S4 bookshelf crackling at low volume. Repair or replace?

Jonascalhoun

Hello, I'm trying to setup a better office stereo system than just my iPod and headphones. I received a Topping TP30 for Christmas, and have it hooked to my computer with lossless audio files. I have an old pair of S4 bookshelf speakers that have been in storage for a few years, and decided to use them hooked to the amp. One still sounds as great as I remember it, but the other one seems to have a crackle at low volume. I'm not sure whether it's bass or treble that it's crackling on, I'm going to try and figure that out today. But it does seem to only be at low volume, louder and it goes away.

Anyway, I'm trying to figure out if it's worth repairing the speaker, or just replacing the pair. I'm just wanting a decent setup for music, maybe a little gaming, but I usually use headphones for that. They also may not be a good match for the Topping amp...Any advice would be great! I can spend a few hundred USD, but if I don't have to, so much the better.

I posted this here, because I'm not sure the S4 classifies as vintage, but I bought them almost 20 years ago...they were the best I could afford at the time, although I can't remember what I paid for them.

Thanks,
Dan

Jonascalhoun

As another few data points, the speakers are on my desk, about 6' apart. I'd be looking for something with a front port, they are under a hutch. I listen to mostly 70s and 80s punk and synth pop, but also a fair bit of smooth jazz and classical, depending on what I'm working on. I don't have a sub for this setup, although it'll probably be in the future. I'm also not looking for lots of volume (obviously, since the Topping only puts out 10-15 watts) but good fidelity. So a sensitive speaker is pretty important. The S4 was plenty loud with everything (input volume and output volume) set to 50%, but is at 25% for normal background listening.

Thanks,
Dan