Newb question about testing old speakers


I have 3 sets of old Duntech PCL-3 speakers (on wall and amazing).  I high suspect that, given their age and getting them from different places, the crossovers differ greatly in each speaker.  So where should I start? How so I measure?

 

I would like to bring them all up to date.  They all "sound great" but I would like evidence other than my ears that they're up to snuff.

 

I have a mutlimeter but need to be told how to use it and what to look for.

dtximages

Leave them alone. Duntech was a reputable company founded and run by John Dunleavy in Australia during the late 70's/80's. He made very good speakers! Don't go messing around with the crossovers. The idea that just because they are old the parts must be changed is stupidity!

Unless you have three listening rooms why keep all three pairs? Unfortunately it might be difficult to sell a pair or two. What amps do you have to use with them?

Thanks jasonbourne71. I am not trying to "tweak" them, just ensure they're all equivalent basically. I figure there's a high probability that one of their caps is worse than the other.. If anything, I would just replace with a newer cap.

But I'm going to use these as atmos/surround speakers.

To know they are good with confidence:

IF the crossover is simple (ought to be, it’s just a 2 way design), and easily accessible, you could simply install decent new parts from Parts Express for instance.

I ’preventatively’ upgraded the caps in my two pairs of AR-2ax, it was easy, the newer parts, even standard quality, are as good as or better than what was used back then.

I read that they are often used with a sub, are you doing that? This would be the time!

btw, have you examined the cones and surrounds for dryness, tears, perforations? I have re-coned my 15" woofers made in 1958 3 times over the years.

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/10092

 

 

I agree with Jason on this one, don't mess with the crossovers. These are good quality speakers and IF the parts in each are not identical, it is for good reason. If you are wanting to change caps, do so in ONE speaker as a test and keep the original parts. Do not mess with the inductors or resistors.