Are these FrankenPolk 10As? Now what?

CGTIII

New (to me) pair of 10As via SA. Both Peerless and all four mid/woofs seem to be working but immediately noticed one is much more "live" than the other. Based on reading here I expected live from both. Turns out one (X) has MW6500s but the other (Y) has a MW6502 with connections running to a MW6501!!!

It's the mismatched one that stands out. Y is possibly twice the mid/woof loudness as X with a very nice tone but seems overbalanced to its own tweeter, which also isn't good.
I haven't compared the crossovers.

To balance (X) and (Y), do I need to either find a MW6500 to replace the MW6502 in (Y) and wire it like (X), or find another MW6502 to replace one of the two MW6500s in (X) and wire it like (Y)? Do you guys need to know about the crossovers before being able to answer fully?

pitdogg2

I was never good at Algebra X+y divided by 6502 X 6501 - 6500....what was the question again?

westmassguy

You need two 6500s

CGTIII

I'm sure two 6500s would be ideal. I'm also interested in what's workable, especially since the 6500s are no longer *widely* available. I'm not looking at this as a restoration project, but rather to make them work well again, even if not entirely proper.

F1nut

There is no, "what's workable", there's only what works properly.

westmassguy

If you want the two speakers to match each other, then you need two MW6500s. If you want the one speaker to have matched drivers, you need a MW6501. The 6500s are 6.5 ohm, and the 6501s are 7.75 ohm. Best performance would be with all matched drivers. 2nd best would be MW6500s in one and MW6501s in the other.
The MW6502 is a 4 ohm driver and has no business being in there.

CGTIII

Do you think anyone would want to trade an MW6501 for my MW6502?

westmassguy

CGTIII wrote: »

Do you think anyone would want to trade an MW6501 for my MW6502?

Only if someone reads this thread. Your other option would be eBay. They do pop up every now and then. Just make sure the seller packs the woofer carefully, with lots of padding.

leftwinger57

Dave, I was going to have a heart attack. What does he mean no #6502s. That's what I have in mine and he did the x-overs. He would have told me so I thought. Well boys just smack me across the face I have early M7s obviously a different speaker and shame on me for not reading carefully. Moron, Lew and I've been up for hours.... lol lol at me.
For those in need I do have a #6502 in my closet.That I'm sure of..

TNHNDYMAN

May have some 6500's in my stash. Send me a pm if interested and I'll dig the box of goodies out and check for you.

lawdogg

Are they the bare metal 6500's or the black ones?

If The Handyman doesn't have any in his stash, I have 3 bare metal 6500s, 1 black 6500, and one 6502 in my spare driver stash. I am happy to trade my re-set and glued drivers for drivers with shifted magnets, if you want. Let me know!

CGTIII

Thanks guys. PM sent to @tnhndyman.

@lawdogg - The 6500s I have are the bare metal ones. Just curious -- do those differ functionally from the black 6500s?

CGTIII

If and only if I could only find a 6501 but not two 6500s:
Since 6500s and 6501s were both original stock in 10As (or so I've read,) it seems the two speakers would be best matched with one of each since the response of each model probably differs slightly. True? If so, which should best be to the "outside?"

(Yes, I realize they probably weren't normally made with one of each, but seriously guys, they're speakers, not religious icons. There's more than one way to do it "properly," as evidenced by the many upgrades promoted here.)

lawdogg

Between earlier (bare metal) and later (black) 6500's, they have the same DCR, someone else might know if there are any differences other than color.

To me, it makes the most sense (other than 4 6500s) to match the L/R speakers' drivers in a mirrored configuration. As long as the impedance of each is the designed-for value.

lightman1

CGTIII wrote: »

but seriously guys, they're speakers, not religious icons.

Heretic!!!!

westmassguy

CGTIII wrote: »

If and only if I could only find a 6501 but not two 6500s:

(Yes, I realize they probably weren't normally made with one of each, but seriously guys, they're speakers, not religious icons. There's more than one way to do it "properly," as evidenced by the many upgrades promoted here.)

You've been given several options by members who know the 10s inside and out.
This is a Polk forum, and you're in the vintage section. Most here consider them more than just speakers, they're classic Polks. If you don't like the replies you've been given, that's fine. They're your speakers. Do what you want with them.

CGTIII

@westmassguy - I respect that they're classic. That's part of why I bought them. (Though it turns out they were poorly treated with the 6502.) That's also part of why I'm trying to bring them back to normalcy, if not stock. (Again, see the upgrades many do.)

I also appreciate the knowledge and helpfulness of the community here though some seem terse and/or grouchy and would be more effective communicating in the positive. After many years of playing cards, I'm immune to growling, though I do notice it. Some folks just like to growl. Some like to provoke growling. Some both. lol

westmassguy

Not provoking, but you're on a Polk forum. We want to help you do it right.

dromunds

I think I have a 6501. PM me.

F1nut

You keep referring to upgrades, which without a doubt improve the sound. However, none of the upgrades involve changing the mid-drivers to something other than the stock version. See the difference?

codycatalist

I don't know about Monitor 10s but I agree with the above members (listen to them they are wise beyond your years trust me), you want to make these as close to original configuration as possible. If you intend to enjoy the 10s for what they were and not what they now are I would be patient and ask around. I found someone one here with a PR that isn't made anymore. Respect goes a long way and that includes respecting the speakers because let me tell you my monitor 5s aren't just "speakers". They create emotion with the sound that resonates, they give me the ability to escape and enter a world where music rules.

If you show love to the forum they will show love back. Just not sure if I will get love from @F1nut ever since he saw me use silicon to repair my drivers. =O

CGTIII

@F1Nut - Am I mistaken about 6501s being stock in the 10As? 6501s and 6500s are all I'm considering now for them.

Seems like the cabinets, PRs, and mids are the only things not sanctioned for upgrades. That makes half of the functional components, counting terminals, crossovers, and tweeters. I respect your opinion but, as a newcomer, it seems there are some sacred cows. Wouldn't a true purist rail against changing *anything* that isn't broken?

codycatalist

From what I've read yes and no. The crossover parts they used back in the day didn't have good shelf life. You will also learn Polk did a lot of things on the fly (which I have grown to love) so some speakers might not exactly be like every other speaker.

As far as mid and PRs dynamatting (not a real word obviously) the baskets is recommended to cut down on unwanted resonance. On top of that comes gluing the magnets to prevent magnet shift.

After that is done you have to check how well the cabinet is holding air pressure by gently pressing on the PR. See how long it takes to depressurize into place, I've read 2-3 seconds should suffice. If it's less seal the cabinets with loctite AP, add hurricane nuts or Larry's rings (if available).


There is a lot that can be done to improve speakers, I might be new to this forum as well but I've read many of hours worth of advice.

In the end everyone wants you to get the MOST out of your speakers. We have love for the speakers and the ability to help others hear what we hear.

CGTIII

@codycatalist - Thank you for the tips. Your appreciation for Polks and Polkies shines brightly.

codycatalist

Thanks! I'm just passionate about what these other folks are passionate about. There is a WEALTH of knowledge around here as long as you keep open ears. Build up your posts then hit the flea market WTB section once you have put some time in. People around here are more than happy to help out.

CGTIII

I've been reading quite a bit here. Interesting and informative -- mostly, which is all one could hope for. I have decent, though untrained, ears. Hope to hear some of the better gear soon, but fear I'll *need* it too much afterward.

Friend fried my 6' Magnaplanars and Crown amp about 25 years ago. I'm just getting back into it. So much really good gear is available for so (comparatively) little now.

codycatalist

My only issue is affording good sources, I was lucky to pick up a Yamaha Av34 for $15. It sounds okay but has enough power for my RTAs. I prefer the Marantz sound with my monitors, perfect mids and warmth. There are always great deals floating around the flea market. Check it out sometime, just don't get offended if they charge you more since you are under 100 posts.

Faustin

If you have early 10a's with Peerless tweeters, the correct 6.5 is the 6500.

CGTIII

@Faustin - TY. Working toward that now.