DIY Hybrid revisted

[MattC]

Hi all,

As I ponder the possibility that my Duetta Sigs are too large and unwieldy to either move cross-country or use in the smaller space that I will likely end up in in retirement, I have considered the possibility of picking up a pair of older Apogee hybrids - either Centaur or Slant variety. The thing that gives one pause is the reality that the woofers used in these units are not replaceable anymore, and if a woofer went due to age or accident, one would be completely out of luck.

Seeing how there are so many speaker kits available today, and speaker building resources in general, a number of them using small ribbon tweeters, I began to imagine the potential market for a DIY Centaur or Slant that would utilize current model woofers, upgraded crossovers, and current production GRAZ ribbon tweeter elements.

As far as I'm concerned, there is nothing like a loudspeaker with a long dipole tweeter.

[apogee_admin]

Hi Matt,

There are replacement woofer alternatives for the Centaur speakers, which at most would require a minor alteration to the crossover, possibly not at all.
I have someone who is considering it on Centaur Minors as it is a better drive unit, so if they do will update with info here.

Driver is available from Madisound http://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/se ... ne-woofer/

[Vansloneker]

Matt, do you have any experience listening to the hybrids?

[MattC]

Matt, do you have any experience listening to the hybrids?

Yep. I used to own Minors. Hated them - but hated them in comparison to Calipers and Duettas.

I wouldn't go for the Minors myself, the tonal balance was too bright. I would be looking more at a Centaur.

I also think that the future will involve some sort of room equalization software, like KEF has built into their LS50W wireless speakers.

[MattC]

Hi Matt,

There are replacement woofer alternatives for the Centaur speakers, which at most would require a minor alteration to the crossover, possibly not at all.
I have someone who is considering it on Centaur Minors as it is a better drive unit, so if they do will update with info here.

Driver is available from Madisound http://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/se ... ne-woofer/

Thanks, Jon. I will keep this in mind if I go in that direction.

[d-vize]

I was able to buy the original Vifa Woofer (8') for my Centaurs a few weeks ago. It has the same product code P21WO-20, 8 Ohms, as the original part and it looked exactly the same. I think a batch of those has been produced in 2016. My source was audio.nl.

However, I would love to participate in a DIY hybrid project.

[Vansloneker]

I thought about this reply long time, as I don't want to say anything stupid.

Replacement parts are the least worry. There is a reason why Centaurs are offered more often for sale as Centaur Majors. I mean over here in 10 years one or two pairs of Majors only. Never heard them but they seem to be a big step up.

Having owned Stages and Ribbin Wall Speakers, currently in possession of Centaurs and Calipers, I want you to know this. I've come a long way with the Centaurs. The Graz Ribbons and crossover work really paid off. They bring me the single one important criteria for speakers: emotion.

But now I own these original unrestored Calipers. There's a lot the Centaurs will do better. But the Calipers have a magic that goes above that. Just tonight I enjoyed listening the Centaurs so much.
But, with the Centaurs I don't want to stop, with the Calipers I literally can't stop listening.

I'd be more than happy to swap my Centaurs for your Duettas if that makes you happy.
But believe me, you'd be better of with a compromised Duetta set up as with a pair of hybrids.
That's my two cents.