A short while back, I remember reading a post from someone who had Cambridge S30 bookshelf speakers. He said he sent one to Dennis Murphy for modifications.
I'm curious. What were the mods? If I know Dennis at all, he probably designed a different crossover that probably made them smoother sounding across the upper midrange.
So, what about those modified S30S? Those speakers are certainly low priced at $215. Depending on what the mods cost, they might be a real bargain.
Well, I guess you are talking about me.
He changed it from a 2nd order acoustic, to a 4th order acoustic
tuned box. He did smooth out the mids, and balanced the over all
sound more. It is not a night and day difference - however, the
difference is there. The upgrade cost is modest, and generous on
his part. Do not expect Salk type sound - however, the drivers are
good.
Here is my take on the mod - from the AVS forum
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For the few who may be interested.
The stock version is still solid, and a winner.
Now the modded version:
OK, from Yo-Yo Ma to Chris Botti, from Gloria Estefan to Queen Latifah,
from Joan Osbourn to Pink Floyd and the Eagles - the modded speakers
are a step up. They are more focused and natural sounding, with more air.
The speakers remain cohesive, and the bass is more level with the mids
and highs. I appreciate the bass more.
I still call them the Little Beast - they no longer sound a little intense at
times, and the slightly smeared sound at times, is gone. They still throw a
forward and wide soundstage, with more depth added. The sound character
has not changed. Some people may consider them bright, with their lively
sound character - however, they will not slap you in the face. They are to
me, neutral. I am more caught up in the music and not the speakers. The
imaging stands out more - singing voices now sound more realistic - the
instruments more revealing.
It is a matter of preference and taste, and as always subjective - however,
for me, it is hard to trump the stock version from $500 down - and hard to
trump the modded, from $800 down. This speaker is an open door, for the
one who wants to hear good sound.
I will add more about movies later.
A big thanks to Dennis Murphy for his love of audio.