Monitor 7b purchase now Mod time

Sumbrada69 · July 28

Hello, newbie here wa a member many years ago when doing my 10s. I just got a pr. of Monitor 7bs with Peerless tweeters. I already have 10As, I did the crossover mods to years ago. I plan on doing the 7s now. I am going to follow the many ideas here on upgrades.
I read about the semi rings, are they still available and will these negate the need to put the braces in?
I will do the ~ 5x5in sonic barrier pieces behind the MWs should there be pieces on the sides also and bottom or top?
I will try the Armacell insulation tape for the driver sealing, as it's 2in. wide roll does it curve well and not bunch up or should I find some sheet type to cut a form?
Hurricane nuts, cap screws on all other locations?
I have others questions but these are the most pressing.
I plan on doing the rest of the mods on the 10As after the 7s are done. Thanks for the help

F1nut · July 28

The rings are no longer available. Use the hurricane nuts instead. You can't use the rings and hurricane nuts together anyway.

A 3x3 or 4x4 inch block of 1.25 inch Sonic Barrier is all you need behind the mid-driver. Too much kills the sound. None on the sides, top and bottom.

Leave the stock gaskets alone, they are supposed to be paper thin.

xschop · July 29

Stock gaskets can leak air. You'll have to do the PR push-test to confirm good sealing.

Sumbrada69 · July 29

Thanks for the quick responses. Without the rings should the braces back to front be put in for the PRs? If so, just 2, ~10 and 2 or 4 positions? Sonic Barrier, Just a piece behind the MW ok, thanks.
Quick question about my 10s and all MWs in general, I have 1 of 4 MWs that scrunches when pushing in from both sides. Do I need the pull the magnet and full remount (w/ Jig) or can it be slightly repositioned then glued? It is not froze. The 7s then 10s mods should be fun. Gets expensive though and lots of time.

F1nut · July 29

Can't help you the brace idea. Not really convinced it is needed, but doubt it can hurt.

I have 1 of 4 MWs that scrunches when pushing in from both sides.

Fingers spread evenly around the cone is the way to do it.

The reason the stock gaskets are paper thin is because you want the basket rim to be as one with the bezel. In other words, maximum contact.

Gardenstater · July 29

Sumbrada69 wrote: »

Thanks for the quick responses. Without the rings should the braces back to front be put in for the PRs? If so, just 2, ~10 and 2 or 4 positions? Sonic Barrier, Just a piece behind the MW ok, thanks.
Quick question about my 10s and all MWs in general, I have 1 of 4 MWs that scrunches when pushing in from both sides. Do I need the pull the magnet and full remount (w/ Jig) or can it be slightly repositioned then glued? It is not froze. The 7s then 10s mods should be fun. Gets expensive though and lots of time.

I have the semi-rings and will be adding 2 steel 3/8" rods front to back from the bottom 2 screw locations. Others have used an all thread rod from the center of the T-yoke to the back (@xschop) or 3/4" hardwood dowel or square, two of them spaced a bit apart between the MW and the passive (@joebass3). The results have been very positive. This is an entirely unbraced particle board enclosure! I may eventually cut some 3/4" hardwood dowels on 45deg angles and put braces in a few places between the front baffle and the sides and the sides and the back. I don't want to take up too much internal volume however so that is a consideration. No-Rez is what I would go with next time instead of a 6" x 6" piece of BlackHole5 behind the midwoofer, although that worked excellent for me. I advise experimentation. That's where the fun is! Danny Richie says that No-Rez doesn't mass load the cones like he says BH5 can do. Believe him or don't believe him but definitely experiment.

You will absolutely have to have a jig, especially with the 6500s because the clearances are especially tight in that driver. It seems like they opened up the clearances after that one. You wouldn't necessarily have to remove the T-yoke and magnet. Adhesive could be applied on the outside perimeter between the magnet and the front plate and back plate, especially if your jig has windows to allow this without removal.

xschop · July 30

After I braced my 5B's, I stopped making the semi-rings. A dowel (or 2) front to back between MW and PR in conjunction with hurricane nuts works just as well at tightening mid-bass.

This is a modder's must as well. Inexpensive yet effective in clearing up the midrange....

https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/195562/must-try-mod-foam-inside-the-stamped-steel-baskets-yes/p1

Of course a set of billet phase plugs, fine-tunes the midrange as well. My favorite (and best sounding Polk monitors I've heard to date) are fully modded 7C's. I'm sure the full-monty Peerless version would be right on par.

https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/190301/phase-plug-design-for-mw65xx/p1

The 6500's need a jig to re-set. The coil gaps have too-close a tolerance. 6500's, 6510's and 6511's all need their base plate ID's clearanced IMO, or you'll just be back in there later because of suspension sag.

All of the previous suggestions above will also get them sounding exquisite, welcome aboard.

Gardenstater · July 30

F1nut wrote: »

The rings are no longer available. Use the hurricane nuts instead. You can't use the rings and hurricane nuts together anyway.

A 3x3 or 4x4 inch block of 1.25 inch Sonic Barrier is all you need behind the mid-driver. Too much kills the sound. None on the sides, top and bottom.

Leave the stock gaskets alone, they are supposed to be paper thin.

F1nut wrote: »

Can't help you the brace idea. Not really convinced it is needed, but doubt it can hurt.

I have 1 of 4 MWs that scrunches when pushing in from both sides.

Fingers spread evenly around the cone is the way to do it.

The reason the stock gaskets are paper thin is because you want the basket rim to be as one with the bezel. In other words, maximum contact.

Have you asked @Toolfan66 how he is *still* liking his uber modded 7 SeriesII with the phase plugs, foam inside the basket spokes, BH5(?) behind MW and to the sides, and 5 hardwood braces per cabinet?

https://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/199637/polk-audio-monitor-7-eruption-series-evh-5150-van-halen/p1

xschop · July 30

We need an EPIC button.

F1nut · July 30

Nope and not going to. Sorry Larry, there's nothing I like about those, but you already knew that.

Toolfan66 · July 30

F1nut wrote: »

Nope and not going to. Sorry Larry, there's nothing I like about those, but you already knew that.

Ha, no worries Jesse, I’ve known you long enough to know these wouldn’t win you over. But I’m going to bet you like the binding post plates, crossovers, wiring, and maybe the stands, or you can at least appreciate that part of them. 😁

Still one of my favorite projects I’ve done, it was a lot of fun just going all out, and with the controversy of the phase plug around here, made it even more enjoyable. Not going to lie, I was actually looking forward to that part of it, and in all honesty, can’t say I hate them, or regret it..

They say redrum on the inside for a reason. It can be taken as a positive or negative 😂

I believe you will approve of my 2.3tl’s It’s a more grounded project. My only concern is the side panels, I hate they are glued on, and they do need some TLC..

Gardenstater · July 30

F1nut wrote: »

Nope and not going to. Sorry Larry, there's nothing I like about those, but you already knew that.

Well spill the beans. How do you think they sound relative to other M7s you have heard?

F1nut · July 30

Yes, the crossovers and plates are outstanding. Stands ain't bad either.

F1nut · July 30

Gardenstater wrote: »

F1nut wrote: »

Nope and not going to. Sorry Larry, there's nothing I like about those, but you already knew that.

Well spill the beans. How do you think they sound relative to other M7s you have heard?

Why do you ask stupid questions? Oh that's right, trolling again.

Gardenstater · July 30

F1nut wrote: »

Gardenstater wrote: »

F1nut wrote: »

Nope and not going to. Sorry Larry, there's nothing I like about those, but you already knew that.

Well spill the beans. How do you think they sound relative to other M7s you have heard?

Why do you ask stupid questions? Oh that's right, trolling again.

That's not an answer.

Toolfan66 · July 30

Gardenstater wrote: »

F1nut wrote: »

Nope and not going to. Sorry Larry, there's nothing I like about those, but you already knew that.

Well spill the beans. How do you think they sound relative to other M7s you have heard?

How can he answer that, when he hasn’t even heard these?

xschop · July 30

It's akin to writing an audio review before you even receive the gear.

Sumbrada69 · July 31

Those are some Very heavy modded 7s. Way over my head! Really cool though. So time to get stung by the comments. I plan on using ClarityCap CSA 12uf, mills 4ohm for tweeter, Jantzen Crosscap 33uf and Jantzen superes 2.7ohm for parallel mw / pr part. Due to money and availablity. Humble Hifi likes rates the CSA ~ equal to Sonicap and is much cheaper. He suggests the Crosscap for the parallel circuit and again cheaper plus only 1 place has the 2.7ohm Mills and with shipping 4x cost. Am I really hurting myself with the selection?
For braces, is 4 vertical 1 horizontal really needed? the weakest point is the zone between MW and PR why not just 2 there or maybe 1 more at bottom of PR triangle like. Triangle shape is very structurely strong especially with hardwood dowels.
Concerning the crossover board, as this gets big with the better Caps (I know I did my 10s) is it better to cram all on the board behind the posts plate (as I did on my 10s) or mount of a bigger board on the back or bottom. I know it makes getting to it harder. I would think having the components more spaced would be better especially the inductors. I'm thinking about replacing the inductors with better larger gauge wire air core down the road. More later, off to work. Thank you for all your comments.

Gardenstater · July 31

My Peerless 7Bs have a 4.5 Ohm resistor in series with the fuseblock and the 12uf and the tweeter. If you do away with the fuseblock you can increase the resistor to 4.7 Ohms.

DCR of inductors is what matters. If you change those you will probably change the voicing of the speakers. I don't know the exact DCR but I measure approx. 0.8 Ohms for both and 22awg, 0.23mH for tweeter and 18awg, 1.55mH for midwoofer.

Lots of people have used the Clarity Cap CSA for the tweeters. I haven't heard people's feed back on Jantzen Crosscaps.

Personally I think start with the 2 braces in the triangles between the MW and the passive and you can decide if you want to do more in the future.

Toolfan66 · July 31

Keep in mind, I just went crazy modding/murdering those 7’s out. I pick them up on the cheap, they were in rough shape. I would label them as more of an art piece, but badass at the same time.

My opinion for you, is just keep it simple with the standard mods, you can always do other things later on if you so choose, and the 7’s are very easy to work on.

New Tweeters
Glue, and Dynamat the drivers, and passives.
Hurricane Nuts for the drivers, and passives
Upgrade the crossovers, eliminate the polyswitch.
See if you can find someone with a couple drop pieces of BH5 two 4’ x 4” pieces is all you need, if not get some sonic barrier, again maybe some one has a couple drop pieces. Put these on the back wall directly behind the drivers.

Forget about the internal bracing, mine is overkill, it was meant to be just like the rest of it. You can add later if you think you need to.

My guess is you will be completely happy with them, and forget about the rest..

Gardenstater · July 31

Don't do the braces unless you like noticeably tighter bass with more slam. Lets face it, the baffle is pretty flimsy on these 7Bs and particle board isn't the greatest. The semi rings that are epoxied in and are 1/4" thick and 1/2" wide ( I ground an angle facing the basket windows because the 7Bs do not have a countersunk midwoofer) gave me so much more slam it was almost like adding a subwoofer (almost).

I would leave the Peerless tweeters alone. They're really sweet and the XO is voiced for them and the MW6500.

Toolfan66 · July 31

I forgot these had the peerless, if they are in good working order, leave them alone, except some clean up to give them a new look..

As i stated earlier, everything else can be done at a later date, if you choose to do so, but I still think you will be pleased with the results..

Some people here forget, that not everyone that comes here wants/needs to go to the dark side of everything..

Keep it simple, plus, that is a lot of work in, and of itself..

pitdogg2 · July 31

Toolfan66 wrote: »

Some people here forget, that not everyone that comes here wants/needs to go to the dark side of everything..

Keep it simple, plus, that is a lot of work in, and of itself..

Very well said!

Gardenstater · July 31

Personally I haven't forgotten anything and I've enjoyed doing each mod separately so as to ascertain it's individual benefits. Everyone will decide how far they want to go. Can't agree on dark side since everything was super positive only and nothing was difficult really, when it is divided up over time. My observations are kind of scattered throughout the forum but I did put it in writing after each one here. That's really the only way to know what's what.

PS: No polyswitches on the 7B but since he has 10A too he knows that.

pitdogg2 · July 31

Gardenstater wrote: »

Personally I haven't forgotten anything and I've enjoyed doing each mod separately so as to ascertain it's individual benefits. Everyone will decide how far they want to go. Can't agree on dark side since everything was super positive only and nothing was difficult really, when it is divided up over time. My observations are kind of scattered throughout the forum but I did put it in writing after each one here. That's really the only way to know what's what.

PS: No polyswitches on the 7B but since he has 10A too he knows that.

LoL! Just like that!! Some of those pop out to get that last word in. Guilty much?
Just can't help yourself
🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

Gardenstater · July 31

pitdogg2 wrote: »

Gardenstater wrote: »

Personally I haven't forgotten anything and I've enjoyed doing each mod separately so as to ascertain it's individual benefits. Everyone will decide how far they want to go. Can't agree on dark side since everything was super positive only and nothing was difficult really, when it is divided up over time. My observations are kind of scattered throughout the forum but I did put it in writing after each one here. That's really the only way to know what's what.

PS: No polyswitches on the 7B but since he has 10A too he knows that.

LoL! Just like that!! Some of those pop out to get that last word in. Guilty much?
Just can't help yourself
🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

You're projecting. And adults can disagree without taking it somewhere personal.

Toolfan66 · August 1

Where did I say the dark side was a negative? Just because you find a positive in everything you have done, doesn't mean everyone will, or will everyone find it necessary to go that deep..

So, how about being an adult, and quit trying to sell your biased findings..

xschop · August 1

I'm giddy. My monthly subscription to FAR magazine has been activated.

Gardenstater · August 1

How bout y'all cronies stop trying to use ridicule to influence what can and can't be said on the forum in order to preserve your comfy zone status quo? I will relate my mods experiences no matter how much ridicule and I'm not here to appease anyone. Everyone will of course do what they will with their own speakers and enjoy this hobby to the max.

Toolfan66 · August 1

Gardenstater wrote: »

How bout y'all cronies stop trying to use ridicule to influence what can and can't be said on the forum in order to preserve your comfy zone status quo? I will relate my mods experiences no matter how much ridicule and I'm not here to appease anyone. Everyone will of course do what they will with their own speakers and enjoy this hobby to the max.

WOW!!! Please show me where I was ridiculing you? Please show me where I was telling you not to share?

Victim Stance much??

Sharing and Selling your be all end all is two completely different things..

I shared my modifications, shared my thoughts on them, I like them, phase plug, full monty, and all. Rob did a great job, and I don't care who likes or dislikes them.

I am not telling anyone to do them or not do them, I am simply just stating to start with the basics that have been being done for years now. Start there, one can always cross over to the dark side if they so choose, these are very easy speakers to work on, and learn from, if nothing else.

And I will stand by my words, that people will be very happy with that, and not bother with getting to crazy with other mods.

You on the other hand are trying to sell your experience to everyone that pops in here, and wants to update the crossovers, and tweeters.

Everyone needs to follow Gardensnake as the dictator of his be all end all mods, or they will fall short of enjoying their speakers..

We all see where Jesse, and Rob rib each other on may subjects, but we also see where they respect each other now and then as well. funny thing is none of us see that with you.

You are definitely an individual that needs to feel superior to others, nobody here is that stupid, we all see it for who you are..

Sometimes it's just best to STFU sometimes, and roll with the flow..

With me wasting my time here, I will kindly move on and STFU as well.

Have a great and wonderful day...

Gardenstater · August 1

Toolfan66 wrote: »

Gardenstater wrote: »

How bout y'all cronies stop trying to use ridicule to influence what can and can't be said on the forum in order to preserve your comfy zone status quo? I will relate my mods experiences no matter how much ridicule and I'm not here to appease anyone. Everyone will of course do what they will with their own speakers and enjoy this hobby to the max.

WOW!!! Please show me where I was ridiculing you? Please show me where I was telling you not to share?

Sharing and Selling your be all end all is two completely different things..

I shared my modifications, shared my thoughts on them, I like them, phase plug, full monty, and all. Rob did a great job, and I don't care who likes or dislikes them.

I am not telling anyone to do them or not do them, I am simply just stating to start with the basics that have been being done for years now. Start there, one can always cross over to the dark side if they so choose, these are very easy speakers to work on, and learn from, if nothing else.

And I will stand by my words, that people will be very happy with that, and not bother with getting to crazy with other mods.

You on the other hand are trying to sell your experience to everyone that pops in here, and wants to update the crossovers, and tweeters.

Everyone needs to follow Gardensnake as the dictator of his be all end all mods, or they will fall short of enjoying their speakers..

We all see where Jesse, and Rob rib each other on may subjects, but we also see where they respect each other now and then as well. funny thing is none of us see that with you.

You are definitely an individual that needs to feel superior to others, nobody here is that stupid, we all see it for who you are..

Sometimes it's just best to STFU sometimes, and roll with the flow..

With me wasting my time here, I will kindly move on and STFU as well.

Have a great and wonderful day...

Well mister you certainly proved me wrong (not)! Describing my experiences to people on an open forum isn't "selling", and even if you perceive it as such I would submit that maybe a public forum isn't really your thing and you'd be better off sticking to PM, email, telephone etc.. For your information I was not only speaking to you but "Gardensnake" certainly falls under the ridicule definition. How bout we broaden it to the 3 R's (ridicule, reprimand, and reproach)?

I've been on this planet for many decades and I know that there are plenty of people who are the greatest people you will ever meet as long as you agree with them.

I'm happy with a few quality friends here on this forum.

Monitor 7b purchase now Mod time

Comments