Just joined the vintage club!

jrosario · November 2014

Hello,

New to the forum and just purchased a set of Monitor 7's Series II with the SL2500 tweeters. I know a lot of people say they scored a mint condition set of speakers but I truly did. Not a single mark anywhere! The corners of the cabinet are perfect. No scratches, dents, dings, nothing. Woofers are in excellent condition as well. They seem to be decently sealed - I can push on the radiator and the woofer will stay extended for probably 3-5 seconds. I just have a few quick questions for the group:

Does anyone still have the plans/PDF for the original Monitor 7 stands? I've searched the forum and I know this question has been asked a lot. Unfortunately every post I find regarding stands contains dead links. I'd love to build an original set of stands for these beauts!

Being Series II, these are obviously not as old as the original M7's. With that said, do you think they would still benefit from an overhaul including recap, improved enclosure sealing, bonding the magnets, dynamat? The woofers have a MFG date of 1991. What mods would you recommend and in what order? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

I'm glad to be part of the club. I can post some pics soon!

Mystery · November 2014

https://us.v-cdn.net/5021930/uploads/editor/bc/fsy1igxdprh9.pdf

jrosario · November 2014

Perfect, thank you! I love the look of these stands.

Mr. Bubbles · November 2014

congrats and welcome to the forum. a lot of good help around here. Enjoy.

westmassguy · November 2014

Welcome to CP. Very nice find.
They will benefit from all the upgrades we Polkies normally do, Crossover Re-Cap, New Tweeters (RDO-198-1 for your model), Dynamat the Woofers and PRs, Glue the Magnet Assemblies on the Woofers, Hurricane Nuts, and Machine Screws or Larry's Rings, Blackhole5, No-Rez, or Sonic Barrier behind the woofers.

Faustin · November 2014

Welcome. You will really enjoy the 7's . Initial tweeter upgrade like westmassguy suggested would be a nice place to start and fairly reasonable on the wallet.You can buy them from Polk customer service. Tell them you are a club member and you will get a discount.

markamerica · November 2014

Yep, what Westmassguy said! If you think they sound nice now, wait until you've upgraded the crossovers and the tweeters, and accomplished the rest of that laundry list. The nice part it, it sounds like you've got no work whatever to do on the cabinets themselves, and that always makes a project like that much easier.

jrosario · November 2014

So I finally got some time last night to really play the M7's and test them out. I was blown away by the sound they produced! I'm not really good at describing what I hear, but it was very impressive. Just enough bass, very punchy. The only thing that could use some improvement would be the highs. They sounded a little muted/muffled maybe? Almost like a hand was covering them. I plan on recapping with some quality components so hopefully I notice an improvement. I'm currently powering them with an old Onkyo TX-840 at 60w per ch. It's very clean, powerful sound. The receiver was part of the speaker deal and so far I am happy. It needs some cleaning - the A/B switches seem to be a little dirty. They have to be coaxed and pushed in just the right amount for them to work and play audio. I'm thinking it's just a contact issue and will try using some DeoxIT or contact cleaner on the unit.

Just thought I would share my experiences. Overall very nice, enjoyable speaker. I can't wait to complete a recap and get even more enjoyment from them!

boston1450 · November 2014

Plenty of power there. I would definitely make sure your receiver is up to par first. Maybe even try the 7's on another receiver, so your sure. Minty 7's are worth upgrading things that need, due to age. Upgrade the tweeters, your going to notice a big difference immediately. Welcome to Club Polk & enjoy them beautiful speakers