SL3 Screen life

[ehoove]

Searching for some info here. I picked up a pair of pristine SL3's this weekend, and was wondering if the screens wear out from age, loose thier high end capabilities etc. I replaced a pair of Maggie 1.6Qr's with these and the top end is very rolled off compared to the Maggies. I was told on this forum before that the test for replacement is thier volume capabilities, and these play loud, extremely loud - no problem there. I'm driving them with a Acurus A200 (350 per side into 4 ohms. This amp sounded wonderful with my Green Mountain Audio Continuum 1's as well as the 1.6QR's, and has plenty of current to run the SL3's. I'm just curious to know if a screen replacement is in order or not. Don't get me wrong they still sound very good, and I have yet to tweak them, or find the correct position for them.
Regards,
Jim

 

[JonFo]

Well, my Sequels, which are 15 years old, still have their original panels and sound quite good.
they are rolled off on the highs a bit, especially compared to a unit with a new panel, but in daily use, one doesn't necessarily notice.
however, I’m the original owner of these Sequels and have babied them their entire life (regular vacuuming, dark rooms, etc.)

I did get a used pair of SL3's a few years ago, only 11 years old at the time, and they clearly needed panel replacements. For one, they had not been well cared for, smoking, dusty environment, sunlight, etc.

So a lot depends on how they have been cared for.

When you do get new panels, the difference will be immediately noticeable. and it's not just the high end that will be back, they will also play louder (as the efficiency is higher in a new panel) and won't have any buzzes or kazooing from weak spars or glue (this later is rare, but does happen as panels age).

For the $550 plus shipping a new set of SL3 panels cost, it’s highly recommended to obtain a new set.

 

[amey01]

It depends on how they've been looked after.

The No.1 enemy of ES panels is air pollution - smoking, cooking oils, etc. If they've been kept clean then they may well be fine - if they have been in a polluted environment and not kept clean they're probably shot.

A good vacuum will bring them back to life somewhat. Whether it is enough is up to you to decide.

 

[VanDaRo]

My Sequel II's (same panels as the SL3) are 14 years old, and serious maintenance has been performed to extend their life (smoke free, but had babies and dogs), they are getting weak. I first noticed that they took a minute or so to get to full power. Later, I noticed that the bass was starting to carry more of the music.....

TIME FOR NEW ONES.

I shall report the details on this site as soon as I evaluate them. I will report on both pre and post break-in sounds.

So TURN IT UP and enjoy, my friend.... Music is the cultural experience that defines us. If the panels detonate -- phork it -- get new ones !!

~VDR