Resurrecting college-vintage stereo system, including Monitor 7c

WTS

Hello everyone. I am resurrecting my vintage (it feels weird typing that) college stereo system. The components sat in a closet unused for over a decade and my LP collection lay fallow.

Now I want to use it as a starting point to build a budget yet good-sounding stereo system. (As of now I'm not interested in home theater. I'll cross that bridge if I ever reach it.)

My primary interest in music is classical. I listen to many kinds of music, but classical is the default. I am interested, as much as possible within constrained budget and room space (approximately 10x24 feet), in the accurate reproduction of sound.

I know that I have a lot of catching up to do, of digital as well as analog. I appreciate any input people can give me to guide me in possible directions as I try to build on what I have.

I already read a bunch of messages about modding 7c speakers, and I have already separately emailed Westmassguy to request info on the specifics of possible upgrades to the speakers. But I'm delighted to receive more input: how to prioritize any mods, etc.

The components I've set up thus far:

• Polk Monitor 7c speakers
• NAD 3155 integrated amp
• B&O RX turntable with MMC-5 cartridge (more on this anon)

I also plug my iPod Touch, iPhone, etc. into the stereo, via the aux input.

So far, so good. The speakers, amp, and turntable work. Yay!

My first upgrade will probably be the phono cartridge. The MMC-5 was tired, and its stylus was partially worn, when I replaced it with an MMC-4 some years ago. Alas, I cannot find the MMC-4. The -5 still works, as does the turntable, but I'm looking into buying a replacement Soundsmith cartridge to replace it. (Any thoughts about which one?) I never got rid of my LP collection, and I'd like to be able to listen to it.

The components that I haven't yet unpacked, which may or may not still work:

• Technics SL-P2 CD player
• Denon DR-M33 cassette deck

I own many CDs. Right now I use them primarily in the car, and I import them lossless into iTunes. But it would be handy to have a good CD player. We'll see if the old one still works. If not, I'll want a replacement.

The tape deck will rarely be used, to play legacy cassette tapes, if it still works or can be readily made operational. It will be no big loss if it doesn't work.

It would be nice to have an FM receiver. Any thoughts?

Where else should I consider making upgrades?

If nothing else, I would love to have deeper bass reproduction than the Polk 7c speakers can do by themselves. I am a musician, and the fundamentals of my instrument's lowest notes are below 30 Hz. It would be nice to be able to reproduce musical information in the lowest octave -- at least without disturbing my neighbor the floor below me. I suppose that means either replacing the Polks, or adding a sub.

Most of my listening in recent years has been through my iPhone, iPod touch, iPod, and MacBook Pro, using either my Grado S60 headphones or Etymotic ER-6 headphones.

This message is fairly open ended, in part because I have not kept up with all the developments of recent years. I hope that I have given you enough information to at least get the conversation started. Thank you in advance for your input.

Nightfall

Replacing the SL2000 tweeters for the new RD-0194's should be pretty high on the list. Purchasing a Spinclean would also be pretty high on the list.

TNHNDYMAN

Unless you just have to have the B & O table back up and running, I personally would spend the coin on a basic Technics direct drive and get a nice cartridge like a Grado Black or Denon Dl 103. The carts for the B&O's are just too expensive. I have two working tables with no carts for mine.

CGTIII

Kudos on getting your "vintage" system going again.
I'm doing some of the same by rebuilding my college Realistic T-100s. Drivers are toast but replacing with Vifa drivers recommended by Audio Labs of Georgia and a custom crossover built by same. Unfortunately I loaned my walnut veneer receiver and matching bookshelf speakers and turntable from college to a family as a friend so they'd have something decent to listen to on legally immigrating to the US. Next time I saw them, they were beat to **** outside and probably functionally as well since the son of the family had been playing DJ for dozens of parties and just throwing it all unprotected in the back of his car. :smoke:
(Before that I'd kept the receiver and turntable flawless for 15 years through several moves.) I expressed my shock and disappointment. Turned away before smashing him or them. Thought we were friends before but he has never apologized and I haven't spoken to him much in the 15 years since...

I'm *not* an iTunes fan, but since you're already using it...
(and perhaps you already know about this add-on service and use it as well)
iTunes Match for $24.99/year, while you're subscribed, upgrades any music uploaded to your collection or purchased from iTunes to stream "from iCloud at 256-Kbps AAC DRM-free quality — even if your original copy was of lower quality."
http://www.apple.com/itunes/itunes-match/

CGTIII

Didn't intend to retell that story and make myself angry over it again when I began. (I wrote the second paragraph first.) Let it be a warning to anyone who's not experienced similar. As book lovers say "Never loan a book!" For those who don't know, this means either gift it or keep it, but don't expect to get it back, especially in the same condition.

Jaybeez

I've been on a similar journey, after pulling my 7c's out of storage. I haven't upgraded them yet.
For low end, I have a sealed sub (Rhythmik F12 SE) that I set at about 50 hz. and minimal gain.
It gets the low end without being artificially boomy.
I picked up a DAC for playing my lossy and lossless stuff via optical cable and find I don't use my CD player that often.
Enjoy the journey. Lots to learn and the technology has really changed over time. Still love my LPs and CDs, but sitting back in a chair and firing quality digital files with an app is something I never would have dreamed of "back in the day".

WTS

Thank you for the input thus far, everyone.

What difference does the RD-0194 tweeter upgrade make? How would you prioritize it vs. the crossover upgrade that I've read about? Or does it require a change to the crossover to use the replacement tweeter?

I just ordered a Spinclean. Thanks for the suggestion.

Re iTunes, I've been using it because, well, because it's on the computer. However, I've never purchased any music online. As of now, I use it for importing CDs. It didn't take me too long to identify the flaws with lossy encoding in iTunes. In short order I switched to importing CDs lossless, although there are still a few stray AAC-encoded CDs therein.

I'm open to suggestions about how to handle music on the computer, any better ways to import it, etc. I have found iTunes increasingly annoying with each major update. I haven't used iTunes Match -- I'll have to look into it.

I want to avoid going too deep down the rabbit hole, but I know I want to make some upgrades. I remain open to suggestions.

Nightfall

WTS wrote: »

I just ordered a Spinclean. Thanks for the suggestion.

Make sure you use distilled water, I get mine from the grocery store. It's going to make a huge difference in how your records sound, old or new, you'll be surprised.

WTS

Thanks. I have a bottle of distilled water. (I use it for topping off the batteries in my motorcycles.) It's now waiting for the arrival of the Spinclean. I have a few candidates in mind for my first attempts.

I have RDO-198 tweeters on order from Polk. Crossovers will be updated. I plan to do the various upgrades to the speaker cabinets.

It's good to have the stereo set up again. It'll be even better as the speakers are upgraded and any issues with other components are addressed.

I wish I had room for SDA speakers. I liked hearing them decades ago. Alas, my biggest room is too small for them right now. Oh well.

WTS

Nightfall wrote: »

WTS wrote: »

I just ordered a Spinclean. Thanks for the suggestion.

Make sure you use distilled water, I get mine from the grocery store. It's going to make a huge difference in how your records sound, old or new, you'll be surprised.

Update: it arrived. I cleaned over a dozen LPs today.

The first one I did was one I bought used for 50 cents from a public library years ago. (A George Duke LP -- it's not in front of me, but I can tell you if it's of interest.) It was always scratchy. After cleaning, it was less scratchy. I counted the pops in a particular musical passage. There were fewer after the cleaning.

Another LP that I cleaned is one that a friend gave me a few years ago, when she got rid of her vinyl, a classical LP. It was mostly in good condition, but it had a known skip. After cleaning, there is still a pop at the location, but it no longer skips.

So far the bottom of the Spinclean isn't very dirty. I guess I must keep my LPs pretty clean.

Thanks again for the suggestion.

Nightfall

What's your process with it?

I do three turns in each direction, wipe down LP with microfiber cloth with a bit of force, air dry in dish rack for 15-20 minutes, then put the record into a new MoFi sleeve.

Putting a freshly cleaned LP into an old dirty sleeve isn't something I'd do, not to mention paper sleeves slightly scuff your records every time you drag them in and out of them.

[Deleted User]

NAD 3155 was mine I would clean the contacts w/ Deoxit.
OTOH, if it sounds good and you are not comfortable popping the hood...

Great classical on a vintage "budget" system is a tall order... hmmm.

Those polks are going to sound mighty good after your upgrade.

chensel3

I am using an HK 3770 with my Monitor 10-Monitor 7b system. Superior bass response, more than adequate power for full 4 speaker music performance. Check specs for your 7's. If 4 ohm the HK 3490 refurbished is excellent and powers my Monitor 60-monitor 40 bedroom system

Polkaguy58

CGTIII wrote: »

Kudos on getting your "vintage" system going again.
I'm doing some of the same by rebuilding my college Realistic T-100s. Drivers are toast but replacing with Vifa drivers recommended by Audio Labs of Georgia and a custom crossover built by same. Unfortunately I loaned my walnut veneer receiver and matching bookshelf speakers and turntable from college to a family as a friend so they'd have something decent to listen to on legally immigrating to the US. Next time I saw them, they were beat to **** outside and probably functionally as well since the son of the family had been playing DJ for dozens of parties and just throwing it all unprotected in the back of his car. :smoke:
(Before that I'd kept the receiver and turntable flawless for 15 years through several moves.) I expressed my shock and disappointment. Turned away before smashing him or them. Thought we were friends before but he has never apologized and I haven't spoken to him much in the 15 years since...

I'm *not* an iTunes fan, but since you're already using it...
(and perhaps you already know about this add-on service and use it as well)
iTunes Match for $24.99/year, while you're subscribed, upgrades any music uploaded to your collection or purchased from iTunes to stream "from iCloud at 256-Kbps AAC DRM-free quality — even if your original copy was of lower quality."
http://www.apple.com/itunes/itunes-match/

One of the best pair of speakers that I've ever owned, was the Optimus T-100's.
I added a pair of Infinity Polycell tweeters and a high end cap crossed over at 3500, then braced the cabs.
The woofer's run full range on that model.
I sold them (unfortunately) to a Hi-Fi buddy of mine and he loved them almost as much as his Klipsch Forte's.
I really liked having L-pads on the tweeters and being able to blend them to the woofers.

VSAT88

WTS wrote: »

Thank you for the input thus far, everyone.

What difference does the RD-0194 tweeter upgrade make? How would you prioritize it vs. the crossover upgrade that I've read about? Or does it require a change to the crossover to use the replacement tweeter?

I just ordered a Spinclean. Thanks for the suggestion.

Re iTunes, I've been using it because, well, because it's on the computer. However, I've never purchased any music online. As of now, I use it for importing CDs. It didn't take me too long to identify the flaws with lossy encoding in iTunes. In short order I switched to importing CDs lossless, although there are still a few stray AAC-encoded CDs therein.

I'm open to suggestions about how to handle music on the computer, any better ways to import it, etc. I have found iTunes increasingly annoying with each major update. I haven't used iTunes Match -- I'll have to look into it.

I want to avoid going too deep down the rabbit hole, but I know I want to make some upgrades. I remain open to suggestions.

I use Foobar2000 as a player on PC/Laptop. Free, no charge whatsoever. It is simple and powerful. You will find WASAPI a nice free (again) upgrade..Out to a Modi DAC. At this house, nothing fancy but the "new" SRS 2s seem to like it..

agfrost

WTS wrote: »

I have RDO-198 tweeters on order from Polk.

I assume/hope you have the "Series 2" Monitor 7 with the SL2500 tweeter, for which the RD0-198 is the correct replacement. If you have the SL2000 tweeters, the RD0-194 is the replacement tweeter you want.

I see that you're in contact with Dave (Westmassguy) about your project, and if you're following his advice you're in good hands and my concern is for naught.

Enjoy your refresh project and your Polks!

WTS

Nightfall wrote: »

What's your process with it?

I do three turns in each direction, wipe down LP with microfiber cloth with a bit of force, air dry in dish rack for 15-20 minutes, then put the record into a new MoFi sleeve.

Putting a freshly cleaned LP into an old dirty sleeve isn't something I'd do, not to mention paper sleeves slightly scuff your records every time you drag them in and out of them.

I'm basically following the instructions and doing the same thing: three turns in each direction, wipe the LP clockwise with the supplied cloth, air dry rested on a speaker wire spool, carefully wipe the inside of the record sleeve, then put the record back into it.

I have new paper with rice paper sleeves on order. I'll replace old and cruddy sleeves as I come upon them. I also ordered a few replacement cardboard outer jackets, for those LPs whose outer jackets have decayed.

After over twenty LPs thus far, I'm seeing some accumulation of crud on the bottom of the device. At some point soon I'll wash it and refresh the solution.

Pushing the LP into and pulling it out of the device makes me cringe a bit, but I guess it works.

My turntable and cartridge are doing remarkably well considering their age. That said, I do plan to get the needle inspected, and I'll probably buy a replacement cartridge and keep this one as a backup.

Nightfall

What cartridge are you using now?

Edit: Oops, got it. MMC-5

WTS

rednedtugent wrote: »

NAD 3155 was mine I would clean the contacts w/ Deoxit.
OTOH, if it sounds good and you are not comfortable popping the hood...

Great classical on a vintage "budget" system is a tall order... hmmm.

Those polks are going to sound mighty good after your upgrade.

I may just let sleeping dogs lie. The music sounds fine, the amp gives me no other problems, and I currently have just the two speakers hooked up to it.

WTS

Thanks for all the other input, folks. I'm still very much on the learning curve, catching up with how far audio (and video) have progressed.

My speakers are 7c, but the crossovers are being upgraded to accept the RDO-198 tweeters. I'm looking forward to hearing how they sound once I've installed all the upgrades, which are on order and are starting to trickle in.

I need to look into a DAC, to get the music from my MacBook Pro/iphone/ipod/etc. to the speakers via the NAD. At the moment I'm using an RCA-to-3.5mm jack plugged into an iPod base for those devices. It's a temporary kludge until I decide how far to take this.

Or, it's possible that I may replace the NAD, if it turns out to be more practical to just buy one new component than continuing to add to it. We'll see.

I can't find the power cord for my Technics SL-P2 CD player. Grrrr. I can't find out if the player is working until I either find it or get a replacement. One nice feature of this player is that it recognizes and does indexing, which never caught on but I do own CDs that have indexing.

WTS

Nightfall wrote: »

What cartridge are you using now?

Edit: Oops, got it. MMC-5

Yup. I'm pretty sure I own an MMC-4, but I can't find it. It may still be in a box, or it may have been lost in the shuffle of various moves.

The turntable works great, and I don't have to worry about getting a different table and setting up a new cartridge on it, so I'm inclined to stick with this one for now, and maybe get a new cartridge from Soundstream.

I don't envision myself going down the rabbit hole of specializing in vinyl; I just want to listen to the collection that I have, plus whatever other LPs that may cross my path. (I think I've purchased exactly one LP this decade, for a classical recording that was never re-released on CD. Actually, I bought two copies; the second one was a gift.)

At some point I'm going to inherit a bunch of 78s. I'll cross that bridge when I reach it. (My RX will not play them; it does only 33 and 45.)