These rare Canadian speakers, the bottom of Clements' ribbon/compression line, were in rough shape when I got them. They sounded great for about an hour, then the woofer in the right speaker started to distort at a specific frequency (it's in the bass line of Dire Straits' Six Blade Knife). The foams, which looked fine were starting to deteriorate. Now refoamed, with new sound absorbent front baffle treatment (the original foam turned to dust years ago), they sound beautiful. Their bass is truly impressive for their size, and the ribbon tweeter covers a wide frequency range seamlessly, with awesome musicality and great detail, without brightness. I'm loving these! 
Where do you go for your stereo repairs? I've got a Luxman amp that needs some work, but I don't know where to take it? Cheers.
ReplyDeleteClaudio Landucci (I think that's his last name). He can repair vintage gear. His company is CLAudio +1 905-565-9028
ReplyDeleteI have a pair, but not used them in years. One of the ribbon tweeters is damaged. One modification I strongly urge is to upgrade the capacitor in the crossover going to the tweeter. Make a tremendous improvement.
ReplyDeleteHi Mark. Replying to an old message here, don't know if it will get through. I've just picked up a pair of these, and note here that you recommended cap replacement. I assume you've done this. I opened up the back to see the x-over, it is quite complex. Were the caps you replaced poly/film caps or electrolytic? Mine appear to be film caps, which aren't known to go off spec very easily or with time. Curious to know your experience. Thanks. David
DeleteI know this is an older thread/post but still glad you've enjoyed the Little D's, I love Phase Research/Clements speakers. I'm in Ohio and just bought four Phase Research Little D's, the predecessor to the Clements line, in black. They use a 1 3/8" Polydax tweeter in lieu of the ribbon. Always wanted a pair and after years of watching for them finally scored "two" pair. Not cheap but an opportunity like that would not present itself again. The baffle material is completely intact but of course the woofer surrounds have deteriorated so I'm researching for proper ones. I believe I have a handle on a pair of Phase Research Model R's soon as well. Funny, after so many years all this falls into my lap (just wish the play money would cooperate just as conveniently!).
ReplyDeleteLove perusing your site and have been a silent follower for some time. Thanks for all the great posts; one of my few sanctuaries I find most enjoyable :-)
I got a notification. My little Ds with the ribbon tweeter have a fairly simple crossover as I recall. I upgraded just one of the yellow film capacitors that goes to the tweeter. I recall that it has a value of 0.47uf. I happened to have a 50 volt, 0.47uf metalized Teflon capacitor of that value in my parts box, but other premium (polypropylene) capacitors are suitable. The capacitor passes all the signal going to the tweeter, so you should hear clearly the impact of capacitors you try. While there are many premium capacitors out there, some of the current favorites are Clarity and Mundorf. The voltage rating (and thus size) doesn't need to be very high. 50 or 100 volts is plenty, though generally, larger voltages sound better. Metalized are smaller, but film-foil might sound a little better.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mark for the reply and for the details. I will look into this. My crossovers are perhaps more complex looking because they have a little toggle switch that is just above the speaker terminals. It toggles between "tweeter boost" and "normal", but incidentally seems to make little discernable difference. No other Little D that I have seen pics of online has this, but it's not modified, it's original for sure. I assume therefore there are more electronics in there to account for both settings. I've used SONICAP in the past for recapping my Tannoys. Will have a look and consider my options and probably go for it!
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