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Post by alit on Feb 26, 2022 20:36:04 GMT
Ever since I moved I've never gotten the Bastanis to sound as good as they did in the old place- frustrating as they did sound great. This led to some online searching for something I liked the look of, and I came across these on Facebook Marketplace at a decent price, so I thought they were worth a punt.  A pair of IPL's top speaker kit. Cabinets are well made but looked pretty rough (they look better in the photos than in reality)-  These are a large transmission line design using good quality Hi Vi drivers- 10" paper/kevlar woofer, 4" aluminium/magnesium mid and a ribbon tweeter. 91db efficient too, so will work with a wide range of amps. I'm currently using them with an SM70 Pro and this is a great sounding combo, in fact the best sound I've had at home so far (better than with the Krell..). These seem to have it all- they image like a good static, and when it's there they pack a massive punch in the bass, but don't sound one note-ish or have much in the way of boxy colouration. Only downside was the way they looked, so I had a word with Colin Topps. Colin has retired from speaker building, but will still do occasional jobs for friends if they ask nicely, and I was pleased he was willing to take these on for a re-veneer and also some new crossovers in separate boxes which I'm hoping will make them sound even better- the standard components are pretty basic fare. I think Colin has wrought a minor miracle, he just sent me some photos of the first veneer job-    Looking forward to getting these back. |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Feb 26, 2022 22:45:31 GMT
Wow, they look SO much better!
They are actually quite appealing now.
Mad what a bit of skill can accomplish. Well done Colin. That's great work.
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Post by antonio on Feb 27, 2022 1:38:28 GMT
They look superb Ali, pleased you enjoyed your new purchase, now you'll be able to look and listen to them with pride.
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Post by alit on Feb 27, 2022 8:14:01 GMT
Thanks guys, Colin is a master of his craft. Not only will they look great, I’m also hoping for good things from the rebuilt crossovers. They sounded great as they were, but used bog standard components- coffin cement resistors etc- so hopefully a good uplift in performance will be yielded.
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Post by alit on Feb 27, 2022 8:18:16 GMT
They need all the good looks they can get- my partner said they looked like minions lol.
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Post by alit on Feb 27, 2022 8:20:25 GMT
For anyone wondering, the veneer is Decoflex crown- cut Oak.
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Feb 27, 2022 8:48:18 GMT
They need all the good looks they can get- my partner said they looked like minions lol. Hahahaha brilliant. |
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Post by electronumpty on Feb 27, 2022 9:43:01 GMT
Changing cross over components can give a big leap in performance I found with my Tannoy build . Hope it works out for you.
They look great BTW, I considered ipl speakers before geeting my mits on some Tannoy drivers so that road wasn't travelled. They have a very good rep.
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Post by macca on Feb 27, 2022 9:51:53 GMT
They need all the good looks they can get- my partner said they looked like minions lol. lol I was wracking my brain trying to think of what they reminded me of but couldn't get there. That's it though. |
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Post by alit on Feb 27, 2022 10:38:26 GMT
Thanks guys, hoping for good things. Sadly Ivan has retired so these are now NLA new.
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Post by brian2957 on Feb 27, 2022 11:02:02 GMT
Yup, there is a passing resemblance  Colin is a real gent and he's brought those speakers right up to date  |
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Post by alit on Feb 27, 2022 12:20:05 GMT
Yes I think so mate, can’t wait to see them in the flesh.
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Post by alit on Mar 9, 2022 15:30:43 GMT
Colin just sent some more photos of progress. Crossover boxes now complete and wired up-   |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Mar 9, 2022 15:57:35 GMT
Colin just sent some more photos of progress. Crossover boxes now complete and wired up- Lovely work isnt it. I bet youre excited to get hem home for a listen? |
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Post by macca on Mar 9, 2022 17:07:43 GMT
Imagine how excited the neighbours will be.
It is outstanding bit of woodwork.
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Post by alit on Mar 9, 2022 19:28:06 GMT
Sure am Oli. Colin’s aiming to have them completed for this weekend so I may be able to pick them up on Sunday if I get the work I need to do on my girlfriend’s car done in time.
Macca, lol, luckily I get on well with them and have always told them to let me know if any noise bothers them.
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Post by alit on Mar 9, 2022 19:28:58 GMT
Yeah Colin’s done a great job.
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Post by macca on Mar 9, 2022 19:36:25 GMT
Sure am Oli. Colin’s aiming to have them completed for this weekend so I may be able to pick them up on Sunday if I get the work I need to do on my girlfriend’s car done in time. Macca, lol, luckily I get on well with them and have always told them to let me know if any noise bothers them. it's good having neighbours like that, means you can have a blast without worrying that they are sat in their house planning your downfall. My neighbour asks me the other day if his noise is annoying me. I hardly ever hear any noise from him, he's the quietest neighbour I've ever had. Even the old lady made more noise than he does. |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Mar 9, 2022 19:54:04 GMT
Sure am Oli. Colin’s aiming to have them completed for this weekend so I may be able to pick them up on Sunday if I get the work I need to do on my girlfriend’s car done in time. Macca, lol, luckily I get on well with them and have always told them to let me know if any noise bothers them. Pics when in situ please. And of course, we'll need all the juicy details when you've had a listen. |
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Post by alit on Mar 9, 2022 22:01:39 GMT
Will do. :-)
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Post by stevew on Mar 10, 2022 11:02:14 GMT
For anyone wondering, the veneer is Decoflex crown- cut Oak. Appreciate your reference to the veneer. I’ve been itching to get my turntable veneered for ages but pondered what to go for. Looked at birds eye maple (too poncy), cherry (too dark and possibly dated), birch (too light).. but this oak is spot on. |
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Post by alit on Mar 10, 2022 12:44:15 GMT
Yes it’s decent. Colin’s used it on a few speakers including his own and says it’s pretty easy to use.
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Post by electronumpty on Mar 10, 2022 13:02:19 GMT
I have decoflex teak for my Tannoys. Paper backed and flexible. Its also sanded to 150 already which saves a lot of work. Good stuuf.
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Post by stevew on Mar 10, 2022 13:03:17 GMT
I’ll leave the application to someone with the skills to do it!
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Post by alit on Mar 10, 2022 20:53:25 GMT
Probably best lol.
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Post by antonio on Mar 11, 2022 5:38:06 GMT
Sure am Oli. Colin’s aiming to have them completed for this weekend so I may be able to pick them up on Sunday if I get the work I need to do on my girlfriend’s car done in time. Macca, lol, luckily I get on well with them and have always told them to let me know if any noise bothers them. I'm sure your neighbours will be as excited as you Ali for them to arrive  They look truly fantastic, if they sound as good as they look, you've got a great pair of speakers. |
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Post by alit on Mar 12, 2022 16:58:47 GMT
Just back from Colin's place with the new speakers. Having seen them in person I couldn't be happier, he's done a superb job with these. Crossovers were rebuilt with Mills resistors and Mundorf Evo and Evo in Oil caps. Original inductors were retained.   |
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Post by alit on Mar 12, 2022 16:59:27 GMT
Sure am Oli. Colin’s aiming to have them completed for this weekend so I may be able to pick them up on Sunday if I get the work I need to do on my girlfriend’s car done in time. Macca, lol, luckily I get on well with them and have always told them to let me know if any noise bothers them. I'm sure your neighbours will be as excited as you Ali for them to arrive  They look truly fantastic, if they sound as good as they look, you've got a great pair of speakers. Thanks mate, yes having seen them in person now they look great. |
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Post by karma67 on Mar 12, 2022 17:00:17 GMT
lovely job !
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Post by alit on Mar 16, 2022 11:50:43 GMT
Photo in situ as requested. Can hear these getting better and better as the crossovers run in.  |
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Colin is a real gent and he's brought those speakers right up to date 
