Monitor 7A rebuild?

rickb119

Greetings all.

I ran across this site while researching other speakers and equipment. The info I got here was top notch. Thank you.

I recently came down with a terrible bug. I believe it's called audiophile-itous. I've found that this "bug" tends to consume large amounts of cash. So far, I've purchased a Sansui AU-919, a Technics PL-1700 mk2 and a pair of Boston VR-M50s. This all started because I wanted to put my old records onto disc. What was I thinking? Oh well, it's too late now. Oh, I also just ordered a Martin Logan dynamo sub. Does it ever end?

I own a pair of monitor 7a's that I picked up at an auction 15 years ago for (I think) $20. The cabinets are a little rough but the speakers are in excellent condition. I've read several posts about upgrading the crossovers and many here tend to like the sonic brand. I figure that it would cost about $100 per speaker for the caps, resistors, mortite, ect.

If it do the upgrade, how will they sound as compared to other speakers that I could buy (used) for around the same ($200-$300) price?

One more thing. Are these 4 or 8 ohm speakers (when I get done with them). Right now they're reading about 4.8 ohms. If I run 2 sets of speakers with my Sansui, the both have to be 8 ohm. That may influence my decision to rebuild them.

kcoc321

Welcome Rick, were are you located?

Glad to see you caught the bug as well...LOL

IDK about other speakers in the $200-$300 range, except Polks, but I can tell you my Mon7's stomp my Mon 50 ($500+/- new couple of years ago) especially when used for 2 channel listening. I can't wait until I can upgrade the caps ect...orgasmic..hehe

Do your 7a's have the Peerless tweeter (I would assume so) if so their as said to be the 'sweetest' tweeters in the vintage speakers.

Enjoy the 'bug'

rickb119

kcoc,

Thanks for the reply.

If the peerless is the one with the hole in it then yes, that's what I've got. Also, they both have 2 fuses.

I recently looked at another pair of 7A's that someone had listed on craigslist. (one fuse each) They looked the same except one had the hole, the other did not and I could definitely tell the difference. Didn't buy them although I probably should have just to have spare parts.

Still trying to figure out if I want to upgrade mine or not. Did some more checking on caps from other makers and WOW, some of them are pricey. I still like my Bostons (especially for what I paid for them) and the new sub should make a big improvement. Until then, I'm using an old JBL PSW 1000. It's ok but this system is only for 2 channel music and want to hear the actual base, not just boom boom.

I really want another set of speakers for different types of music, and for my different moods. The Bostons are very accurate and detailed but not what I would call "smooth". Sometimes I just want to chill.

BTW, I live in Colorado. Got several inches of snow yesterday and more on the way tonight. Thank God for the neighbor kid and his shovel.

I did call sonicap today just to get some info and found out that they will be closing on December 10th (?) for the rest of the month. Going to be traveling. Think I'll put up a seperate post to let everyone know.

comfortablycurt

Those Peerless 7's are definitely what I'd call smooth, so they may be what you're looking for.

I've got a pair of Peerless 7A's, that are probably going to stick with me for quite a while. Some excellent sounding speakers. I think they're going to be getting upgraded with Sonicaps, and Mills resistors next year...along with a few other mods.

kcoc321

Looks like you found the right info. Sonics and Mills are the most econimical "good" replacement. Can't wait to hear what you think after the upgrade.

BTW the Mon 7's are 6ohm, at least for the B's and C's...IDK about the A's, but I would guess they are the same. BU it still should be okay, IIRC, for your Amp, although IDK that I would run 2 different sets of speakers at the same time for critical listening.

skrol

The illness is commonly known as AAD. Not to be confused with ADD, AAD stands for Audio Acquisition Disease. Like most diseases, there is no known cure. All you can do is treat the symptoms or live in denial. But the denial catches up with you sooner or later.

rickb119

OK, I bit the bullet and ordered the sonicaps and mills resistors.

Next question. Besides the mortite and dynamat (also ordered) what else could/should I do? Replace the interconnect wires? Teflon? Guess I should also replace the external wire posts too?

I'm open to suggestions (and sources) but also wonder at what point the law of diminishing returns kicks in.

comfortablycurt

Replace the binding posts and internal wiring. Perhaps hardwire the connections from the XO's to the drivers.

What kinda shape are the cabinets in? Could they use new veneer? I'm planning on replacing the cheapo vinyl on my 7A's with some real wood veneer eventually.

rickb119

Cabinets are kinda rough. I'll wait to find out how they sound after the upgrade before thinking about re-doing them.

What kind of wire is best for the internal wiring?