EPI M100 Vs. EPI T/E 100 Plus shootout

I figured since I have both the first generation EPI 100's and the last generation EPI T/E 100 Plus it would only be fitting to do a side by side comparison on how this model changed over the years. To get a brief history on the EPI story check out the Human Speakers site.

 

To start the shootout I will compare the appearance of both these speakers. The original 100's have a beautiful real walnut veneer compared to the 100+'s oak vinyl veneer. the Original EPI's win in the regard.

The EPI+'s have a wider front baffle in which the drivers are flush, this will help in reducing any reflection of sound waves from the tweeter and helps with the expanding the stereo sound stage. The 100+ are better in this regard.

The build of both the cabinets are equal.

Now for the sound of these two speakers side by side. I found the original EPI 100's to be much tighter in the bass region and they tend to dig deeper giving me a fuller more natural sound. The bass notes where cleaner.

The polycarbonate tweeter of the EPI 100+ gives off a very large sound stage and in doing so comes across quite loud and harsh at times. It is almost as if the tweeter could use a resistor to bring the output down.

The original EPI 100 tweeter is a paper inverted cone which does not give off the same sibilance as the polycarbonate dome does. The sound stage is not as wide and a little more focused than the EPI 100+.

When I do an A/B comparison between the two speakers I instantly find the EPI T/E 100+ speakers fatiguing and wanting me to go back to the original EPI 100's.

Hands down the original EPI 100's easily beat out the last version of the EPI T/E 100+. I could listen to the original EPI 100's for hours on end and never get tired of their sound. 

The original EPI 100's are proving to be a classic timeless speaker design that is still highly sought after. If one had an option to buy one speaker over the other the originals are the way to go.

Next shootout will pit the EPI 100's against the Acoustic Research AR15's, these two speakers should prove a better comparison, stay tuned.

EPI M100 finished

These first generation EPI 100's just got a new lease on life this week. It is amazing how good a pair of 40 year old speakers can sound. I am glad these did not end up in a landfill.

I picked these speakers up from a guy that bought them new as part of his first stereo back in the 70's and I am happy to do a full restoration on them.

EPI 100's are a great speaker design from Winslow Burhoe and a very simple in their execution. The woofer digs deep for an acoustic suspension design and can attack the bass notes fast, the tweeter is crossed with a simple 10uf cap in the first order at 1800hz. The cabinets are well built and have a beautiful walnut veneer to them.

At the ripe age of 40 years old the following was done to bring these awesome speakers back to their youth.

Both woofers needed a re foam, which they received.

New polypropylene +/- 5% caps where installed along with upgraded copper speaker wire.

The speaker terminals where upgraded to gold plated binding post that accept banana plugs.

 

While the driver where out I sanded and re finished the walnut cabinets with 2 coats of Minwax natural stain to bring back the natural beauty of the wood.

All in all this was another excellent opportunity to bring this classic speaker back to life. I have had a few hours of listening pleasure with these original EPI 100 and it clear why these musical speakers have stood the test of time in the vintage audio Renaissance. EPI 100's  are always worth the time and effort and should be experienced by anyone who is into vintage audio.

Mirage 450 sound

I have had a good 24 hours with the Mirage 450 speakers originally manufactured in the mid 80's by Audio Products International or better known as API, the same guys that make Energy speakers.

From what I gather these speakers retailed around $450.00 and are definitely a mid-fi offering.

The speakers are very open in the high end by what looks like a Vifa tweeter, the 8 inch woofer digs decently deep to around 40-50hz. I tend to find I like the tightness of acoustic suspension speakers more than bass reflex models. The mid range is right in the middle, not overly emphasized nor to far back.

Acoustic suspension speakers do not over emphasize the bass region and tend to be a little tighter in the reproduction of bass notes. Bass reflex speakers can have a boomy sound to them.

I really like these speakers I would put them 2 notches above a pair of Mission 700's  but three notches below my pair of Mission 770's.

The Mirage 450's are non fatiguing and a real pleasure to listen too, the sound stage seems just right, not to far back but not surrounding you either. Esthetically these speakers are quite pleasing to the eye.

This project was well worth the effort and I will enjoy listening to them before moving them along.

Mirage 450 Speakers completed

The Mirage 450 speakers got a complete overhaul this week, here is the completed project.

Here is what they looked like when I got them home.

New polypropylene capacitors. I ran a 4.7uf and 3.3uf cap parallel to equal 8uf as per the original caps.

The terminal plate got new gold plated binding post.

The woofers got a new lease on life with a re foam job.

New internal dampening material was put in along with new gaskets to seal the acoustic suspension design of these speakers. I was surprised at the lack of sealing gaskets originally installed in these speakers.

The last thing that needs to be done is new speaker grill cloth but that can wait as I am enjoying the sound of these speakers.

Original EPI M100

Just arrived is a first generation pair of EPI M100 speakers. These were posted on the internet with no brand indicated but I figured by the pictures that they were EPI's

As usual for this vintage, the foams need to be replaced and while I am in there the cap will be replaced also.

This pair has real wood veneer which is worth sanding and re oiling.

This is the fourth pair of EPI 100's I have owned and I had a pair of C70's along with the Genesis 22's

EPI's are always worth the time and effort in restoration.

Mirage 450

Lucky strike in the same day as a pair of Mirage 450 speakers also came my way. These guys are in need of a re foam and a replacement cap in the crossover. These Mirage 450's were built by API in Toronto with in house woofers and what looks like Vifa/Seas tweeter. The crossover is a first order for the woofer and a second order for the tweeter. There is also an internal brace between the front baffle and rear panel.

These are definitely a mid-fi range of speakers from the same guys as the Energy 22's.

I will post he re foam and re cap work when done.

Here is what they look like right now.

Nad 7125 Receiver

I just scored a beautiful NAD 7125 Receiver. This is a very nice sounding 25 watt per channel amp that is well built in Japan. I popped it open  to clean out the pots before firing it up. There is a huge toroidal transformer in the back for an amp of this vintage and wattage.

I got about an hour of aural time with it so far. The sound is very similar to my Rotel RA840BX. Very nice sounding receiver.