What receiver family for ADS 810's?

bd1886

Just had a fortunate find of ADS 810's (4 ohm) in decent shape. Was planning on having a 2 channel setup along side my HT/Polk system and listening to these has me set on what I'll use. (Listening to them on an Onkyo TX-NR609 to check them out and realize that this 8 ohm receiver is not the best for either component.) New or vintage...what would be the best route? Loud volume is not where the priority will be with these ..as they are clear and warm at all volumes. :cheesygrin:

I'm not wanting to go expensive here...just a basic quality HK or similar(?) and looking forward to having something balanced for there strengths. Just going through threads here,these speaks have been listened to by a lot of you and would value your experiences with them not as a critique necessarily, but how to get the most out of them. Custom finishing, custom stands,and acquisition of maintenance parts to start immediately!

George Grand

You don't get to much variety with vintage H-K. You also don't get too much power. That twin-powered, 45wpc job they had would be about the ticket. That's about the most powerful vintage H-K receiver. Try and find the 60wpc Citation 11/12 preamp and amp combo from H-K.

There is very little wrong with older Onkyo stereo receivers in the 60-100wpc range.

dkg999

Or a vintage Onkyo integrated amp. Onkyo had a couple that had the big center knob and looked similar to the Kenwood KA-7100's.

bd1886

George Grand wrote: »

You don't get to much variety with vintage H-K. You also don't get too much power. That twin-powered, 45wpc job they had would be about the ticket. That's about the most powerful vintage H-K receiver. Try and find the 60wpc Citation 11/12 preamp and amp combo from H-K.

There is very little wrong with older Onkyo stereo receivers in the 60-100wpc range.

EXACTLY! Looking...........

Thanks and may your teams win!:biggrin:

flason

I have an HK930 twin on my ADS 710. It is amazing.

cnh

Some good suggestions. I'd also consider a Yamaha vintage receiver, a CR-1010 or 2010 (a bit pricier) but they'd have the power to deal with the ADS.

I run a set of ADS L520s on a Yamaha CR-800 (50 watts x 2--maybe 60-65 x 2 at 4 ohms?). And I find the Yamaha a great match for ADS. I also have an HK 730 which is a 40 x 2 at 8 ohm but also 4 ohm capable--twin power supply that would also be a good candidate. Pretty sure George is referring to the HK 930 which was an earlier, slightly more powerful model than the 730. But if you can find a 730 those 40 watts have a lot of weight to them and great bass response. Very nice bottom end. Smooth warm sound all around.

Integrateds? Sure, Yamaha CA-800, 810, 1010, etc. Or a Sansui AU-517, 717 (but you may have to "pay" some for these!).

I have a Kenwood KA-7300 coming soon. Unlike the 7100 that followed it. The 7300, also 65W x 2, has TWO separate power transformers--NOT just separate windings. It also has pre-outs and, supposedly a better pre-amp section? 7300 looks like a nice symmetrical design. Two power transformers in the center, flanked by two independent heat sinks and each transformer has two 10,000 mf storage caps for 40,000 mf of total capacitance for a 130 Watt amp? Weighs in at a healthy 31 lbs. Kenwood gets little respect, for whatever reasons. But many of these amps have a nice strong warmish sound! And you can often get them for less coin than a comparable Yamaha or Sansui. People claim the build is 'inferior' but when I compare a 7300 to a Yamaha 810, I kinda wonder what people are talking about sometimes?

Have fun with the search!

cnh

mhardy6647

A Yamaha or Onkyo amplifier of similar vintage to the speakers (e.g., Yamaha CA-800, CA-1000, CA-1010, or CA-2010 or Onkyo A-5 or A-7) would be fabulous choices; The Yamaha receivers of the time would be fine too (e.g., CR-1020, CR-2020 - at this late date, why scrimp?). The ads speakers are surprisingly sensitive and do not need high powered amplifiers - I have used my L-710s with even single-ended 2A3 amplifiers with what I'd consider as good success, and push-pull EL84 amps (e.g., Dynaco SCA-35, EICO HF-81) are very, very nice with the 710s.

The smooth and beguiling sound of that line of ads speakers will do almost any electronics proud, though, truth be told.

EDIT:

1) should've just quoted cnh's post and said "ditto" :-P

2) in re: Mr. Grand's suggestion (echoed by others) - nice choice as well. A somewhat seldom seen but worthy contender would be the hk A402 amp (OK, I see one every time I am in the basement, but they don't seem to be all that common in general) - basically the hk 730's preamp and power amp in an attractive if somewhat idosyncratic and anachronistic package :-)

bd1886

learning all this in small increments and it'll be sinking in as I go. (Eventually I want to learn how to do the repairs and component upgrades that you guy's seem so familiar with.) It seems "vintage" is a "thing" with me as when the economy started slowing a bit, I sidestepped into my hobby knowledge to make a living and it all has to do with older whatever.....things are good and never have enjoyed making a living so much.

Thank you all for taking the time to share and I should be finding options to bring before you in the coming days.

mhardy6647

I am actively resisting the temptation to post lots of illustrative photos... :-P
(I've probably posted them all before, anyway)

bd1886

Hey....I'm new here and would absolutely enjoy seeing stuff! Probably the way I learn best is seeing first then digging in and appreciating how tech develops from year to year or generation to generation. (Makes it tangible and easy for me to have it stick.) Since starting this thread my son and I have been going through archived info and reviews on classic receivers mainly. Just the look of the good stuff.....what's not to love with quality wood cabs,brushed metal bezels,rich lighting,and guts that do something. Oh heck...post some pics!

soundfreak1

I have heard those speakers on a RECIEVER but strongly recomend a high currant seperate and pre to really get the most out of them. A friend has a pair tri amped with 6 mac (200w) amps incredible but insane. They do respond to good clean power. Would not do less than about 200w high currant to get them to really open up. Imho.

Mystery

bd1886 wrote: »

Just had a fortunate find of ADS 810's (4 ohm) in decent shape.

How do they sound?
There is a pair locally for 2 and half big ones and not sure to jump or not.

mhardy6647

Mystery wrote: »

How do they sound?
There is a pair locally for 2 and half big ones and not sure to jump or not.

In good working order, they should be excellent (outstanding, in fact). Something like the classic Polk Audio Monitor 7/10 sound but smoother, more detailed, and more refined. That whole line of ads speakers was probably the least fatiguing, easiest to just listen to and enjoy family of "monkey coffin" (sealed rectangular box) speakers I know of.

I actually slightly prefer their little siblings, the L-710... but that is mostly because I am fortunate enough to own a pair of those :-)

bd1886

mhardy6647 wrote: »

In good working order, they should be excellent (outstanding, in fact). Something like the classic Polk Audio Monitor 7/10 sound but smoother, more detailed, and more refined. That whole line of ads speakers was probably the least fatiguing, easiest to just listen to and enjoy family of "monkey coffin" (sealed rectangular box) speakers I know of.

I actually slightly prefer their little siblings, the L-710... but that is mostly because I am fortunate enough to own a pair of those :-)

Picked up a pair of Sansui SP 2500 and they were called "Kabuki Boxes". (Gifted to a friend who had these in the past and he loves them.)

Now my "new" ADS are being called a "Monkey Coffin"! (To heck with friends with these!) You won't be sorry.....they may have not had all the sonic computer modeling back then....and still pulled it all off. Parts.....if you buy,keep a look out. (They are worthy and these things tend to end up in strong hands.)

Mystery

mhardy6647 wrote: »

In good working order, they should be excellent (outstanding, in fact). Something like the classic Polk Audio Monitor 7/10 sound but smoother, more detailed, and more refined. That whole line of ads speakers was probably the least fatiguing, easiest to just listen to and enjoy family of "monkey coffin" (sealed rectangular box) speakers I know of.

I actually slightly prefer their little siblings, the L-710... but that is mostly because I am fortunate enough to own a pair of those :-)

Thanks for comment.
I have a pair of L-620's that I like and got them cheap (less than 100) and not sure if 2.5 times is worth for the L-810's.

bd1886 wrote: »

Picked up a pair of Sansui SP 2500 and they were called "Kabuki Boxes". (Gifted to a friend who had these in the past and he loves them.)

Now my "new" ADS are being called a "Monkey Coffin"! (To heck with friends with these!) You won't be sorry.....they may have not had all the sonic computer modeling back then....and still pulled it all off. Parts.....if you buy,keep a look out. (They are worthy and these things tend to end up in strong hands.)

Will wait for a better deal on the L-810's.

bd1886

I found mine for $20.00....there are others for cheap you can bet. If you see the L's in good shape...those are the premium ones with better binding posts,build,and metal grills. Guess they have a smaller 3/4 inch tweeter?

Mystery

bd1886 wrote: »

I found mine for $20.00....there are others for cheap you can bet. If you see the L's in good shape...those are the premium ones with better binding posts,build,and metal grills. Guess they have a smaller 3/4 inch tweeter?

Wow! That's a steal for $20.
My L-620's have metal grills and I believe 3/4" tweeter in them.

DollarDave

$250 isn't that bad a deal for L-810's. I would NOT let my L-710's go for less than, ...well I probably wouldn't sell them..

I pair mine with a variety of NAD gear either a receiver or separates depending on what I have rotated in at the time. Great results, but my old HK receiver did a fine job, too.

mhardy6647

FWIW... I picked up my L-710s from the "take it or leave it" pile ("Yankee swap pile") at my favorite local vintage audio emporium a few years back :-)

Mystery

mhardy6647 wrote: »

FWIW... I picked up my L-710s from the "take it or leave it" pile ("Yankee swap pile") at my favorite local vintage audio emporium a few years back :-)

Lucky guy!
hmm...
Need to find a swap pile event.
I don't think that happens here.

mhardy6647

Best thing about New England is the persistence of the town "dump" (now most of them are transfer stations) as the hub of politics and community in small towns. Seriously :-)

Next best thing is our fine and balmy weather... :-)

cnh

Fine and balmy weather! lol

I'm ready for retirement in Jamaica, Mannnnnn!

cnh

mhardy6647

shhh! I'm trying to lure more taxpayers here ;-)

bd1886

Well.....zeroing in on a receiver and you all were right. Many nice choices. While looking around, one beautiful receiver has been the Sansui G-7700. One guy said it doesn't do well with a 4ohm load? Is this true? Sorry for asking such a basic question but just learning basics right now and learning curve is in first fidgeting steps. Ok with my 4ohm 810's? Hate to be shallow....looks of this thing is mesmerizing and wanting it to be my "one and only". (Day after Valentines...wife should understand.)

cnh

That Sansui looks like a beauty. Fairly late in the cycle though. Probably cerca '80. Looks a bit like the Pioneer fluoroscans of that period? Rated for 120 watts x 2 for 8 ohms. I find it hard to believe it wouldn't put out somewhere near that in 4 ohms.

Weighs in at close to 40 lbs with a decent sized transformer. The caps are not the largest, but I've seen my 31 lbs Yamaha CR-800 handle 4 ohm loads without breaking much of a sweat!

Here's the spec sheet (no rating for 4 ohms given?).

http://www.vintage-audio.com.ua/en/cat/101/1429.html

My 50 watt x 2 Yamaha pretty much manhandles my 6 ohm ADS L520s, BTW.

On that note. Take a look at Geppy's Yamaha CR-1040 (I know that can handle your speakers fairly well!).

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?129628-Very-Nice-Vintage-Yamaha-CR-1040-80-watt-ch-receiver

cnh

bd1886

That is so strange? I have emails out responding to only 3 receivers. The Sansui, a Yamaha CR-2040 (As I was writing this...was sold :sad:) and the CR-800. I'm on the right track apparently....the 4ohm/Sansui question still lurks. The Yamaha CR-1040 you linked to is a beauty (considering and THANKS!) but going to wait for email responses a bit before jumping. Close....

bd1886

I know this is off thread. I'm just opening the door to this world for the first time. Are there good clubs out there for this type of thing? My professional life and interests have me in a few organizations already but....this whole audio thing is biting me good....and a corner of the future man cave is begging. (Heck....put me in a corner during a gathering and I'd be more than happy to just stay quiet and listen!) Seattle area.

bd1886

Just stepping in again and bringing this thread to conclusion. Ended picking up a Marantz 2238b and Marantz 1250 amp. Both are in as close to mint as you could hope for with NO scratches, NO oily funk, and seem to work fine but in need of cleaning. I'm such a newb so going to have a friend show me "the lay of the land" to do these things right. I want to thank everyone for giving me so much info as it has made my search and education much mo betta!

cnh

If you're looking for Vintage Audio, tube and speaker support like those mentioned above and you're not a member yet. Check out Audiokarma.org

Lots of info there and probably some members in your area as well!

For Vintage Polk...this "is" the place, among other things!


cnh

bd1886

Thanks cnh. As a matter of fact, that is the only other forum I really participate in and find it a perfect mesh with this forum. We all have a good thing going here and hopefully my knowledge will increase to the point of being an asset in these parts. For now....I'm afraid it is mostly relegated to sincere "Thank You's".......so here goes....Thank you!