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Replacing crossover in Apogee Centaur Majors?

Hi,

I love my Apogees and would like to make them sound even better by replacing the crossover internals with better quality components and material. A local electronics business owner (Mark at Mr. Wizards in Austin) can do the work if I provide him with the material and some instruction to get started. He is very familiar with hi-fi gear and can do the work once I have outlined the project for him.

Can anyone be of assistance regarding what is exactly needed for this project? I am thinking that I ultimately need replacement caps and the appropriate conductors for the wire runs and coil windings. I was leaning towards Auricaps (although exact specs is unkown). I'm unsure of what wire is needed. Does anyone have any information that would at least get me started with figuring out what I need to know?

Thanks a bunch.
geojap
madhf
170 posts
 
Go to apogeeribbons.com. Graz can be of help.You can also purchase the ribbons there. Possibly, xovers too.
ghostrider45
449 posts
 
Also check out the Apogee Users Group at: http://audioworld.com/cgi-bin/sw/forumdisplay.cgi?action=topics&forum=Apogee+Acoustics+Users+Group&number=1

You'll find lots of info on Apogees in general and your Centaur Majors in particular.
ponnie
233 posts
 
I would check out Apogee Users Group
URL: http://www.apogeespeakers.com/ Graz is the best resource you have for the ribbons and he may be able to also help you with the crossovers.

I am sure there will be an improvement ( difference ) from replacing the caps. The wiring may also yield some improvement or differences in sound. Differences are not always best or better. You could make a really good speaker sound hard or lifeless if the wrong cap is placed in the crossover. There are better capacitors available today than it was 10 to 15 years ago.

I would carefully attempt to find a previous dealer in your area that can handle the task and seek his opinions on what can be done with the speakers to improve them. The wire inside the Apogee is very hard to work with and it is very stiff.

I would also check out amplification alternatives to see if better performance is available. If you have not tried tubes with them consider using some tubes before you make that move. Another amp that may be a good alternative is Moscode. There are many newer hybrids amps available today that were not several years ago and that too could make a huge difference. I am a previous owner of the Centaurs model. I auditioned a pair of Tom Tutay Altec 1570B's monoblocks, 140w Triode tube amps and they transported me to a very special place. That is the best combination I have ever heard with them. It was also the most liquid and effortless sound I have ever experienced in my own system.
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