Bookshelf Speaker Suggestions Please?

[sonicman]

Currently own an old pair (late 1970s) of Electrovoice Interface speakers which are on the built-in bookshelves in the den - each contains a single tweeter, woofer, and passive conductor - the foam-like material around the passive conductor has been deteriorating and I infrequently hear them buzzing - not sure if these can be repaired (otherwise, the speakers still sound fine) or 'where' I would obtain the proper material.

Obviously, I've not been in the market for speakers in a long time - the size of the EV speakers are 24 1/2" H, 15 1/2" W, & 9" D - the depth is probably the important dimension, i.e. can't go much more w/ the type of shelf in place and no floor standing option. The speakers are running off a NAD receiver (C740) - don't have much in the way of a large number of audio stores in the area, so would be difficult to audition a lot of speakers.

But, any advice as to a handful of possible brands/models that might fit my needs - price range up to $1000 (or a little more) - first post here, but will appreciate your thoughts & suggestions - thanks.

BTW - mainly listen to classical music & jazz -

 

[DD66000]

The foam surrounds of a driver can be replaced. Company like Orange County Speaker is a good place to send speakers to be repaired. They have a list of speaker brands, on their web site, that they do repair work on.

As far as replacing those speakers with new ones, you have dozens of choices.
Its been years since I've listened to a EV speaker, so I don't know what brands would have the same basic sound, if that's what you want to go with.

But many speaker companies, that sell over the internet, both ID brands and traditional retail speaker companies, have return policies, so if you don't want to keep the speakers you've bought to do an in home audtition, its just a matter of sending them back.

 

[sonicman]

The foam surrounds of a driver can be replaced. Company like Orange County Speaker is a good place to send speakers to be repaired. They have a list of speaker brands, on their web site, that they do repair work on............

Thanks for the prompt reply - I'm currently searching the web for speaker repair options, too - the foam around the passive conductors seems to be the main problem, but I'm sure the other drivers might be worth a look?

I do have an old pair of Bose bookshelf speakers that I could use in the meantime, but these EV speakers still produce a nice sound for the music I enjoy - thanks again!

 

[Rickster71]

There are a few limitations when actually putting a bookshelf speaker on a bookshelf.
It's not the location for the best performance.
Though, it's a necessary evil if you have space limitations.

Speaker technology has really improved since you bought your Electrovoice speakers, so I'd forget about the repair and look for something new.

Also, make sure if the speaker is ported, it's in the front.

 

[Rickster71]

If you want to repair them, but don't want to try to fix them yourself;
Here is a link to someone I've used before and can highly recommend:
http://www.classicloudspeakerservices.com/about.html

 

[Rickster71]

Just a thought:
I can recommend you giving a listen to the Paradigm Studio 40's they will fit your shelf, and I think are just a bit over $1000.

 

[fredk]

Are the Studio 40s front ported? Now is probably a good time to look at these. Since the V5 is now released, you can haggle for a better price on V4 stuff.

 

[sonicman]

There are a few limitations when actually putting a bookshelf speaker on a bookshelf.
It's not the location for the best performance.
Though, it's a necessary evil if you have space limitations.....

Rickster71 - thanks for your multiple posts and suggestions - I was going to include a picture of my den (which I have online @ Smugmug), but apparently need 5 posts before permitted; however, I really have little choice because of the layout of the den; in fact, the speakers have been on their sides - back in the late 70s & early 80s, I was much more 'in tune' w/ audio equipment, specs, etc., so I do understand the limitations of this setup.

Since posting, I've been searching the web for repair options, mainly just to see what the pricing might be and have left a few e-mails - thanks for the link, may give him a call if I do decide on a potential repair? However, in viewing one website (out of FL - I'm in NC, so shipping becomes an issue - each speaker weighs in at 30#) and adding up repair of 6 components (i.e. tweeter, woofer, and passive radiator), I figure that this would be a minimum $200-$300 (probably more?).

But thanks again for the advice and help - I'll add the Paradigm brand to my list of considerations - in fact, I was at their website a few hours ago and did find a local dealer - Dave

 

[Rickster71]

Rickster71 - thanks for your multiple posts and suggestions - I'm in NC, so shipping becomes an issue - each speaker weighs in at 30#) and adding up repair of 6 components (i.e. tweeter, woofer, and passive radiator), I figure that this would be a minimum $200-$300 (probably more?).
- Dave

Dave,
Glad to help.

Remember you only have to mail the 'drivers," not the whole cabinet.

 

[sonicman]

Dave,
Glad to help.

Remember you only have to mail the 'drivers," not the whole cabinet.

So right! I've not taken speakers apart for 45+ years - since my late teen days - thanks again -

 

[sonicman]

Well, I've gotten to 5 posts, so now am able to post a pic my den below w/ the situation discussed in the previous entries - the 'old' EV speakers can be readily seen - I really don't have a choice of 'free-standing' speakers in that location (could put them in front of the fireplace to the right, but would necessitate a complete rearrangement of much - not a good choice).

So, my options seem to be: 1) Get the old EVs speakers repaired (preferably locally to avoid shipping costs) - these really sound fine in that location; 2) replace w/ 2 bookshelf speakers; or 3) go w/ 2 small units on the shelf + a sub-woofer that I can place on the floor out of the way - I guess my request is what may be some good brands/models for the latter two choices. Again, any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks all -

 

[Davemcc]

That looks like a job for the Era D4. They're much smaller than what you have there now but pack a real punch and IMHO are one of the finest sounding speakers I've ever heard. They are rear ported but the designer recommends them for bookshelf installation, saying the port tuning will is designed not to be affected by rear boundary proximity. Paired with a small HSU or SVS sub, you would have a killer built-in solution.

 

[sonicman]

That looks like a job for the Era D4. They're much smaller than what you have there now but pack a real punch and IMHO are one of the finest sounding speakers I've ever heard........

Thanks Dave - I'll put that set on my list! Dave

 

[sonicman]

Well, just a follow-up concerning potential repair - found a place in Greensboro, Thore Speaker Repair, about a 45 min drive from me - got a quote of $120 to fix the woofer & passive radiators in both speakers; he wants the speakers out of the cabinets, so I might just ship them to him UPS which would be much more convenient than trying to take them & pick them up on my days off. So, still thinking & gathering in the options - thanks all!

 

[Rickster71]

Hi Dave
I got to thinking, since you're sending the drivers out, I'd ask Thore repair about the crossovers.
Electrolytic caps have a somewhat limited shelf life, and your EV's are thirty years old, this would be a good time to ask about a component upgrade.

Good Luck,
Rick

 

[DD66000]

Hi Dave
I got to thinking, since you're sending the drivers out, I'd ask Thore repair about the crossovers.
Electrolytic caps have a somewhat limited shelf life, and your EV's are thirty years old, this would be a good time to ask about a component upgrade.

Good Luck,
Rick

Never hurts to do that. I built new, upgraded crossovers for my 25 year old JBLs, now better than new.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Although I love the 40's and they are front ported, they are also 12-11/16 in
deep and like room behind them.

Just a thought:
I can recommend you giving a listen to the Paradigm Studio 40's they will fit your shelf, and I think are just a bit over $1000.

 

[Rickster71]

Although I love the 40's and they are front ported, they are also 12-11/16 in
deep and like room behind them.

I hear you PD, the shelf is too shallow and the 40's are too tall.
Didn't know his speakers were laying on their sides.
I realized later when I saw Dave's room photo they wouldn't work.
Unless he feels like doing a little carpentry work on the shelves..

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I would mount a 60" plasma in the center of that thing and use two big ol towers.

I hear you PD, the shelf is too shallow and the 40's are too tall.
Didn't know his speakers were laying on their sides.
I realized later when I saw Dave's room photo they wouldn't work.
Unless he feels like doing a little carpentry work on the shelves..

 

[sonicman]

Just getting back to the forum - thanks guys for all of the comments!

I've been in the market for a HDTV for over a year now, just have not decided on the size and location near that wall; again only place in that room for a TV; one idea that I had was to mount one in the middle and move some books & CDs in storage where the current CRT TV is located.

Actually, I'm a woodworker and have a decent shop - built some of the storage units in that den (most not seen in the pic provided) - thus, I could easily redo the shelf arrangement, but replacing the entire unit w/ deeper shelving would be a major effort - I've thought of that in the past in able to place speakers upright!

I'll contact the speaker repair place again about the crossovers, if I decide to go that route (vs. buying new) - I've not opened up speakers in decades, though - is this something pretty straight forward?

Thanks again for all of the comments & suggestions - there are indeed plenty of options! Dave