Thinking of modifying these Pioneer Speaks

[mhardy6647]

So -- I mean -- I know guys who won't even use electrolytics as power supply filters.

FWIW, here's an example: push-pull stereo 2A3 amp, 100% electrolytic-free. Beefy.


Personally, I think electrolytics are best kept away from audio signals for best results.
It is a testable hypothesis, in the OP's case -- although, of course, the cost of an experiment may not be trivial.

 

[Ds2000]

I will start with the caps. Upon closer inspection, the resistors seem to be awfully similar to the standard wirewound items they sell under their brand name. So good enough, I’d think. The real weakness in the crossover seems to be the caps, so let’s get them gone as a first order or operation.

 

[Ds2000]

So -- I mean -- I know guys who won't even use electrolytics as power supply filters.

FWIW, here's an example: push-pull stereo 2A3 amp, 100% electrolytic-free. Beefy.

View attachment 16887
Personally, I think electrolytics are best kept away from audio signals for best results.
It is a testable hypothesis, in the OP's case -- although, of course, the cost of a
n experiment may not be trivial.

I will heed your advice. Maybe clarity purple or the above mentioned paper, copper and oil jobs.
Edit 1. I also like the Jantzen Superior Z. My main worry is size and expense for replacements for the 47 and 22 ‘lytic caps in this particular crossover.
Edit 2. The 22uf ‘lytic seems to have an odd job between the 5.6 and 6.8 film caps.
47uf ‘lytic seems to be the bass filter. I wonder how critically they effect the sq. I’d like them gone, but size is an issue. (C1, C3)

 

[Gene_StL]

Have you measured the capacitors. Maybe they haven't drifted much from the original values. Capacitance checkers are now almost free from China and even UK made ones (Peak) cost less than an audiophile capacitor.

It's funny , I note that the tweeter protection breaker is 0.8 amps. When I built my speakers I put 250 milliamp fuses in thinking they would likely open and need to be replaced and upsized. But they never did even with loud listening. Both tweeters and upper mid ranges (crossover about 5K and 1K respectively) When I bought fuses for that time, I bought a pack of 250ma and a pack of 500s which never got used.

 

[Ds2000]

Oh I will still ditch them, they’re not hi quality and are approaching 28yrs old.

 

[Ds2000]

I need 34.4, I’m as close as 34.3 and 34.5uf with a two cap bundle. Otherwise it’s a four cap nightmare the size of the Yukon Territory to get the exact figure. Plus the added expense.
The 47 will become a single, slightly lower class film as it’s for the lowest bass. I just want good pass thru.

 

[avguytx]

Don't worry about being exact on values and don't overthink the process too much. A person can definitely spend as much, or as little, as they want with the point of diminishing returns being different for all people. Me personally, I like the Clarity Caps, Sonicaps, Mundorf, and Audyn Plus (what I used on my Belle clones) and I have used Solen caps a great many times over the last 25 years with great results...although opinions vary. Mills resistors are definitely my personal pick, too.

There's going to be ESR differences in all caps of various types that add will add their own sonic signature to them. Without testing each and every one of them, you'd never know. Replace them with something decent, listen to them, move on and enjoy the music. 😉 lol

Just my $.02...not counting inflation.

 

[Ds2000]

I like the Clarity, but I think I want to do the Jantzen’s. I’ve added up the values and have a set spot on in a cart now. I’ll build two small sub panels to put on standoffs just above the main board. That will be for the four Jantzen caps in each. The mills resistors are in the same cart. While I’m still a little torn between the Jantzen and the Clarity purple caps, I’ll make a final decision before too long. This whole process is kind of fun. The net result should be improved musicality across the board.

 

[Ds2000]

So it’s going to be all Clarity Caps, ESA/CSA in the same values and qty’s, and mills resistors. The breaker becomes a resistor of the same value too

 

[Ds2000]

Once I them back, and also get the caps and resistors, I’ll post progress and thoughts.

 

[Ds2000]

Still waiting on this, it’s not really top of the list as they aren’t here. I did decide on nice Clarity Caps and Mills resistors when I do. However I have another pair of these speakers which are getting a mod.