PSB or stick with vintage ADS

While I don't currently own any, I have owned and greatly enjoyed several pairs of ADS speakers in the past. I've been actually considering going back to them. Criticisms against ADS are that they are not neutral but far too bright on the top end. However, I enjoyed the brightness as it gave life and air to many recordings and it did so without giving sizzle and harshness which too many bright speakers do. I suspect the PBS are more neutral and accurate overall.

However, based on what you've said, unless your 470s are worn out (it does happen because their woofers are paper/pulp and the foam surrounds deteriorate, etc) I think you're going to be disappointed with any replacement for a couple of reasons. 1) you like the voicing of ADS and no new speaker I'm aware of is voiced similarly. Right or wrong, the ADS voice is compelling. 2) While a new speaker may be more accurate or do some things better, any budget speaker requires compromises and so you'll be trading one set of compromises for another. 3) If you're having trouble placing your ADS speakers, you'll likely have trouble with new ones too.

In wall speakers solve some problems. Paradigm makes very nice in walls if you go up to their reference line. But, while they solve placement problems, mounting speakers in a wall also causes a few problems and so they should be considered a very large compromise for convenience over performance. I have Paradigms in one system currently and put them in our previous house so I can elaborate if needed.

Best,

I have used ADS speakers for years (L570, L880, L520) and that sound is unique. Recently i have moved on to other speakers like Silverline and Focal. The bass on the ADS always sounded tight and articulate due to their sealed acoustic suspension designs so you will find a difference out there with newer ported speakers like PSB. Someone else mentioned Focal earlier as a recommendation, and i will second that because you already have a NAD amp which should be a good match. I am running Focal 806v's in a bedroom system off a NAD integrated and i think they sound excellent. Good luck in your search but don't be surprised if you stick with the 470's!

Regards,
Paul

I have owned so many ADS speakers I couldn't even begin to name them all, and have heard nothing in their price ranges that could change my mind about owning them. Currently, I own the 1290/2's with L400 surrounds in my theater room, and 1590/2's in my audio only room, all powered by newer model McIntosh equipment. I should also mention I use older Velodyne F1500 subs with both pairs. Love the sound.
I would have to take exception with one of the comments about ADS using foam surrounds, as they are actually butyl rubber and will last indefinitely. Mine are over 28 yrs old, so that speaks for itself.
If you like their sound, stick with them. They can all be had quite reasonably now from this site and Ebay.

Thanks for all of the good responses. Sorry I haven't been able to check back before now. It's true that I really enjoy these ADS speakers. I bought them off eBay back in 2002 and they are about as good condition as they were then, and had been well cared for previously. It's very likely my ears are degrading more than these speakers, they still sound excellent and the drivers are in good shape.

In college I purchased a pair of L690s. I liked the speakers so much, the audio store allowed me to make $100-$200 installments until I paid the full purchase price, preventing me from spending the money on something else in the meantime.

I'll bet those 1590s are phenomenal.

I guess the only thing I can really do is compare them with some others to see how they stack up. I've read where some speakers (like PSB, Wharfedale and others) claim to have high-end sound at a low cost and that speaker tech has come a long way since the 80s, so that's what got me interested in looking for a more space-saving design. But if they lack the clarity or tight bass of the ADS I would be disappointed, I'm sure (not that the 470s produce as much bass, but are fine in my small listening area).

I will try to check out some of the other brands mentioned as well.

PS to my last response -- I didn't mean to sound as though I ignored the suggestions given by everyone. I just realized I practically repeated my opening post in my last one. I'm going through the responses again to help determine what course I'd really like to take. I suppose I've become curious enough to at least listen to one or two modern speakers for comparison, but I also suspect I might be disappointed.