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Need speaker advice

One of my Silverline Audio SR-17.5 monitors has developed a serious tweeter problem that might require complete tweeter replacement (tweeter fades out and in unpredictably). I was told the replacement would cost close to $2,000. Since the speakers are about 3-4 yrs old (I bought them used but in pristine condition almost 3 yrs ago), I'm actually considering buying a different pair of speakers for about $2,000 to replace the Silverlines until I can afford something better.

The two speakers I'm strongly considering are the Acoustic Zen Adagio Jr. (I might be able to get them slightly used) or Vandersteen 2CE Sig II. I know there are other excellent monitors for about $2K out there, but I'm afraid they won't provide enough slam for my tastes, like the SR-17.5 can deliver (e.g., GMA Rio, Reference 3A MM De Capo BE, Harbeth P3ESR).

The challenge I'm facing in my selection, however, is the limitations of my listening area, which measures 11x12x9. The room is actually bigger as it is not completely rectangular, but opens on one side to a bathroom and walk-in closet area that's 3x7 sans the actual closet and the bathroom. I treated the room acoustically and the SR-17.5 blend in very nicely. So my question is whether the Vandies or Adagios might be able to blend in as nicely, or are just too much for the space. Other suggestions are also welcome. I have not completely rejected the idea of fixing the Silverlines, but they already had the crossovers replaced (this was the initial diagnosis, but did not fix the problem), and I have reservations about putting another $2,000 into a speaker that's a few years' old.

The rest of my system is an analog front with a ss phono preamp, tube line preamp and tube monoblocks so any replacement must be tube friendly, i.e., stable impedance, preferably higher sensitivity, but my amps can probably handle average sensitivity as well. Neutrality and transparency is the key as well.

My tastes are roughly classic rock (75%) and classic jazz (25%). Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

actusreus
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
Yes, Alan is a very nice man, and so is the dealer I bought the speakers from. If he's mistaken, I'm sure it's inadvertent and in good faith.

The tweeter is the Esotec d260; couldn't verify the price. The dealer is coming to my house in a few weeks to check the speaker out, but I'd like to consider other options. The experience has been quite frustrating as the problem seems very unusual - the speaker functions fine for hours at times and then malfunctions immediately at times. I agree it sounds like a bad connection, but I can tell the tweeters were removed when Alan checked the drivers so surely he checked the connections. Also, interestingly, the problem seem to go away when I crank up the volume. For a second I thought perhaps it has something to do with the volume control on my line preamp, but since the problem moved with the speaker and it only affects the tweeter, it can't be it.
m_snow
57 posts
 
Me, I'd buy the tweeter, some good solder and have it myself.

But that's just me.

Aside from that, I'm with pretty much everyone else: I can't see how replacement of ONE tweeter could cost $2k.
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
M_snow,

I'm not very handy with such things as soldering or replacing parts so I'm a bit reluctant to undertake it. Wouldn't want to break something else in the process.

The tweeters come in pairs so you have to buy two. So I'm told.
newbee
4,767 posts
 
FWIW I think its a poor connection as well. Alan's a nice guy - he warned me when I bought my Bolero's to be careful because the Esotar costs about $1000 to replace, not the Esotec! Perhaps your dealer confuses the two.

Why not just contact Alan again and have him check out the crossover and all the solder joint's. He's reliable but not above making an error and I'm sure he'd be happy to correct it.
actusreus OP
733 posts
 
I hope it's just a poor connection! I just thought it would have been for sure discovered when I the speakers were sent back to Alan. I guess I'll just wait for the dealer's visit and take it from there.

Another question: who should pay for shipping in this scenario? I paid both ways when the problem first occurred. Is it reasonable to ask the manufacturer to bear the cost now since the problem was not fixed? It's a matter of first impression for me, and I'd like to continue a good professional relationship with both the dealer and the manufacturer.
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