Great old speakers that are as good as new ones

07-13-09: Flyin2jz
you know whats tough? auditioning older speakers. there is no way to listen to any of this old gear anymore.

I guess I'm lucky where I live, close to this store. Scroll down to their used speakers. At their store they'll take any pair listed (e.g., the ADS M12 or L1290, Dynaco A35, KEF 103/4, Linn Kelidh, etc.), hook it up to an appropriate system, and give you a private audition.

One speaker that sticks out is the NS-1000M but the chances of finding a pair that function within specification are rare and slim. On almost every pair I've ever seen the tops of the formers or leads between the coil and solder joint to input leads are browned or burned from heat on the tweeters and mids. This browned portion does still allow current to flow to the speaker and function but causes electrical noise, an inherent property of resistance and thus varying degrees of audible distortion. They can be fixed but it is tedious and requires a steady hand and test equipment. They burn so easy there are virtually no replacements left available, so a good set is becoming worth more than they used to be. Burning is also a large concern with some AR speakers. It takes time but not much current to slow-cook the wires on these speakers; they just cannot dissipate heat fast enough.

Others that are in my mind are the JBL 250Ti LE and ESL-63, both excellent speakers as well by any regard.

I still use a pair of 15+ year old Sonus Faber Minuettos in my office - they're playing right now. Not the most accurate loudspeaker ever built, but satisfying sound from a small box.

Marty

Dayton Wright LSM-1's...similar design to the Spica 50's, but a different type of driver, I believe it was gas-filled or something, the CRS has kicked in (Can't remmeber sh*t)...still listen to them in a second system and they sound as good as ever.

these aren't the electrostat design that they were famous for, something less expensive for the masses.

Dunlavy's in general would proabably hold up well compared with a lot being sold today.