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Modding the Altec Lansing MX 5021 for dummies!!
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<blockquote data-quote="skyther" data-source="post: 731345" data-attributes="member: 25005"><p>Heya Gannu, I'm from Australia <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p></p><p>Anyhow, I've been trading PMs with cranky for a couple of days and finally finished off with the last of the mods today. The MX5021s which I have are the white ones; I was initially after the black version but I believe the entire series has been discontinued so I didn't have much of a choice. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite7" alt=":p" title="Stick Out Tongue :p" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":p" /> I had a look at a few other alternatives but the only ones which came close are the Klipsch GMX 2.1s which I've been told don't sound nearly as great as all the hype makes it out to be.</p><p></p><p>If there is a third revision of the MX5021s, mine would probably be it. As noted in my earlier post, C54 and C61 in my amp stage are 2.2uF, not 1uF as per Gannu's mod.</p><p></p><p>These are the mods that I've performed to mine:</p><p></p><p>- Replaced stock 4.7uF cap in tweeter crossover to metallized polypropylene</p><p>- Tried a 0.47uF MKT cap as a bypass as well, treble becomes more prominent but doesn't sound as 'controlled' as with just the 4.7uF poly so I ended up removing it</p><p>- I couldn't get Pana FCs in 47uF so I used 2x Pana general purpose 47uF caps (can't remember the series but they're rated for 105C) bridged across the bottom speaker as per the guide <--- *this mod improves clarity by a LOT; without it the satellites sound like mud*</p><p>- Replaced the 15uF cap that runs parallel to the midrange drivers with a Nichicon electrolytic of the same value</p><p>- Speakers are connected via 12ga OFC cable</p><p></p><p>- Replaced caps as mentioned in the guide with 22uF Pana FCs; I was initially after Nichicon Muse FGs but RS ran out of stock <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite3" alt=":(" title="Frown :(" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":(" /></p><p>- C54 and C61 replaced 2.2uF metallized polypropylene caps; I initially tried 0.33uF Auricaps that I had lying around but somehow I got a massive treble roll-off... not too sure why but eventually decided to play it safe and replaced them with caps of the same value as the originals</p><p>- Replaced the 5 stock opamps with OPA2132s; initially I replaced 3 as per the guide but due to the difference in gain the subwoofer was overpowering the satellites even with bass at the lowest setting so I ended up swapping them all out - bass is now a lot tighter and less boomy</p><p>- Subwoofer cable replaced with the same 12ga OFC feeding the satellites</p><p></p><p>The speakers sound like a completely different animal now. Clarity and separation have improved tremendously, but the most impressive of all is how the speakers handle high frequencies. The treble extension has improved heaps and the drivers show no signs of distortion or struggle even at high volumes. The timbre of instruments is very well presented; I'd say the quality would easily rival if not surpass entry level bookshelves. Bass is punchy and tight yet controlled and not boomy. Even my curious housemate came in to have a listen and he was extremely impressed.</p><p></p><p>The only thing I find still lacking is warmth in the midrange, however so far the caps have only had 10 hours to burn in so hopefully it will improve in time. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite8" alt=":D" title="Big Grin :D" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":D" /></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="skyther, post: 731345, member: 25005"] Heya Gannu, I'm from Australia :) Anyhow, I've been trading PMs with cranky for a couple of days and finally finished off with the last of the mods today. The MX5021s which I have are the white ones; I was initially after the black version but I believe the entire series has been discontinued so I didn't have much of a choice. :P I had a look at a few other alternatives but the only ones which came close are the Klipsch GMX 2.1s which I've been told don't sound nearly as great as all the hype makes it out to be. If there is a third revision of the MX5021s, mine would probably be it. As noted in my earlier post, C54 and C61 in my amp stage are 2.2uF, not 1uF as per Gannu's mod. These are the mods that I've performed to mine: - Replaced stock 4.7uF cap in tweeter crossover to metallized polypropylene - Tried a 0.47uF MKT cap as a bypass as well, treble becomes more prominent but doesn't sound as 'controlled' as with just the 4.7uF poly so I ended up removing it - I couldn't get Pana FCs in 47uF so I used 2x Pana general purpose 47uF caps (can't remember the series but they're rated for 105C) bridged across the bottom speaker as per the guide <--- *this mod improves clarity by a LOT; without it the satellites sound like mud* - Replaced the 15uF cap that runs parallel to the midrange drivers with a Nichicon electrolytic of the same value - Speakers are connected via 12ga OFC cable - Replaced caps as mentioned in the guide with 22uF Pana FCs; I was initially after Nichicon Muse FGs but RS ran out of stock :( - C54 and C61 replaced 2.2uF metallized polypropylene caps; I initially tried 0.33uF Auricaps that I had lying around but somehow I got a massive treble roll-off... not too sure why but eventually decided to play it safe and replaced them with caps of the same value as the originals - Replaced the 5 stock opamps with OPA2132s; initially I replaced 3 as per the guide but due to the difference in gain the subwoofer was overpowering the satellites even with bass at the lowest setting so I ended up swapping them all out - bass is now a lot tighter and less boomy - Subwoofer cable replaced with the same 12ga OFC feeding the satellites The speakers sound like a completely different animal now. Clarity and separation have improved tremendously, but the most impressive of all is how the speakers handle high frequencies. The treble extension has improved heaps and the drivers show no signs of distortion or struggle even at high volumes. The timbre of instruments is very well presented; I'd say the quality would easily rival if not surpass entry level bookshelves. Bass is punchy and tight yet controlled and not boomy. Even my curious housemate came in to have a listen and he was extremely impressed. The only thing I find still lacking is warmth in the midrange, however so far the caps have only had 10 hours to burn in so hopefully it will improve in time. :D [/QUOTE]
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