time trying to get any replacements; to be blunt, they think they are worth a fortune. Thanks again for your input. Alan G.

Further to our discussion, could this ADS speaker be the missing link to what you're looking for relating to the price of the ADS speaker you think was the correct price?

ADS L2030 Monitor Speaker
Similar description to the L1530 provided yesterday except for the follwing differences:

2 14" high-compliance Stifflite cone woofers
Crossover 450 and 4k Hz
Frequency Response 22-20,000 Hz
Dimensions `55-5/8" H X 27-1/4" W X 13-1/8" D
Price $2095.00 per matched pair

This is per Stereo Review's Stereo Buyers Guide 1983 Complete Product Directory.

The prices seem to conform to the ladder of ADS speakers as you go up the line. When I have the time, I will even look for the actual review from the magazines of that era many of which I still have.

I hope this is of some help.

I don't personally know anything about these products but Michael Kelly of Aerial fame once told me he was chief designer for ADS back in that period. If you could get him on the phone, I imagine he would have a lot to share.

Great speaker, I bought them used about 2o years ago for $1500 they were $2400 new, fellow that sold them to me asked to buy them back 5 years ago and told him sorry, I was in love with them. Have never heard any speaker sound as nice in the bass areas. Now I am moving into much smaller digs and don't know what I am going to do.