[mlundy57]

I have several more days of listening completed.  Results continue to be excellent.  I listen mostly to classical music, multichannel SACD.  I've noted a great improvement in vocals across the left, center and right speakers (all three with Danny's upgrade).  For instance, I've listened to Chandos' (CHSA 5242) 2019 recording of Bliss: Mary of Magdala.  Also, LSO Live's (LSO0809) 2017 recording of Berlioz: La Damnation de Faust.  Each of these recordings have soloists and choirs.  All sound better than ever, not shrill or screechy.  The orchestra is clear and distinct.  Look, these are $500 each speakers.  I cannot claim they match Danny's NX-Oticas but my speakers are upgraded and I'm pleased.

Marcus

That's what counts. Enjoy

[daltonlanny]

Hello,
 I am interested in this upgrade, but what about the hump at 5khz after the mod on the GR Research website? Is this audible and or annoying?
Can it be reduced?
I also find the SVS Ultra in stock form to be somewhat forward or harsh sounding.
Does this mod reduce this?
Also does the rise in the treble, after the mod, cause any brightness issues.
Are most of you who did the mod still happy with the results overall, or is it really not worthwhile?
Thanks for your answers!

[Hobbsmeerkat]

It's an edge-diffraction issue.

The bump is still visible in the original speaker in the crossover measurement, but it is brought down by the slope of the tweeter: (see the green line at 5Khz)


Upgrade On Axis:



Upgrade at 10-degrees off axis: (5KHz hump is gone)


Most "Brightness" issues occur in the 1-3KHz range, most everything above that is harmonics and spatial cues and unlikely to be an issue unless there is a severe spike or breakup mode.

You can tackle the 5Khz issue by placing some 1/4" thick felt around the sides of the tweeter to absorb the reflection issue off the baffle, or keep the speakers pointed out past your shoulders.

[daltonlanny]

Thanks for your detailed reply 👍
I really like the build quality and looks of the speakers, but I don't care alot for the forwardness and hardness at times, plus voices can sound somewhat muffled or veiled.
So should I upgrade or would I be better off getting different speakers?
Thanks again!

[Danny Richie]

Thanks for your detailed reply 👍
I really like the build quality and looks of the speakers, but I don't care alot for the forwardness and hardness at times, plus voices can sound somewhat muffled or veiled.
So should I upgrade or would I be better off getting different speakers?
Thanks again!

The upgrade will resolve all of those issues.

[daltonlanny]

Ordered the SVS Ultra Bookshelf upgrade kit from GR-Research over the weekend.
Looking forward to getting it!

[Jan_Mc]

I did the upgrade on my Ultras and thought they did a really good job removing that harshness.   No regrets at all!

[daltonlanny]

Thats good to hear!

[dB Cooper]

Thank you for the information gentleman. I know this little upgrade will not make these sound like $300,000 speakers, but at least it will be fun 🛠️

I have heard $300K speakers that I thought sounded like crap, and $3-10K speakers that I thought sounded musical, so maybe that's not a bad thing...