The PSB 50R speakers have been finished for over a week and this was another very worthy project. These speakers are typical 8 inch woofer paired with a dome tweeter.
These speakers are designed by Paul Barton using Philips drivers. The cabinets are very well built with bracing behind the woofer. Apparently Paul used the NRC testing facilities to design these speakers. I remember the 50R's getting really good reviews in the early 80's
These speakers got a re foam which was tedious as the foam surrounds are unique but I found a correct pair.
The crossover 4.7uf cap was replaced with a polyester foil cap, which opened up the high end.
The sound is incredibly smooth from these speakers with tight bass smooth mid range and 3 dimensional depth. They do not give off the spaciousness or airiness of other speakers I have but they put the instruments in the right place 3 dimensionally.
I always wanted to try the 50R speakers and I am glad I have the time to audition these classics.
These speakers are designed by Paul Barton using Philips drivers. The cabinets are very well built with bracing behind the woofer. Apparently Paul used the NRC testing facilities to design these speakers. I remember the 50R's getting really good reviews in the early 80's
These speakers got a re foam which was tedious as the foam surrounds are unique but I found a correct pair.
The crossover 4.7uf cap was replaced with a polyester foil cap, which opened up the high end.
The sound is incredibly smooth from these speakers with tight bass smooth mid range and 3 dimensional depth. They do not give off the spaciousness or airiness of other speakers I have but they put the instruments in the right place 3 dimensionally.
I always wanted to try the 50R speakers and I am glad I have the time to audition these classics.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI've been enjoying your postings getting insights into the wonderful wide world of vintage audio. Just came across this entry on PSB 50R surround replacements as I searched for how can I get the correct surrounds for my pair. Where did you source yours from? It seems to be a unique style these have and I'd like to keep it as close to original or correct as they were designed and built. Thanks in advance and keep the insights coming.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI have a pair of the 50R and the 70R - one set needs new foams, so I am curious where you got yours.
I found them at Lee's Electronics in Vancouver.
ReplyDeleteLook at this scammer posting these speakers on this page for sale
ReplyDeletehttp://www.kijiji.ca/v-stereo-systems-home-theatre/london/rare-vintage-psb-50r-studio-monitors-so-good-treat-your-ears/1146323480?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
Where can I find this exact foam surround ?
ReplyDeleteI get them locally, but they are sold out. If I get some I will keep you posted
DeleteI got a pair of surrounds for the Philips AD 80652/W8 woofer used in the 50R and 70R from SpeakerRepair in the NL. Correct part and reasonable shipping compared to other vendors who couldn't confirm an exact fit. Some JBL surrounds almost fit - I had Sound Hounds in Victoria use these about 10 years ago, and they're still holding up, but they had to splice them to fit.
ReplyDeletehttp://speakerrepairshop.nl/index.php?action=page&group_id=10000038&lang=en#.V9K405MrKAw
I have both speakers, the 70R since new in 1985, and still love the sound of them. Plan to replace the xover cap soon!
I used a solen cap for a few years until i read about bypassing with a 0.01uf Wima cap. This change further tightened the bottom end as well as increase soundstaging.
ReplyDeletehi ive got a great condition full psb50r set with subwoofer ,my dads (cant fit in the new condo) i would like to redo the crossovers for fun any comment on parts to add or design (plan to keep original)just upgrade parts new to this thx
ReplyDeleteJust upgrade the caps to a Solen cap on the tweeter.
DeleteI have one set of foams left for this speaker if you need them. They are probably disintigrated by now.
If you are more skilled modder, try replacing internal wiring with Kimber 4VS and the back termination with screw down kind binding post.
Deletethanks for info ive redone the foam and just enjoying the speakers with a dual 1219Q i found in my neighbors trash , i would like to build fully new crossovers including the inductors ,it may be diminishing returns but is fun , does anyone know the specs of the inductors and resistors ? i phoned PSB they were not helpful thanks
Deletethanks for info ive redone the foam and just enjoying the speakers with a dual 1219Q i found in my neighbors trash , i would like to build fully new crossovers including the inductors ,it may be diminishing returns but is fun , does anyone know the specs of the inductors and resistors ? i phoned PSB they were not helpful thanks
Deletehi i have good foam , would like to rebuild complete crossovers as a fun project anyone have schematics on the inductors etc so i could do it right thanks
Deleteso which one is the solen the yellow one É, also any point putting new drivers in & what would one use ? thx mike
ReplyDeleteThe yellow one is the new cap. I would leave the drivers as original.
Deletehi i want to redo the crossovers for fun , does anyone know the inductors values schematics , the foams are complete and they look good , PSB will not send me their schematics
ReplyDelete