Upgrading Mordaunt Short Carnival 2 Speakers

nlitworld

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Re: Upgrading Mordaunt Short Carnival 2 Speakers
« Reply #20 on: 31 May 2026, 05:55 am »
I'm surprised, intrigued, slightly confused and happy for you that your 2nd set of speakers are now so close to your NX-Studios in performance level. That is a VERY tall task right there. You really did upgrade these through and through.  :thumb: Nice work, and thank you for the fun read in all your steps.

NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER

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Re: Upgrading Mordaunt Short Carnival 2 Speakers
« Reply #21 on: 1 Jun 2026, 01:14 am »
I'm surprised, intrigued, slightly confused and happy for you that your 2nd set of speakers are now so close to your NX-Studios in performance level. That is a VERY tall task right there. You really did upgrade these through and through.  :thumb: Nice work, and thank you for the fun read in all your steps.

Elaborate on the confused part? ..... Let me see if I can provide some clarity.


« Last Edit: 2 Jun 2026, 03:31 am by NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER »

nlitworld

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Re: Upgrading Mordaunt Short Carnival 2 Speakers
« Reply #22 on: 1 Jun 2026, 03:12 am »
Merely a light hearted joke about how much better the NX-Studios are on the average and how you were able to squeeze so much performance from the Carnival 2. Seems you performed some magic there. I've tried 3 times to purchase a set and each time the seller backs put. Must be a diamond in the rough there.  :thumb:

NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER

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Re: Upgrading Mordaunt Short Carnival 2 Speakers
« Reply #23 on: 1 Jun 2026, 05:46 am »
Merely a light hearted joke about how much better the NX-Studios are on the average and how you were able to squeeze so much performance from the Carnival 2. Seems you performed some magic there. I've tried 3 times to purchase a set and each time the seller backs put. Must be a diamond in the rough there.  :thumb:

No magic
« Last Edit: 2 Jun 2026, 03:04 am by NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER »

NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER

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Re: Upgrading Mordaunt Short Carnival 2 Speakers
« Reply #24 on: 4 Jun 2026, 06:38 pm »
At this point,
I stated the reasoning for a false read on initial speaker evaluation, and was very thorough explaining the circumstances.
I'm sure most read it by now, therefore I felt it wasn't necessary to leave up.

Bottom line:
The Mordaunt Short Carnival 2 upgrade was a successful project, delivering beyond my expectations. Putting some perspective on the project. The only thing left of the speaker is the cabinet, tweeter and crossover board, terminal cup & screw hardware. My advice, if you have a interest in a project like mine, you'll receive positive results. The flip side, you are in the ball park for purchasing & assembling a pair of GR-Research Encore's. Not taking anything away from the highly modified Carnivals, they're incredible. However, It's always good to weigh out all options, prior to taking on any project upgrade or build.

FYI, MS Carnival 2's are a discontinued model, making them a rare find in the marketplace.



« Last Edit: Today at 03:59 am by NXSTUDIO-DRUMMER »

nlitworld

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Re: Upgrading Mordaunt Short Carnival 2 Speakers
« Reply #25 on: 5 Jun 2026, 02:44 pm »
At this point,
I stated the reasoning for a false read on initial speaker evaluation, and was very thorough explaining the circumstances.
I'm sure most read it by now, therefore I felt it wasn't necessary to leave up.

Bottom line:
The Mordaunt Short Carnival 2 upgrade was a successful project, delivering beyond my expectations. If someone chooses to upgrade a pair, I have many tips that will benefit you. If left off, your outcome results "will differ." There were a lot more details with the project, than documented on the thread. Beware, many hours of experimentation were involved, to obtain exemplarary results. So don't dive in believing this is a one day task. A first order crossover designed speaker is very touchy, having only have a 6db slope between drivers. Wool or felt applied on the front baffle benefits too. Do your homework researching felt or wool layout. It's subjective in application. What one likes sound characteristics wise, can be very different for another individuals opinion.

It's amazing all the parts that need to work seamlessly to enjoy our hobby. It's not just turn on stereo and enjoy, or upgrade "x" component for better results. Kinda what makes it fun and extremely interesting for me. Thanks for sharing the project and letting us enjoy vicariously through your efforts.  :thumb:

Tyson

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Re: Upgrading Mordaunt Short Carnival 2 Speakers
« Reply #26 on: 5 Jun 2026, 08:29 pm »
There is also a basic variation in biology for full connection to the music.  For me its generally after midnight when it happens.