LSi7's Refurb'ed and Upgraded, w/ pictures

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Comments

  • halo71
    halo71 Posts: 4,603
    edited February 2012
    Dang, I keep looking at the pics! More than those Kate Upton pics! lol Those are just so sweet.....the speakers.
    --Gary--
    Onkyo Integra M504, Bottlehead Foreplay III, Denon SACD, Thiel CS2.3, NHT VT-2, VT-3 and Evolution T6, Infinity RSIIIa, SDA1C and a few dozen other speakers around the house I change in and out.
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  • geoff727
    geoff727 Posts: 546
    edited February 2012
    vstarkwell wrote: »
    Are you a wood worker by profession or is this just a hobby you've learned? I'd be really interested to find out how you became this proficient.

    I wish I was proficient! Maybe in a few more years. It's just a hobby. A learn-by-doing kind of thing.
    Polk SDA SRS 2
    Polk RTA 15tl
    Polk Monitor 7C
    Polk Lsi9
    Infinity RS-II (modded)
    Infinity RS-IIIa (modded)
    Infinity RS 2.5 x 2
    Magnepan 1.6QR (modded)

    System: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vevol&1290711373
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  • geoff727
    geoff727 Posts: 546
    edited February 2012
    Toolfan66 wrote: »
    Now I want to do the same hope you don't mind if I copy this?? ;-)

    The more, the merrier!:cheesygrin:
    Polk SDA SRS 2
    Polk RTA 15tl
    Polk Monitor 7C
    Polk Lsi9
    Infinity RS-II (modded)
    Infinity RS-IIIa (modded)
    Infinity RS 2.5 x 2
    Magnepan 1.6QR (modded)

    System: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vevol&1290711373
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  • geoff727
    geoff727 Posts: 546
    edited February 2012
    TNHNDYMAN wrote: »
    ....or at the least offer upgrade services for others.

    I do. I've always kind of hoped that in a few years, with some more knowledge and experience, I could make this sort of thing into a small side business. I'm not sure it would be very viable, but it would probably be fun.
    Polk SDA SRS 2
    Polk RTA 15tl
    Polk Monitor 7C
    Polk Lsi9
    Infinity RS-II (modded)
    Infinity RS-IIIa (modded)
    Infinity RS 2.5 x 2
    Magnepan 1.6QR (modded)

    System: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vevol&1290711373
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  • geoff727
    geoff727 Posts: 546
    edited February 2012
    Oldfatdogs wrote: »
    Would you mind sharing what dye you used and where you got it?Thanks Dan

    Right here:
    http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=11448

    These are water based, so you have to apply in very, very light coats in order to avoid the wood grain raising too much.
    Polk SDA SRS 2
    Polk RTA 15tl
    Polk Monitor 7C
    Polk Lsi9
    Infinity RS-II (modded)
    Infinity RS-IIIa (modded)
    Infinity RS 2.5 x 2
    Magnepan 1.6QR (modded)

    System: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vevol&1290711373
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  • Oldfatdogs
    Oldfatdogs Posts: 1,874
    edited February 2012
    Thanks geoff,I thought it might be woodcraft or rockler.Have stains come a long way from the old school blotchy crap.Thanks again Dan
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  • vstarkwell
    vstarkwell Posts: 328
    edited February 2012
    geoff727 wrote: »
    I wish I was proficient! Maybe in a few more years. It's just a hobby. A learn-by-doing kind of thing.

    Right on!!!!, If you need some more "learn-by-doing" I've got a pair of 7C's that could use a refurb???, just kidding. Thanks for sharing and the pictures are great too.
    Monitor 7C's With Tubes
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  • geoff727
    geoff727 Posts: 546
    edited February 2012
    Ya, there's a Rockler store about 15 minutes away, so that makes it really nice.

    Glad you all enjoy the project! Thanks for the compliments!
    Geoff
    Polk SDA SRS 2
    Polk RTA 15tl
    Polk Monitor 7C
    Polk Lsi9
    Infinity RS-II (modded)
    Infinity RS-IIIa (modded)
    Infinity RS 2.5 x 2
    Magnepan 1.6QR (modded)

    System: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vevol&1290711373
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  • dpgaloot
    dpgaloot Posts: 26
    edited February 2012
    Another beautiful build Geoff. Those crossovers are amazing, and the entire project is first rate!
    --
    dpgaloot

    HT: Carver C-19, (2) Carver TFM-35 running as monoblocks, SRS 1.2tl
    2 Channel Audio: VPI Aries I, McIntosh C2300, Carver Black Beauty tube amps, JBL L-220
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  • vstarkwell
    vstarkwell Posts: 328
    edited February 2012
    When you applied the new veneer did you use wood clamps? How hard was it as I'm jonesing to get my 7C's re veneered. Also if you don't mind do you remember what your cost were when you did your 5's?
    Monitor 7C's With Tubes
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  • geoff727
    geoff727 Posts: 546
    edited February 2012
    vstarkwell wrote: »
    When you applied the new veneer did you use wood clamps? How hard was it as I'm jonesing to get my 7C's re veneered. Also if you don't mind do you remember what your cost were when you did your 5's?

    No, I just use the iron-on method. That's why, in one of those pictures, there's all that tape crossing over the veneer grain. Maple is one of those woods that can split really easily when the heat is removed, so it's best to tape across the grain.

    I think, for those 5's I did in maple (these LSi7's used up a lot of the extra veneer I had left over) I bought a 4'x8' roll from Sauers Veneer online. I think the roll was maybe a hundred dollars or so, if I'm remembering right. And that was with enough stuff left over for this project. The Monitor 7's won't have quite as much left over. Definitely worthwhile doing, though! They look and feel so much better after they're done.
    Polk SDA SRS 2
    Polk RTA 15tl
    Polk Monitor 7C
    Polk Lsi9
    Infinity RS-II (modded)
    Infinity RS-IIIa (modded)
    Infinity RS 2.5 x 2
    Magnepan 1.6QR (modded)

    System: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vevol&1290711373
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited February 2012
    Geoff, kudos for such a beautiful craftsmanship.

    If you live locally, and you're willing, I would pay to have my Sonus Faber Cremona to be morphed into a SF Homage finish.
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • vstarkwell
    vstarkwell Posts: 328
    edited February 2012
    geoff727 wrote: »
    No, I just use the iron-on method. That's why, in one of those pictures, there's all that tape crossing over the veneer grain. Maple is one of those woods that can split really easily when the heat is removed, so it's best to tape across the grain.

    I think, for those 5's I did in maple (these LSi7's used up a lot of the extra veneer I had left over) I bought a 4'x8' roll from Sauers Veneer online. I think the roll was maybe a hundred dollars or so, if I'm remembering right. And that was with enough stuff left over for this project. The Monitor 7's won't have quite as much left over. Definitely worthwhile doing, though! They look and feel so much better after they're done.

    Thanks for the reply, I truly appreciate it. Did you use 3/4 inches?
    Monitor 7C's With Tubes
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  • bd1886
    bd1886 Posts: 56
    edited February 2012
    Nice job with those speaks! I've used that family of dye stains (as a pre-stain) under darker mahogany and rosewood oil dye stains mostly. Seeing it used "primary red" WOW! (Drop dead beautiful.) Did it require a pre-stain conditioner?

    Your work on those shows well thought out patience.
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  • geoff727
    geoff727 Posts: 546
    edited February 2012
    dpgaloot wrote: »
    Another beautiful build Geoff. Those crossovers are amazing, and the entire project is first rate!

    Yours are next....
    Polk SDA SRS 2
    Polk RTA 15tl
    Polk Monitor 7C
    Polk Lsi9
    Infinity RS-II (modded)
    Infinity RS-IIIa (modded)
    Infinity RS 2.5 x 2
    Magnepan 1.6QR (modded)

    System: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vevol&1290711373
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  • geoff727
    geoff727 Posts: 546
    edited February 2012
    polkatese wrote: »
    If you live locally, and you're willing, I would pay to have my Sonus Faber Cremona to be morphed into a SF Homage finish.

    Holy cow!:eek: ...I think I'd need a professional spray booth for that. Seriously, Sonus Faber makes some gorgeous speakers. Someday I'll be able to do finishes like that. :wink:
    Polk SDA SRS 2
    Polk RTA 15tl
    Polk Monitor 7C
    Polk Lsi9
    Infinity RS-II (modded)
    Infinity RS-IIIa (modded)
    Infinity RS 2.5 x 2
    Magnepan 1.6QR (modded)

    System: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vevol&1290711373
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  • geoff727
    geoff727 Posts: 546
    edited February 2012
    bd1886 wrote: »
    Did it require a pre-stain conditioner?

    Nope, I just diluted it down and went for it.

    I was debating on different colors (darker red, yellow, ebony, all black), but I'm glad I stuck with the red red and general LSi look.
    Polk SDA SRS 2
    Polk RTA 15tl
    Polk Monitor 7C
    Polk Lsi9
    Infinity RS-II (modded)
    Infinity RS-IIIa (modded)
    Infinity RS 2.5 x 2
    Magnepan 1.6QR (modded)

    System: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vevol&1290711373
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  • geoff727
    geoff727 Posts: 546
    edited February 2012
    Rick88 wrote: »
    I can't quite looking at them, how 'bout you sell them to me and do up another pair for your father? :mrgreen:

    I talked to him yesterday, and he said if I did that, he was coming after me with a 9mm. So I guess that idea's pretty much out. :neutral:
    Polk SDA SRS 2
    Polk RTA 15tl
    Polk Monitor 7C
    Polk Lsi9
    Infinity RS-II (modded)
    Infinity RS-IIIa (modded)
    Infinity RS 2.5 x 2
    Magnepan 1.6QR (modded)

    System: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vevol&1290711373
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited February 2012
    Man I wish I could get that beautiful glossy black finish on my ML speaker cabinets
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  • polkatese
    polkatese Posts: 6,767
    edited February 2012
    geoff727 wrote: »
    Holy cow!:eek: ...I think I'd need a professional spray booth for that. Seriously, Sonus Faber makes some gorgeous speakers. Someday I'll be able to do finishes like that. :wink:

    Geoff, you can do it! this is the finish that I am looking for:
    I am sorry, I have no opinion on the matter. I am sure you do. So, don't mind me, I just want to talk audio and pie.
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  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,081
    edited February 2012
    Great job Geoff and you are an inspiration for all DIY'ers out there!
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  • bd1886
    bd1886 Posts: 56
    edited February 2012
    With any speaker being a "small project surface", you can give a spray booth finish (utilizing the controllable conditions of a small work area) while using hand application of the finishing stages. I worked the fine finishing trade for years and had to do finishing in every environment conceivable....choice of products,choice of products,choice of products, and a little control of your work environment gets you there. Caveats abound but "choice of product", patience with cure time,and basic application tricks, will produce over the top results. (Gloss ratios above 85% are tough though...but still possible.) With V.O.C. restrictions being what they are....neat products have been developed,and existing material re-purposing,do cool things for you. Spray booths are a godsend....but there are work a rounds.
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  • geoff727
    geoff727 Posts: 546
    edited February 2012
    bd1886 wrote: »
    Spray booths are a godsend....but there are work a rounds.

    bd1886, PM sent.
    G~
    Polk SDA SRS 2
    Polk RTA 15tl
    Polk Monitor 7C
    Polk Lsi9
    Infinity RS-II (modded)
    Infinity RS-IIIa (modded)
    Infinity RS 2.5 x 2
    Magnepan 1.6QR (modded)

    System: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vevol&1290711373
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  • Richd82
    Richd82 Posts: 64
    edited February 2012
    Very impressive transformation from the first pic to the last. Incredible craftsmanship. Im sure your dad is a very proud owner.

    Congrats on such nice work!
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,648
    edited February 2012
    Incredible work!! Incredibly envious on your woodworking skills!

    Just a note, I would recommend trimming your sonic barrier back away from the woofer maybe 2-3"

    I installed No Rez in a LSi9 - when that close to the woofer it seemed to choke it off ever so slightly...
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • FTGV
    FTGV Posts: 3,649
    edited February 2012
    Stunning.
    And nice collection of Infinity Ref Standards.
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  • geoff727
    geoff727 Posts: 546
    edited February 2012
    FTGV wrote: »
    .....nice collection of Infinity Ref Standards.

    Thanks, they're kind of interesting speakers. :)
    Polk SDA SRS 2
    Polk RTA 15tl
    Polk Monitor 7C
    Polk Lsi9
    Infinity RS-II (modded)
    Infinity RS-IIIa (modded)
    Infinity RS 2.5 x 2
    Magnepan 1.6QR (modded)

    System: http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vevol&1290711373
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