Monitor 5b pricing

chrispyfur
chrispyfur Posts: 170
in Vintage Speakers
Hey guys.

I'm probably already driving you all nuts with simple questions and mixed messages and I apologize.

There's a pair of Monitor 5b (i think, SL2000 tweeters) near me, apparently excellent condition cabinets. I'm thinking of getting them to see how doing the mods would effect the sound in my SDA speakers, without having to spend as much on components for what are basically 4 speakers in 2 cabinets. This also frees up another pair of my speakers for my wife's home office, she wants my S15s in there.

I can have them for $200. Should I run to go get them or should I run away?

Thanks in advance.
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Comments

  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 1,876
    Pics?

    That sounds like it’s on the high side to me, but maybe if they’re minty.

    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • chrispyfur
    chrispyfur Posts: 170
    wwics4dp1dox.jpg
    s44va5ugebg6.jpg

    No pics of the sides of them yet, but I'll ask.
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  • chrispyfur
    chrispyfur Posts: 170
    Sides. I don't see any chips or dings or dents.elyq0htwz1m1.jpeg
    37z5ixmmring.jpeg
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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 1,876
    They definitely look pretty nice. And they are nearby.

    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,495
    Minty!!!
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • chrispyfur
    chrispyfur Posts: 170
    bcwsrt wrote: »
    They definitely look pretty nice. And they are nearby.

    They're within about 10 minutes of where I work. Thinking I'm going to have to add these to my collection.
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  • chrispyfur
    chrispyfur Posts: 170
    Well, I got them. Just couldn't help myself. The cabinets on these are about a 9.9 out of 10. Hopefully they play as good as they look!
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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 1,876
    Excellent. Well cared for stuff close to home is worth a few extra bucks, for sure.

    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • chrispyfur
    chrispyfur Posts: 170
    Well guys... these little speakers are truly incredible, especially for their size.

    Only problem with them is that my wife likes them so much she won't take my S15s for her office, she wants these!
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  • aprazer402
    aprazer402 Posts: 3,145
    I foresee her wanting SDA's soon. :) Congrats!
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  • chrispyfur
    chrispyfur Posts: 170
    aprazer402 wrote: »
    I foresee her wanting SDA's soon. :) Congrats!

    We have a pair of SDA1c but I think they have some crossover issues. No center imaging and vocals always seem to be out of the right channel. All the drivers are working though. Gotta do some testing.
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  • aprazer402
    aprazer402 Posts: 3,145
    My SDA 1C's image very well. Worth checking on your's.
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  • chrispyfur
    chrispyfur Posts: 170
    aprazer402 wrote: »
    My SDA 1C's image very well. Worth checking on your's.

    I'm looking at pricing on rebuilding the crossovers, trying to wrap my head around which caps I can justify spending on, whether Clarity or Sonicaps or a mix of those.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,495
    My rule, never mix brands of caps unless absolutely necessary.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • chrispyfur
    chrispyfur Posts: 170
    F1nut wrote: »
    My rule, never mix brands of caps unless absolutely necessary.

    I'd prefer to get Clarity caps because they're around maybe 60% of the cost, but it looks like I need 4.4uf, 12uf, and 3x 20uf per speaker. I only see some of those values available so now I'm doubling up even more caps in parallel and there goes any cost savings... I'm getting it figured out.

    I'm very glad to have so many archived posts on the topic though!
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  • chrispyfur
    chrispyfur Posts: 170
    Looks like I can get Polypropylene caps from Solen through parts-express for all of these values. I imagine they wouldn't be as nice as the sonicaps, but at $150 all in its very tempting.
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  • joebass3
    joebass3 Posts: 283
    chrispyfur wrote: »
    Looks like I can get Polypropylene caps from Solen through parts-express for all of these values. I imagine they wouldn't be as nice as the sonicaps, but at $150 all in its very tempting.

    Here is an option that is close in cost to Solen. I've been happy with Clarity in crossovers I upgraded...

    6ygqzhea4go8.jpg
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  • chrispyfur
    chrispyfur Posts: 170
    What site is that?
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  • joebass3
    joebass3 Posts: 283
    edited July 2023
    Madisound. They also have the 20uf CSA instead of PX if you want to splurge.

    6jbivefkd678.jpg
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  • chrispyfur
    chrispyfur Posts: 170
    That's extremely helpful, except for the whole "making the decision harder" part :smiley:
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,495
    I'll make it easy for you. Avoid Solen, Dayton and Bennic caps.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • chrispyfur
    chrispyfur Posts: 170
    @F1nut I've only been a member of the forum for a couple days, but I've scoured through enough of the old posts to at least know you're one of the people who's judgement I should just trust at face value. Thank you.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,495
    Glad to help B)
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,412
    chrispyfur wrote: »
    @F1nut I've only been a member of the forum for a couple days, but I've scoured through enough of the old posts to at least know you're one of the people who's judgement I should just trust at face value. Thank you.

    Trust me, IF you ever seen his face .......Shudder...... :#B)
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  • chrispyfur
    chrispyfur Posts: 170
    Maybe one day I'll have a good excuse to meet up with some of you guys. I have always loved 2 channel listening. My dad had a pair of Realistic Mach One speakers he bought new and I loved those as far back as I can remember.

    Can't really say why I've gravitated towards Polk but right now I have 4 pairs of them and a center channel in my living room right now, and I'm sure I'll end up with more of them!
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  • plastic_avatar
    plastic_avatar Posts: 708
    If all the drivers are in good shape, if you do nothing else but fix those crossovers in the 1C, they should amaze you.

    Probably wouldn't hurt for the 5, either ;)
    The Thrifty Setups in Mah House Big thrifty stereo in the basement w/ my custom SDA-1C (built with help from kind forum members) * Beautiful 1966 MCM GE console upgraded w/ Bluetooth, Dual turntable, and Paradigm speakers in family room * Swanky 1980 Realistic system and great TEAC eq with dancing colored lights in the living room * custom 5B on a system for my Dad * Ye Olde college stereo in the garage
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  • bcwsrt
    bcwsrt Posts: 1,876
    chrispyfur wrote: »
    Maybe one day I'll have a good excuse to meet up with some of you guys. I have always loved 2 channel listening …

    I recommend it. Awesome group here. Even Ivan.
    chrispyfur wrote: »
    Can't really say why I've gravitated towards Polk …

    Cause they sound good?



    Brian

    One-owner Polk Audio RTA 15TL speakers refreshed w/ Sonicap, Vishay/Mills and Cardas components by "pitdogg2," "xschop" billet tweeter plates and BH5 | Stereo REL Acoustics T/5x subwoofers w/ Bassline Blue cables | Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III integrated tube amp | Technics SL-1210G turntable w/ Ortofon 2M Black LVB 250 MM cart | Sony CDP-508ESD CD player (as a transport) | LampizatOr Baltic 4 tube DAC | Nordost & DH Labs cables/interconnects | APC H15 Power Conditioner | GIK Acoustics room treatments | Degritter RCM
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  • chrispyfur
    chrispyfur Posts: 170
    bcwsrt wrote: »
    Cause they sound good?

    I can't really find any fault in your logic
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