Holy Grail of a/d/s

[beemer]

Looks like I'm gonna be taking a little road trip. :yes: :banana:

Cabs need a bit of TLC. I have a friend who is an ace cabinetbuilder. :D

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160101858017&indexURL=3&photoDisplayType=2#ebayphotohosting

Best,

Paul :thmbsp:

[marantzfan]

I saw those, but they are WAY too far away for me to consider..:no:

[beemer]

250 mile round trip for me. LOL I'll stuff 'em in the Taurus.

Best,

Paul :thmbsp:

[Njord Noatun]

A pair of 910's is for sale locally here, but the side-mount stands are missing. Does anyone know if these stands ever come up for sale, and if so, how much they tend to sell for? Are these stands also used for other ADS models?

Thanks.

[beemer]

A pair of 910's is for sale locally here, but the side-mount stands are missing. Does anyone know if these stands ever come up for sale, and if so, how much they tend to sell for? Are these stands also used for other ADS models?

Thanks.

Those stands were specific to the L910. I've been watching Ebay for a number of years.....can't say that I have EVER seen a pair of these stands alone. :no:

Best,

Paul :thmbsp:

[Raphael]

Looks like I'm gonna be taking a little road trip. :yes: :banana:

Cabs need a bit of TLC. I have a friend who is an ace cabinetbuilder. :D

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160101858017&indexURL=3&photoDisplayType=2#ebayphotohosting

Best,

Paul :thmbsp:


That's awesome beemer! I just made a deal on the SoCal ones for $550 (yes, the ones Njord is referring to). Picking up this Friday. In a little better shape but also missing the stands.

Thinking of refinishing to a darker shade and milling some stands out of steel plate or stout chunks of solid hardwood.

Could you zip me a copy of the manual when you get it? :yes:

THX and congrats! --Ralph

[Duffinator]

Those stands were specific to the L910. I've been watching Ebay for a number of years.....can't say that I have EVER seen a pair of these stands alone. :no:

Best,

Paul :thmbsp:I can verify in the past 18 months that I've been watching there has not been one pair of L910 stands on eBay. Shoot there's only been two or three pairs of stands for L810's and I have one of them. :D I may sell my L810's but I'm keeping the stands just in case a pair of L910's or L980's show up locally for me. Hell I'd drive 250 round trip in a heartbeat for a pair of those bad boys. :yes: Congratulations to both of you. I have the manual from that seller, he was nice enough to email it to me, but it's not the best scan. I also have some other documentation for the L910's including specs. Drop me a PM if you need them. Have fun with your new speakers. :thmbsp:

[doctorbongo]

I drive 200 miles RT every time I see my GF. And I don't get to bring her home with me. Those are the kind of score that makes this hobby great.
Woodworking is fun. It's fairly lowbraincell activity, and you get such a great immediate sense of satisfaction. They look like they need only light sanding and oil. Can't wait to get your reports on the sound, paul.

[jimfet]

Looks like one of the midranges needs a shave.

[soundmotor]

There were several skids of unassembled stands high up in the ADS warehouse as late as 1997 right before they moved. No knobs or hardware, just bars & cross pieces. Who knew? Sigh.....

[jimdaskal]

Did you guys see the Q and A on that auction- classic Romanian scam attempt - FIY, I may be E Baying my 980's with stands and/or my 810's depending on the outcome of my debate with she who must be obeyed - she may be more easily replaceable, lol .

By the way, this is a good link that catalogues known E Bay scammers:

http://nekkidtruth.blogspot.com/search/label/fraud



THIS CAME TO MY PERSONAL EMAIL ACCOUNT, DID YOU SEND THIS OR IS THIS A SCAM, PLEASE FOWARD ALL EMAILS THROUGH EBAY. Florescu Ion Catalin sent you this eBay item I'm the seller of the item that you've recently bided through the eBay system.Item name: Legendary A/D/S ads L-910 Tri-Amplifiable Speakers, NR Item number: (160101858017) I`ve just been contacted by the eBay staff who informed me that due to some reasons the eBay policy automatically proclaims you to be the winner by default. I need your agreement on this so I can contact eBay to confirm you that you're the winner, otherwise I'll relist the item. I am sorry for the inconvenience, but I need an answer asap. You will have the oportunity to purchase the item at your last given price wich is US $130.01 .If you agree my offer please respond this email or contact me at flricl@gmail.com . Thank you! Legendary A/D/S ads L-910 Tri-Amplifiable Speakers, NR Current bid: US $130.01 (4 bids) Shipping: US $200.00

[centaurus3200]

my friend had these with the optional stands. lots of boom, but they don't image well. the highs were sort of annoying and the crossover from the woofs to the mid didn't seem that well integrated. same for my old L-810.

see ya,
Robby

[Fast_Eddie]

my friend had these with the optional stands. lots of boom, but they don't image well. the highs were sort of annoying and the crossover from the woofs to the mid didn't seem that well integrated. same for my old L-810.

see ya,
Robby

Intresting! I love my L 810s and haven't had the opportunity to hear a lot of speakers I like better. I'll listen for the things you mention. Can you point to some specific things I can listen for? I'll admit my novice and say I don't really know what you mean when you say the crossover didn't seem well integrated.

Are there some relatively common speakers that you think sound better? I'd love to have more reference.

I can tell you I have a pair of Genesis II+ and I do like the bass from them even better than the L810s. But the mids and highs sound better to me from the L810s.

Take care,

Ed

[centaurus3200]

Hi Ed,

i will speak from the experience with my old L-810s. they had a lower midrange suckout. meaning, for example, if you listen to an upright bass, you'd hear the BOOM (bass) and the attack of the strings, but not the body of the bass.

sort of alike my old acoustic research AR3 (but not nearly as severe). just not the prominent lower midrange I'm used to. especially as with my old Bozak 302A Urbans. incredibly delicious mids.

as far as imaging, it's hard to explain. when you listen to speakers with good imaging and a wide soundstage, you are able to place instruments in the area between the speakers. with the L-810, you don't get this. reason being the drivers are not mirror imaged and the placement is sort of precarious in the first place. what with the mids placed horizontally next to the tweeters.

as far as the high frequencies, i found them grating with my McIntosh MC225. maybe just not enough power?

speakers i keep coming back to are my KEF Calinda. they too are a little challenged in the lower midrange area, but have excellent imaging and i LOVE the T27 tweeter (from LS3/5A fame).

my janszen Z-200 don't image all that well, what with the ESL panels angled all over the place. but they are lovely sounding speakers with a vast soundstage.

KEF 104/2 - great speakers, great midrange bandwith (two B110 mids in MTM configuration). I'm using a pair of Vifa MG27 tweeters (T33's died). unfortunately, my tight listening space doesn't bode well for them. they image 5 feet behind the couch in the kitchen. so, i mainly stick with the Calindas/Quad 909 with a REL Q100 sub these days.

hope this helps.

Robby

[thedelihaus]

Congrats, Paul!

Thats'a nice price, too.

[Fast_Eddie]

Thanks Robby- I'll stop threadjacking and return everyone to their regularly scheduled program. Maybe we can start another thread.

[thedelihaus]

Paul,

Do you think these will best the L1230s and L1530s?

How do the L1290s and L1590s compare?

[beemer]

Paul,

Do you think these will best the L1230s and L1530s?

How do the L1290s and L1590s compare?

deli, I honestly don't know. This pair of 910's will round out my a/d/s/ speaker collection. I will have:

L1590II PA1 biamp capable
L1290II PA1 biamp capable
L980 w/factory stands
L910 w/factory stands
L710
L9e
2 or 3 pair of L300 minis

I just sold my L620's to my buddy who bought the Luxman R1040 I took off your pile and grateful fixed. He's happy...now I'm having seller's remorse. The L620's were/are a great two-way. LOL I'll get over it.

The L910's have always intrigued me. Now I'll find out if they have the right stuff.

Best,

Paul :thmbsp:

[Duffinator]

deli, I honestly don't know. This pair of 910's will round out my a/d/s/ speaker collection. I will have:

L1590II PA1 biamp capable
L1290II PA1 biamp capable
L980 w/factory stands
L910 w/factory stands
L710
L9e
2 or 3 pair of L300 minis

I just sold my L620's to my buddy who bought the Luxman R1040 I took off your pile and grateful fixed. He's happy...now I'm having seller's remorse. The L620's were/are a great two-way. LOL I'll get over it.

The L910's have always intrigued me. Now I'll find out if they have the right stuff.

Best,

Paul :thmbsp:You have more pairs than I do! I'm up to five and just bought some S700's, see here (http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=107596), a very nice pair of mini monitors that sound nothing like the others. I look foward to a ful shoot out from you and how the 910's compare to the others.

[beemer]

You have more pairs than I do! I'm up to five and just bought some S700's, see here (http://audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=107596), a very nice pair of mini monitors that sound nothing like the others. I look foward to a ful shoot out from you and how the 910's compare to the others.

LOL you can't begin to know......a/d/s/ has a hold on me.

I have at least one, and multiples of many of the a/d/s/ Atelier electronics.
One pair of PA1 biamp packs, Atelier parts units, the rare pedestal stand for the Atelier pieces, NOS in bos Atelier remotes, etc....etc. :smoke:

Integrateds, tuners, Model 10 synths, turntables, if it says a/d/s I probably got it. Leatehr-bound dealer's manuals....even a cigarette lighter with the a/d/s/ logo on it.

Sick I tell you! Sick!! :nono: :D

Best,

Paul :thmbsp:

[johnny ro]

Which is these questions is correctly worded?

A-Would you drive 200 miles to date a girl?

B-Would you date a girl you would not drive 200 miles to see?

Answer- both are correctly worded, two faces of one issue, its a yes and no

Apply it to speakers-

A-Would you drive 200 miles to pick up speakers?
B-Would you give space to and listen to speakers you would not drive 200 miles for?

Yes and no. Well yes and maybe, I have a lot of setups in seldom used corners.

I drive 200 miles RT every time I see my GF. And I don't get to bring her home with me. Those are the kind of score that makes this hobby great.
Woodworking is fun. It's fairly lowbraincell activity, and you get such a great immediate sense of satisfaction. They look like they need only light sanding and oil. Can't wait to get your reports on the sound, paul.

[thedelihaus]

...L1590II PA1 biamp capable
L1290II PA1 biamp capable
L980 w/factory stands
L910 w/factory stands
L710
L9e...

Nice collection.

Were all L1290IIs and L1590IIs bi-ampable? Or is this a custom mod, or an option?

I'd very much like to hear those L980s and L910s. I dunno much about the L9e, however. Care to enlighten me?

And as to the L1290II and L1590II, how would you compare them to each other?

And how would you compare both the L1290II and L1590II to the L1530s you used to have?

If you have an event at your place, if you like and there's room in the car, I can bring both my L570IIs and L630 3-ways.

[beemer]

Nice collection.

Were all L1290IIs and L1590IIs bi-ampable? Or is this a custom mod, or an option?

Not all. Some later 1290 and 1590's had the binding posts on the bottom. You could still biamp just not with the a/d/s/ PA1 packs that were made specifically for the L1290/L1590

I'd very much like to hear those L980s and L910s. I dunno much about the L9e, however. Care to enlighten me?

L9e is a late 1989+ 3 way medium sized bookshelf. Not common. Last year an ebyer spent $700+ for a pair of these! I couldn't believe it! :no:

And as to the L1290II and L1590II, how would you compare them to each other?

Both have the same sonic signature. The 1590 reaches a little lower.

And how would you compare both the L1290II and L1590II to the L1530s you used to have?

The 1530's are a great speaker. Probably one of the best a/d/s/ made. Too big a footprint....we had 'em in my girl's hideaway room, she wanted the space back, so like a fool...I sold 'em. :nono:

If you have an event at your place, if you like and there's room in the car, I can bring both my L570IIs and L630 3-ways.



As long as YOU show up that will be great! anything else will be the icing on the cake. :thmbsp: :D :thmbsp: :yes:

Best,

Paul :thmbsp:

[Duffinator]

Nice collection.

Were all L1290IIs and L1590IIs bi-ampable? Or is this a custom mod, or an option?

Not all. Some later 1290 and 1590's had the binding posts on the bottom. You could still biamp just not with the a/d/s/ PA1 packs that were made specifically for the L1290/L1590 I thought all 1290/1590 II's had the binding posts on the bottom? Also the mid domes were upgraded, the drivers had upgraded VC's, and the fuses were moved inside the cabinets. Aren't these the items that distinguish the first model from the second?

[beemer]

I thought all 1290/1590 II's had the binding posts on the bottom? Also the mid domes were upgraded, the drivers had upgraded VC's, and the fuses were moved inside the cabinets. Aren't these the items that distinguish the first model from the second?

You are correct....however both my L1290II and L1590II have the rear cutout to accept the PA1 biamp packs.

FYI.....the L1590 and L980 share the best mid drivers and tweeters as well.
P/N is different from all the others. Some years ago someone who was in the know posted a list of P/N's for all the drivers and shared that little tidbit.
If I search a bit I may have that list...would you like a copy if I can find it?

Best,

Paul :thmbsp:

[Duffinator]

If I search a bit I may have that list...would you like a copy if I can find it?

Best,

Paul :thmbsp:Sure.

[soundmotor]

You are correct....however both my L1290II and L1590II have the rear cutout to accept the PA1 biamp packs.

They'd be leftover S1 cabinet build-outs w/ S2 guts and are the least common of the S2 towers.

[beemer]

They'd be leftover S1 cabinet build-outs w/ S2 guts and are the least common of the S2 towers.

Now we will get the good info. I know a lot about a/d/s/.....however......

Soundmotor has forgotten more than I know. :D

soundmotor.....do you have any thought/opinions on the L910's? Please share if you would.

Best,

Paul :thmbsp:

[soundmotor]

Now we will get the good info. I know a lot about a/d/s/.....however......

Soundmotor has forgotten more than I know. :D

soundmotor.....do you have any thought/opinions on the L910's? Please share if you would.

Best,

Paul :thmbsp:


Not the last word by any means but If I came across a set of L910's I'd grab them without hesitation. The L910 represented a whole pile of firsts for the company, combined old ideas (driver layout) with new (multi-amp capability) and had prosumer leanings. ADS was reaching for the brass ring with them IMHO. Although they are not as cool as the LV1020's, they were ADS' 1st domestically produced, high-end offering. We had a group of customers that absolutely would not part with them and that says something.

[soundmotor]

L9e is a late 1989+ 3 way medium sized bookshelf. Not common. Last year an ebyer spent $700+ for a pair of these! I couldn't believe it! :no:

I hate to throw stones but that is nuts.

</has all parts to build set in basement....>

:scratch2:

[alteklipsch]

I have 910's and 1530's. The 1530 is overall a better speaker, seems to dig a little deeper in the bass, oh what bass awesome bass they have... The 910 may be a little better on the top end, the tonmeister curve seems to mellow out the 1530 a little too much up top. I have owned most the major ADS offerings and they are all great, but you see which ones I have kept.:music:

[Duffinator]

I have 910's and 1530's. The 1530 is overall a better speaker, seems to dig a little deeper in the bass, oh what bass awesome bass they have... The 910 may be a little better on the top end, the tonmeister curve seems to mellow out the 1530 a little too much up top. I have owned most the major ADS offerings and they are all great, but you see which ones I have kept.:music:Did you ever own any of the later M series like the M20 and if so how did they compare?

[bordeno]

To me 910s are the most desirable A/D/S speaker simply due to the coolness factor, if not the sound. The stand design with the ability to adjust the angle of the speaker was a great idea. Those stands must be somewhere, its hurtful to imagine that someone tossed them from that old warehouse. They'd be very valuable. On the other hand I suppose someone very talented could make replacements out of wood. Or, you could make a larger version of the 810 stands.

Let us know how you like your 910s, and what is the associated equipment.

[alteklipsch]

I can not speak of the M series, just the old school stuff, 400's, 520's, 710's, 810's, 910's, 1230's, 1530's, 2030's. All are great, the 1530's just do it for me.
I have used all sorts of associated electronics but most comparisons were done with a Hafler 500, or a Dynaco ST70 with home brew preamp and Denon CD player, or in the case of the XX30's, the Hafler 500 on the bottom, and a Hafler 200 up top with the C2000 bi-amp unit. Sorry this source equipment list will not be helpful to most as the preamp is an unknown.
As far as the stands for the 910's, I only seem to be able to get a slight angle on them, they are substantial speakers and do not want to be help by a single 5/16" or so bolt on each side, they tent to go straight up and down over time.

[soundmotor]

its hurtful to imagine that someone tossed them from that old warehouse.

They were likely recycled for the aluminum, not tossed outright.

[soundmotor]

And guys, there never was an A/D/S or a/d/s version of anything.

ADs

ADS

or

a/d/s/

only.

[Njord Noatun]

And guys, there never was an A/D/S or a/d/s version of anything.
ADs
ADS
or
a/d/s/
only.Wasn't there also an:

a/d/s/d

or something like that (late incarnation)?

All the best,

[Duffinator]

Wasn't there also an:

a/d/s/d

or something like that (late incarnation)?

All the best,If there was it was after DEI purchased ADS and would probably have benn a/d/s/d/. Most people are interested in products designed and manufactured before ADS was sold.

[Fast_Eddie]

Sometimes I'm an a/s/s/

[soundmotor]

Wasn't there also an:

a/d/s/d

or something like that (late incarnation)?

All the best,

a/d/s/t/

The "t" stood for toasted.

This iteration was '94 or early '95 when they were controlled by the Canadians, in Arizona, & before they sold out to Directed.

Not much of the original company or people left at this point, just a resonance.

[Theoberheim]

I have a guy that lives near me that is trying to sell his ADS 910's. I have checked them out a few times. My gears were clicking as to how I could afford them but...as stated in previous posts, my wife would not approve as they would take up a lot of room (that and the fact that she likes our maggies (could care less about the sound as much as the fact that they are flat, thus taking up less room)).

In talking to the guy to see if I could strike some kind of deal, he told me that he is standing firm on his price of 750 for the set. He mentioned that about 25 separate people emailed him from the auction asking if he would part out just the stands. Told me that if I bought the speakers, I could sell the stands. (I thought that might be nice, but then I would be needing the stands.)

[Blue Shadow]

buy em copy the stands and start selling stands until the market dries up. That should pay for the speakers.

[thedelihaus]

buy em copy the stands and start selling stands until the market dries up. That should pay for the speakers.

Good point there. Very good point.

Sure, market is limited. But maybe worth it.

In the long run, worse off you'll be is a few hours short in life hours spent listening to Miles Davis or watching Grey's Anatomy, and owner of some fine ADS.

Got a few spare hours a week? Wanna get away from the beloved kids and the nagging wife for a short break? Ideal solution.

If you were closer, I'd join your liberation army. Dunno if I'd pass the physical.

Pricey speakers via asking price of the seller?- Yes. Worth it? I'd say most likely my answer would be a resounding "absolutely".

Think of the lovely returns on investment, by hours spent listening to the favorite records in your collection, by owning a piece of audio history, and audio perfection (or close as anyone could get at that point in time).

And if your kiddies and wife, if you have them, are interested in building them with you, even better.

[soundmotor]

buy em copy the stands and start selling stands until the market dries up. That should pay for the speakers.

It dries up on pair #6 or thereabouts.

[avguytx]

This post reminded me that I need to call my buddy in Oklahoma and see if I can still get some a/d/s speakers his sister in law had. They were either the L1290 or the 1590. I'm hoping for the latter even though they would be too big for the room I'd put them in!

[Duffinator]

As far as the stands for the 910's, I only seem to be able to get a slight angle on them, they are substantial speakers and do not want to be help by a single 5/16" or so bolt on each side, they tent to go straight up and down over time.I guess I better keep the ADS stands for my L810's. The L910's are a lot larger but I bet the L810 stands would still work. And they won't straighten up.

[P. Shivers]

There are four 910s for sale (http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/ele/332473029.html) on the Seattle Craigs List now. The ad was posted last night, without the pictures, and minus the word "each" after the $350. I fired off an email with my phone number, and heard nothing. Today I look at the ad, and see that they've now left my price range. Or. more accurately, my ability to afford them.:sigh: I was getting pretty excited about the possibility of getting four of these for $350.

[onepixel]

There are four 910s for sale (http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/ele/332473029.html) on the Seattle Craigs List now. The ad was posted last night, without the pictures, and minus the word "each" after the $350. I fired off an email with my phone number, and heard nothing. Today I look at the ad, and see that they've now left my price range. Or. more accurately, my ability to afford them.:sigh: I was getting pretty excited about the possibility of getting four of these for $350.

That would've been cool for $350.

I like your Beth Orton avatar.

[beemer]

There are four 910s for sale (http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/ele/332473029.html) on the Seattle Craigs List now. The ad was posted last night, without the pictures, and minus the word "each" after the $350. I fired off an email with my phone number, and heard nothing. Today I look at the ad, and see that they've now left my price range. Or. more accurately, my ability to afford them.:sigh: I was getting pretty excited about the possibility of getting four of these for $350.

$700/pair is a great price. There's nothing at this price point that will touch these. If these were close to me I'd be taking a quick cash advance on a CC and all 4 would be gone. Last pair on Ebay without stands somewhere in CA went at $800.

Pictures do not do these justice, they are LARGE and have "the look". :D
They also are 94db efficient......thus they make a lot of sound with not a lot of watts.

I missed a minty pair with stands about a year or so ago in upstate NY with a BIN of $600. I was too cheep to hit the button. Had I known then what I know now about these speakers things would have been very different.

The 910's ROCK. Dig deep dood, you will not be disappointed, beleive me.

Best,

Paul :thmbsp:

[onepixel]

How do the L880s rate? There are some out this way for $300.

[beemer]

How do the L880s rate? There are some out this way for $300.

Almost anything a/d/s/ is good, IMHO. I have a pair of 980's I like a lot.

$300 for 880's might not be a bad deal but I would expect Walnut and not Black and I would also expect them to be as near to mint as possible.

880's are a 3 way with a 10" woofer, weigh 41 lbs each.

My 980's have 12" woofs and weigh 64 lbs each.

Good luck if you decide to go after them!

Best,

Paul :thmbsp:

[P. Shivers]

[QUOTE=beemer]

The 910's ROCK. Dig deep dood, you will not be disappointed, beleive me.

QUOTE]

I believe you. I just can't justify spending that kind of money on speakers right now, even if they are worth every penny. I wish I was in the position to do that, but I'm not.:no:

[P. Shivers]

I like your Beth Orton avatar.

Thanks, it's a great photo of her, for sure.:yes:

[beemer]

[QUOTE=beemer]

The 910's ROCK. Dig deep dood, you will not be disappointed, beleive me.

QUOTE]

I believe you. I just can't justify spending that kind of money on speakers right now, even if they are worth every penny. I wish I was in the position to do that, but I'm not.:no:

I understand..........however if you can think of a way, these will rock your world with the right stuff in front of them.

The pair I bought the cabinet finish was poor. Tomorrow we put the last coat of Watco Danish Oil on them. I am thrilled big time with the results of the refinishing. I am fortunate to have a neighbor who is "the wood god".

Best,

Paul :thmbsp:

[LBPete]

How do the L880s rate? There are some out this way for $300.I have a pair and like them a lot. I haven't been following the prices lately so things may have changed but the last time I looked $300 would be top dollar. If they are top condition, they are probably worth it.

- Pete