I've come across a theory that some 1970s speakers have enhanced mid-range to lift phono recordings, and that some CD players are more mellow than others. I did try to play a CD on our Sony BD/ DVD player but that had a mains buzz - there are a lot of different extension leads behind the hi-fi including one plugged into another. We also have a slightly older Sony CDP-313 and I'll try that tomorrow. I hadn't played the CD player through the Glendales when they had Elcaps, but it seems unlikely to be what was a very conservative approach to recapping that's caused this.
This saga only started because the bass woofer in one of my parent's old SS-40 music centre speakers had died. I had been planning to just run with those, but when I took them apart I realised just how nasty they were. However in their time I liked them both with FM radio and CDs played through the CDP-313 and a nice little Sony tuner/amp that I plan to use with the Delta 30s.
This saga only started because the bass woofer in one of my parent's old SS-40 music centre speakers had died. I had been planning to just run with those, but when I took them apart I realised just how nasty they were. However in their time I liked them both with FM radio and CDs played through the CDP-313 and a nice little Sony tuner/amp that I plan to use with the Delta 30s.
Trying alternative CD players was not successful - not least because there's no reason to think there's anything wrong with my existing CD player. I think it's time to explore the idea that this somewhat showy range of speakers may have had some phono 'bling' added to the mid-range that could benefit from being toned down. Some speakers I note come with a form of volume adjustment to curb treble. For not silly money I'm thinking I could 'upgrade' the Glendales with these:
https://willys-hifi.com/collections/l-pad-attenuators
or
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/276789448027
The adjustment knob would go on the back near the terminal input block and I could then use jumper wires to wire them in. From what I've read I'm looking for an 8 Ohm Lpad Attenuator. It does appear to be the mid-range that's a bit lively and I'm wondering if this is a sensible way of calming them down in an adjustable way. This approach would have seemed a 'fudge' to me in the past, but it would be quite a fun project, and in principle I'd like to 'fix' these speakers based on their excellent performance with Classic FM on Internet Radio.
https://willys-hifi.com/collections/l-pad-attenuators
or
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/276789448027
The adjustment knob would go on the back near the terminal input block and I could then use jumper wires to wire them in. From what I've read I'm looking for an 8 Ohm Lpad Attenuator. It does appear to be the mid-range that's a bit lively and I'm wondering if this is a sensible way of calming them down in an adjustable way. This approach would have seemed a 'fudge' to me in the past, but it would be quite a fun project, and in principle I'd like to 'fix' these speakers based on their excellent performance with Classic FM on Internet Radio.
Yes, a variable L pad control would be just the thing. I use one myself to adjust my tweeter level.
I think your drivers are nominally 6 ohms, but I'd go for an 8 ohm control rather than a 4 ohm one.
Since only about 20% of the total amplifier input power goes to the mid driver, a 15 W (MAX) L pad would likely be adequate for the job.
Either the one from ebay or this one from Willys Hifi:
https://willys-hifi.com/collections...attenuator-15w-8-ohm-wirewound-volume-control
However, if you intend to play your music at stadium levels, then go for a 50 W rated one.
Here's a clear connection diagram:
I think your drivers are nominally 6 ohms, but I'd go for an 8 ohm control rather than a 4 ohm one.
Since only about 20% of the total amplifier input power goes to the mid driver, a 15 W (MAX) L pad would likely be adequate for the job.
Either the one from ebay or this one from Willys Hifi:
https://willys-hifi.com/collections...attenuator-15w-8-ohm-wirewound-volume-control
However, if you intend to play your music at stadium levels, then go for a 50 W rated one.
Here's a clear connection diagram:
Variable L-pads are cool. They change the cross, which is fine if you're struggling to find the right blend.
For straight tonal changes I use an equaliser.
For straight tonal changes I use an equaliser.
Instead of L-pads, just use small resistors in the feed to the Mid xover. NOT in series with the Mid unit itself !
A range of 1W resistors from 2R2 to 10R would cost less than an L-pad and sound better too.
A range of 1W resistors from 2R2 to 10R would cost less than an L-pad and sound better too.
Permanent attenuation of the midrange is not the requirement here.
Attenuation is only required during CD play, because the internet radio reproduction is fine.
Attenuation is only required during CD play, because the internet radio reproduction is fine.
I'm a huge fan of more for less, and it's entirely possible that there's a compromise setting that will work for all inputs - after all that's where I was with the Delta 30s. However the die was cast last night when the order went in for the L-pads which I can adjust according to source, mood, wind direction, and if there is (or isn't) an 'r' in the month!
This is the LPAD potentiometer fitted just above the terminal block. The black wire (with red stripe) seemed to be the closest option for speaker wire from Halfrauds. The spade collectors I bought although 3/16"/4.8mm were not completely compatible with the existing ones and a bit of squeezing of the old female spades was required. 3/16" male spades were soldered to the pot terminals so that I could use spade connectors for all the necessary jumper wires.
I was surprised how much attenuation was required according to the setting on the knobs. This is about 80% attenuated, but my CD of Elgar's Cello Concerto sounded fantastic with boisterious banging and thumping and lots of nice smooth detail. My mother was most impressed, and thoroughly enjoyed the performance as did I. The Glendale XP2's have been declared an upgrade and I'm very pleased with how it's all worked out. All the advice (and that bit of Wharfedale history) much appreciated!
That's a neat piece of work, Steve.
I'm glad that shelving the midrange response down with an L pad has proved such a success.
Please convey my love to your music loving mum!
I'm glad that shelving the midrange response down with an L pad has proved such a success.
Please convey my love to your music loving mum!
Is that Jac duPre with Barbirolli? On the other side of the original LP, is a another young lady just starting to become famous; a Yorkshire lass. This LP, and Sir John of course, hurled both of them into the limelight.
A friend of mine worked on the original recordings and in fact, his name is scribbled on the mastertapes. Janet singing Sea Pictures is still my favourite .. as is Jac's cello concerto.
We who make a living doing this sh*t often become cynical; especially working in big companies. It is hearing stuff like this again, perhaps after many years, that reminds us what it is really about.
These recordings appear on many lists of "Greatest achievement of the Recording Age" bla bla .. rightly so IMHO
A friend of mine worked on the original recordings and in fact, his name is scribbled on the mastertapes. Janet singing Sea Pictures is still my favourite .. as is Jac's cello concerto.
We who make a living doing this sh*t often become cynical; especially working in big companies. It is hearing stuff like this again, perhaps after many years, that reminds us what it is really about.
These recordings appear on many lists of "Greatest achievement of the Recording Age" bla bla .. rightly so IMHO
Mischa Maisky with the Philharmonia, at Watford Town Hall in March 1990 (Penguin Classics). No idea of the reputation that recording has, but I really like it!
Mother sends her regards and thanks! She's 94 1/2 with hearing aids, and was moved in with us when she was 92 - somewhat against her wishes after a fall. Still loves her music and thinks the Glendales are fantastic. She shuts her eyes when listening to music and moves her feet in time. My late father was also pretty deaf and got to the point where he couldn't stand any music, and it's a blessing that my mother can still enjoy it.
I notice that the Sound Analyser App is showing significantly more bass than before, and that is almost certainly because I made a much better job of re-fitting the bass woofers - another school day. I hadn't noticed that on each woofer the rubber washers had got doubled up on one corner through one sticking to the speaker and the other to the cabinet. Whilst in there I checked the continuity of my soldering on the other crossover and found all was well.
Wow Steve!
Your mother was born a couple of years prior to the formation of Wharfedale Wireless Works in 1932 - bless her little cotton socks.
P.S. Just like you to get your gaskets in a twist! 😉
Your mother was born a couple of years prior to the formation of Wharfedale Wireless Works in 1932 - bless her little cotton socks.
P.S. Just like you to get your gaskets in a twist! 😉