Yamaha NS-325 Speakers

Bob in St. Louis · « **on:** 30 Apr 2007, 06:22 pm »

Hey Guys,
I'm looking for information of a set of speakers:

Last night a friend of a friend (you know the story) GAVE me a pair of old Yamaha NS-325 speakers.
They've got a 10" woofer, 4" (IIRC) mid, and a tweeter. On the bottom of the front of the cabinet are two tone control knobs. The cabinet is wood and has removeable brown cloth covers. The rated wattage is 35 with a max of 70. The drivers are 8 ohm. The surrounds for the woofers is absolutely GONE. Between the cone and the drivers basket appears to be a cast aluminum four spoke frame. All drivers are trimmed in brushed aluminum. Serial numbers sticker is in good shape.
I've Googled all morning long looking for "the typical information" a guy would want to know about an old set of speakers. The only info I can find on the model number is a modern set of towers, but their model ends with the letter "F". I've also seen some small modern bookshelf types with the same model number. Apparently Yamaha likes using the designation "NS-325".
- I'd like to know if they're worth re-surrounding the woofers.
- Roughly what vintage are they
- Opinions on whether or not these are decent speakers??

If they are worth repairing, (I've never replaced the surround on a driver) does ABOUT any generic/universal foam surround work?? Or do I have to get one specific for this brand driver?

Any information is appreciated
Bob

p.s. I'll post some pics when I get back home, but wanted to get the ball rolling so to speak.

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #1 on:** 1 May 2007, 12:28 pm »

OK, as time allows today, I'll add some pics.
Here's the first one:

Zero · « **Reply #2 on:** 1 May 2007, 03:18 pm »

Bob - you may want to post this over at; www.audiokarma.org

Audio Karma caters more towards vintage hi-fi, and has plenty of good knowledgable folk willing and able to offer information on these matters. Audiocircle has plenty of great folks as well, but the focus here is more on 'new stuff'.

Good luck!

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #3 on:** 1 May 2007, 03:37 pm »

Quote from: A6M-ZERO on 1 May 2007, 03:18 pm

Bob - you may want to post this over at; www.audiokarma.org

Thanks man! But I've "been there-done that", another member PM'd me with that suggestion.
When I attempted to register, I got a message screen that said they weren't accepting new member at this time.

Not sure what that's all about but who knows......

Here's another (just in case someone here can help)

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #4 on:** 1 May 2007, 04:27 pm »

macrojack · « **Reply #5 on:** 2 May 2007, 01:36 pm »

These are basically Japanese JBLs and, if you need a pair would be well worth restoring. They are late 70s vintage and I sold them back then but we weren't paying much attention to Yamaha speakers at the time so I can't remember anything about the sound. When Yamaha hit our shores in 1976 they were loaded for bear and their products were over the top good. The famous NS-1000 was part of the same series. For the $100 or $150 it would cost to bring them around, I think they would be hard to beat.

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #6 on:** 2 May 2007, 02:45 pm »

Well, that sounds cool Jack.
So, I might "have a little something" here worth saving from the junk pile huh?

When you say $100-$150 to bring them around, what specifically are the areas needing attention that caused you to come up with that price (other than the obvious woofer surrounds). Are there areas that need 'sprucing-up' that aren't visual? I was thinking the surrounds could be bought for $20 or so, and a few more dollars for the proper glue.
I've never "restored" a speaker cabinet, but thought these looked like they might be fun.

Thanks dude!
Bob

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #7 on:** 2 May 2007, 04:55 pm »

OK, Last pic:

macrojack · « **Reply #8 on:** 2 May 2007, 06:45 pm »

Bob - I was just guessing what it might cost to have the woofers reconed. As for other concerns, check out the other thread on here about JBL L-100's. I imagine the same suggestions will apply.
If you decide to keep them, new binding posts would probably be a good investment.

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #9 on:** 2 May 2007, 08:11 pm »

Alright cool, thanks man.
I found the other thread, I'll check it out.
New posts are a good idea too

Bob

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #10 on:** 11 May 2007, 07:59 pm »

Apparently AudioKarma has enough members, still getting this message:

"Sorry, registration has been disabled by the administrator."

Isn't that kinda' like saying, "I already have enough friends, I don't need you too"?

Bob

macrojack · « **Reply #11 on:** 12 May 2007, 01:15 am »

Bob - Maybe they found out you're backward.

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #12 on:** 12 May 2007, 11:15 am »

That could very well be true Jack!

Bob

bolly · « **Reply #13 on:** 13 May 2007, 10:51 am »

Bob in St. Louis, Audiokarma is in the middle of changing over servers, until then, no new members can register.

BTW, the bluebook says;

YAMAHA SPK, NS-325 (PAIR)
Manufacture Years: 1978 - 1980
MSRP: $450.00
USED: $54.00(used is usually low)

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #14 on:** 13 May 2007, 11:15 am »

Bolly, thank you very much for the information.

Understood about Audiokarma. Now I see what's going on.
I think I might just have to fix these. If for nothing else than because they're so cool looking with the brushed aluminium drivers.

Not sure what I'll do with them when I fix them......I don't NEED speakers anywhere...but hey, why not.
It would also be nice to 'practice' on these instead of someday (God forbid), I have to perform the surgery on my everyday drivers. Sounds like it might be fun.

Thanks again Bolly!!!

Bob

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #15 on:** 13 May 2007, 11:17 am »

...........by the way Bolly, that's one heckuva good looking amp you've got in your avatar!

Bob

bolly · « **Reply #16 on:** 13 May 2007, 11:26 am »

you're welcome and thanks Bob!! I actually own 3 of them, the Ultra-Rare Electrohome PA-100 MK-1!

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #17 on:** 13 May 2007, 11:57 am »

If you own three of them and they're ultra rare....then it sounds like you're 'hoggin' them all!

Sexy lookin' machine! aa

Bob

bolly · « **Reply #18 on:** 13 May 2007, 12:09 pm »

I am a bigg hogg Bob!! Always lookin to hogg more of em too!!

Bob in St. Louis · « **Reply #19 on:** 13 May 2007, 12:13 pm »

Can't say I blame you. aa