Recommendations for upgrade: to have fuller but fast and crisp sound

[zieglj01]

But between the aviano 2 and the carnival 2, I shld go for the aviano 2 right?

By the way, Monitor Audio BX2 or RX2 is quite popular over here, may see some used sets now and then. Do they come close to the sounding of the S30 as compared to MS?

Audition is the key, go and settle on the one that brings you
the most enjoyment.

With Monitor Audio, I am a fan of the Silver RX series.

 

[sevenz]

bro zieg, if I had done the same mod on the S30 as what you have done, do you know if the S30 speaker is 'large' enough to have a large and full sound for my 4m x 4m listening area? (seated on the longer side).

Or shld I go for slightly bigger MS bookshelves as what you have mentioned?

 

[GranteedEV]

bro zieg, if I had done the same mod on the S30 as what you have done, do you know if the S30 speaker is 'large' enough to have a large and full sound for my 4m x 4m listening area? (seated on the longer side).

The SPL limits will stay the same, but the tonality should have more accuracy and energy in the lower midrange (IE cello, soprano, brass, clarinet, guitar etc) which is a big difference maker. I think it's worthwhile to try. If you're not comfortable soldering then use alligator clips. Also since it reduces the midrange driver breakup in the treble, it'll make things sound a good bit "cleaner". Often people's idea of a large and full sound has little to do with the capabilities of the speaker and everything to do with the tonality.

For lower bass below 100hz you should probably use bass management to subwoofers regardless.

 

[zieglj01]

bro zieg, if I had done the same mod on the S30 as what you have done, do you know if the S30 speaker is 'large' enough to have a large and full sound for my 4m x 4m listening area? (seated on the longer side).

Or shld I go for slightly bigger MS bookshelves as what you have mentioned?

The speaker was never really bad, it just needed a little more help.

There is no guarantee that the modded speaker, will fill your needs.
It comes down to personal needs and preference. They will not play
any louder - they will however, have a better presentation and sound
more natural and realistic.

The midrange and treble is more balanced with the bass, that bass
is still the same good bass - and the speaker has more lower bass
output, than some more larger popular bookshelves, present/past.

The slight edgyness and smear at higher volumes, has been cleaned up.
Brass, Violins/strings and the likes, along with the higher octave voices,
are more clean and realistic sounding. The midrange area is more open,
clear and smooth.

You have to contact/send, a private message to forum member Dennis
Murphy, to see if he has saved the work, and can send you the plans.

 

[sevenz]

Thanks GranteedEV and Zieg. Will do that

 

[zieglj01]

Thanks GranteedEV and Zieg. Will do that

With the exception of the so-called space coverage, which can at times
be subjective >> you would be surprised at how, a modded Cambridge
S30 can hold up and stand, against some of them bigger and more high
profile expensive speakers.

There is a difference - however not a head and shoulders difference,
between the stock and modded > the difference is still big enough,
to expand the overall listening experience.

Some people have even chosen the origional stock version, over some
of the more highly promoted bigger speakers here. The speaker has a
good foundation, for the modded work that was done.

Again, no guarantee that the overall risk to mod, will satisify your needs.
However - I believe it is worth it, to try it.

 

[sevenz]

you would be surprised at how, a modded Cambridge
S30 can hold up and stand, against some of them bigger and more high
profile expensive speakers.

Again, no guarantee that the overall risk to mod, will satisify your needs.
However - I believe it is worth it, to try it.

Yes I agree with you on the S30. haha... Anyway, given the advice by everyone so far, it seems like I shld get the same speaker series in a 5.1 setup, and perhaps stick with CA if I like the CA sound.

So I've filtered down to few options, can I seek everyone to advise/vote which choice to go:
1) Mod the CA S30 speaker + get the S50 centre
2) Get the CA S70 floor stander + get the S50 centre
3) Get the CA SL30 (and mod it?) + get the S50 centre
4) Get MS Aviano 2, and Aviano 5
5) Get the Monitor Audio RX2 and RX centre?

 

[zieglj01]

Yes I agree with you on the S30. haha... Anyway, given the advice by everyone so far, it seems like I shld get the same speaker series in a 5.1 setup, and perhaps stick with CA if I like the CA sound.

So I've filtered down to few options, can I seek everyone to advise/vote which choice to go:
1) Mod the CA S30 speaker + get the S50 centre
2) Get the CA S70 floor stander + get the S50 centre
3) Get the CA SL30 (and mod it?) + get the S50 centre
4) Get MS Aviano 2, and Aviano 5
5) Get the Monitor Audio RX2 and RX centre?

You have to make your own choice - Also, Dennis has not measured
the SL30, so there will be no modified information.

For me with Cambridge - I would use one of the S30's as a center
channel speaker.

It would not hurt to try out, the S70 towers in your room.

 

[sevenz]

For me with Cambridge - I would use one of the S30's as a center
channel speaker.

It would not hurt to try out, the S70 towers in your room.

Appreciate Jim. Can u help to share the reason to choose the S30 over the S50 for centre? Is the build/design of S30 better than S50?

Also, for S70, my only worry is that I havent seen much reviews on it. Not sure if the speaker box build chasis is as good as the S30?

 

[zieglj01]

Appreciate Jim. Can u help to share the reason to choose the S30 over the S50 for centre? Is the build/design of S30 better than S50?

Also, for S70, my only worry is that I havent seen much reviews on it. Not sure if the speaker box build chasis is as good as the S30?

As far as the center, if there is another option in the same series, as
far as timbre/voicing, then I prefer that option - if you can place it. >
With a bookshelf, that would mean standing it straight up.

Another bookshelf like the S30, can give you > better overall frequency
response in the sound-plane > better off-axis response > a wider sweet
spot > better vertical response >> more neutral tone response >> and
better imaging in the middle. Also, tends to be better suited for musical
scores in the movies, and surround music.

The regular center channels with the woofer/tweeter/woofer lined up
on the same axis, tend to be a compromise. The frequency response
can tend to break-up and become spotty and uneven, and tend to be
more limited in off-axis and vertical response.

As far as the S70 towers > they are an option to consider, more work
was put into the crossover, they will have more radiating service area.
If placed properly, they can present an overall bigger stage. > Budget
towers can be a compromise in the cabinet build > and can have more
resonance problems at higher volume levels - mainly with heavy bass
material. With the modded Cambridge, I am not drawn to the S70. >>
The S30 is one of only a few smaller type budget speakers > that can
really play lower than average > with tight controlled bass, and a nice
coherent sound, regardless of the measurements. > Maybe that is why
the bookshelves tend to sell more than the towers.

 

[sevenz]

As far as the S70 towers > they are an option to consider, more work
was put into the crossover, they will have more radiating service area.
If placed properly, they can present an overall bigger stage. > Budget
towers can be a compromise in the cabinet build > and can have more
resonance problems at higher volume levels - mainly with heavy bass
material. >>

That's my worry on the S70..... Will audition it side by side with the SL30 and see the difference.

 

[sevenz]

Jim and friends, having some mixed feelings here. Can I check with you.

Some of my local friends were saying that, if I go for modded S30/S70 + a S50 centre, the sound performance may drop as compared to keeping my B&W705 and Infinity PC351 centre. Esp if I were to add power amps in future.

Just want to seek everyone's opinion on this as I love the S30 sound. And my feel is that with the USD530 I am spending on the Cambridge Audio set (assuming S70 fronts + S50 centre), I would be able to get a very competitive sound than can even rival closely to the B&W705s and Infinity centre PC351, which is costing me double (USD1.1k - i bought them used). Cos I dont see a 100% improvement in performance though the cost is double?

And with the $600 than I save from this, I can get a 2nd hand power amp like the rotel 1075 which i can get at $500 used set.

 

[zieglj01]

I am only going to say this > and then it is all up to you..............
I do not consider the B&W's a threat to the modded Cambridge, or
the towers, also the reviews on the B&W 705 are a mix bag. Amps
can give you more power, however do not look for any special magic
to change the overall sound character of the B&W >> The Infinity is
not a good match for the B&W or the Cambridge. Again with the S30
Cambridge, if you choose this set-up, I would lean towards using the
S30, also for the center channel, if you can work out/fit the position.
The S50 can work as a center channel if needed.

Good Luck with your decision!

 

[sevenz]

hey friends, thanks for the advice. Managed to get some nice stuff on the used market to really audition it out in my place.

A SL30 for USD150, rotel RMB 1095 (w/upgraded power cables) for USD570.

Now trying to compared the SL30 VS the B&W705 VS the polk tsi200. Looks like B&W705 is leading the pack in sound performance after adding the power amp, but SL30 is trailing slightly behind in terms of providing a more fwd and full sound. (maybe this will change after the mod )

Im quite surprised that the SL30 can take the higher power and yet bass remains tight and stable.