View Full Version : Little brothers for my RSIIb's


analog addict
06-09-2008, 08:55 AM
Went to the SC coast last weekend and promised HomerJSimpson that I would do my best to pick up a set of Altec 15's minus woofers for him while I was there. Despite a 40 minute drive from the condo each way, I didn't really mind, and I knew I could get some tech time out of HJS for the gas and effort. I walked into the guy's place, and immediately could tell he was a soul brother because of the piles of gear stacked up high in a small room.

I paid for HJS' dismembered 15's, which actually looked OK despite being 2 empty cabinets and a pile of parts in a box. Then I started looking around and noticed a couple of Infinity's hiding behind another set of speakers. I wasn't familiar with them, but the seller said he was planning on an eventual recone because the woofers were a bit yellowish, and of course the foams were gone. He offered them to me for $100, and I waffled, not really feeling like I could justify another set of speakers at this point.

I went into the main part of his place, and he showed me a Carver receiver/The Receiver on his shelf. I thought that was also kinda interesting, but not like finding a $40 SX-1250 or anything. He continued to drop his offer as we loaded up the 15's, and be the time I was getting ready to leave, he made me an offer on both the speakers and the receiver equivalent to about a tank of gas for each item.....:sigh:......:nono:....:thmbsp:

He apparently needed $$$, and I just can't seem to turn down a bargain, so I am now the new owner of a pair of RS4b's, with the fluted edges all around.

Cosmetically, the 4b's are in very good condition, with a small chip or two, and maybe a small pick on the grills, but everything else intact. The wood does need a surface refinish, but that shouldn't be a problem, other than getting the flutes properly treated. And of course, I just sent Bakes my last four 8" surrounds, so I gotta order some from somewhere....:thumbsdn:

However, I think that some good karma spread around in different directions led me to being rewarded for my efforts. I called HJS when he made me the final offer, and I figured it must be a pretty good deal when I could hear Homer almost slobbering on the other end of the phone....:D I do appreciate the offer to take them off my hands, but I suppose I will do what I usually do, and fix them up to fighting shape, and have them give me their best shot....:twak:.....:music:

I'll post some pix tonight....:yes:

Oh did I mention I was going down to the beach next weekend, and he also has a pair of JBL L-55's with non-OEM tweeters, but in great shape, asking $300, with trades possible???....:scratch2:

HomerJSimpson
06-09-2008, 09:02 AM
You are welcome.....

And thanx for getting me the 15's.:thmbsp:

analog addict
06-09-2008, 10:28 PM
I think these are jewels in the rough. I can find very little wrong with them that a little TLC, elbow grease and some Restor-o-Finish can't fix....:thmbsp: Foams on order tonight.....

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=94495&d=1213064734

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=94496&d=1213064734

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=94497&d=1213064734

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=94498&d=1213064734

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=94499&d=1213064734

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=94500&d=1213064747

Tedrick
06-09-2008, 11:11 PM
Those look pretty darn good to me, and they have the factory base, which is even better. I've seen quite a few 4b's without the recessed base.

Congrats, you done good :thmbsp:!!

bastek
06-09-2008, 11:24 PM
A tank of gas for each item? :saywhat:
This makes me mad when i think how much i paid for my Infinities. :gigglemad

HomerJSimpson
06-09-2008, 11:30 PM
YOU SUCK.....:yes:

Arkay
06-09-2008, 11:40 PM
Very well done! Even though a tank of gas these days costs almost as much as a house (:D), you won't regret getting those. Congratulations! :thmbsp:

analog addict
06-16-2008, 06:34 PM
Spent a large chunk of the day refoaming all 4 woofers and cleaning these up. Lotsa sanding and steel wool. Those flutes are a PITA, but I sanded inside every one of them. The top of one of these had some water damage, but looks OK after the clean up. It's hard to see in the pix, but in person they look almost new again....Restor-O-Finish triumphs again!....:thmbsp:

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=95495&d=1213655438

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=95496&d=1213655438

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=95497&d=1213655438

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=95498&d=1213655438

BTW, did I mention that I hooked these up to the Sansui 9900-Z in the garage and they really sound fabulous???!?!!!?....:music:

HomerJSimpson
06-16-2008, 07:39 PM
:thmbsp:YOU SUCK:thmbsp:

Vitopanch
06-16-2008, 09:08 PM
analog addict.
Great story and what a great find. Those are a very good model. Ha, Ha, HJS.

Vito

Tedrick
06-16-2008, 10:49 PM
Lookin' good :yes:!! The before pics didn't look all that bad, really, but the cabinets almost glow now. Very nice, indeed :thmbsp:.

analog addict
06-17-2008, 10:02 AM
Lookin' good :yes:!! The before pics didn't look all that bad, really, but the cabinets almost glow now. Very nice, indeed :thmbsp:.

Restor-O-Finish and Liquid Gold. A combo that can't be beat.....:thmbsp: I am wondering if some Tung Oil might be even better though.....:scratch2:

bakes
06-17-2008, 10:40 AM
Sweet - the things that people find these days... "Oh, but my Bose are smaller!!!" LOL!

ugornot
06-17-2008, 12:41 PM
Hey lets stack our 4bs and see how good it gets. 7" of speakers with 8 x 8" woofers. :D:D Seriously do you think the 4bs are better balanced than the bigger Infinities?:scratch2:

beemer
06-17-2008, 12:48 PM
Hey AA:

You'll like those Infinities......I guarantee it. :yes:

Nice cleanup work and refoam. :yes: :yes:

Enjoy :D


Best,

Paul :thmbsp:

JohnVF
06-17-2008, 12:53 PM
I have speaker envy. Restor-o-finish is the cats pajamas. Congrats on the deal!

tubed
07-01-2008, 02:02 AM
Nice work!...if you can get it.

macaltec
07-01-2008, 07:36 PM
:finger: Alan. I agree with Homer, YOU SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

analog addict
07-01-2008, 07:46 PM
:finger: Alan. I agree with Homer, YOU SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Liked them that much did you????....:yes:....:D

You should hear the IIb's with the eq....:jawdrop:

macaltec
07-01-2008, 07:53 PM
Liked them that much did you????....:yes:....:D

You should hear the IIb's with the eq....:jawdrop:

You suck even more now. I'll just suffer through with my RS1.5's, RSa's and Qe's.