Need help with older set of speakers- Mordaunt-Short Avant Series

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  Bonsaichop on 29/05/2015 - 20:06

  What you're going to need is an Audio Receiver (example: http://au.yamaha.com/en/products/audio-visual/av-receivers-a…)

  The centre/main speaker dual inputs are for bi-amping. Specifically to power each individual speaker in the cabinet separately. However by default they should have an interconnect connecting both red - red and black - black. This interconnect will power both inputs at the same time, going by the google pictures it would be a gold/brass color metal plate going between them. Basically you only need to connect a red and black from the home theatre receiver.

  The sub looks like it has different level inputs, for connecting to the receiver.

  Nice find, some Salvos stores are great, others are really over priced!

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  Geekomatic on 29/05/2015 - 21:17

  +1

  I have a Pioneer VSX-920k w/LAN. Bought it from work a few years ago & really have been happy with it. I currently have it hooked to my Audioclubs but want to hook these Avant babies up & hear what I hear!

  Any clue as to the manuals? It's kind of weird that a higher-end place would bury or desert their own highly-thought-of products?

  Get this- I happened to walk into my local Salvo's near closing (I go every week as I take my daughter for music lessons down the street) & I spot these. I immediately check online- though I can see they're of a high quality. A guy walks up & says, "are you taking them?"— yep! You bet! The guy who works there says they've just come in! Score! Being late, I generally lose out. So grateful!!!

  The total for the set (sans power lead & speaker wire)?

  $30!!!!

  Good grief. These places need to employ people who know what the value is of the stuff they take in! I, generally, over-pay the total because of it— it's nutty.

  So yeah, a very nice set of pristine speakers for $30. Crazy.

  Still- they deserve to be set up properly.

  Ta!

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    Bonsaichop on 29/05/2015 - 23:06

    Nice price!

    Doesn't suprise me you cant find manuals. I deal with a bit of vintage audio gear, though usually a bit older but the information available is usually from enthusiast groups that have scanned stuff in. Perhaps try audiokarma.org they may be able to help source a manual.

    Like i said before its pretty straight forward. If you need cable find a local jaycar, don't be fooled into foking out silly money on speaker cable and stick to a smaller gauge. Should not be paying more than $1/m. This would be perfect: http://www.jaycar.com.au/Wire%2C-Cable-%26-Accessories/Figur…

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      Geekomatic on 30/05/2015 - 00:44

      Hi Bon,

      I'm asking how to go about connecting from my amp to the stand/centre speakers? Amp has two wires out, speakers have 4. Do I simply run a 2nd set out of the amp?

      Ta.

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        Bonsaichop on 30/05/2015 - 01:53

        The four posts on the speaker should be two red and two black. They're designed so that if you wish you can connect each speaker in the speaker cabinet to a dedicated output on the amp.

        However the two red posts should have a brass coloured plate connecting them together. The same should be for the two black posts. If this is the case all you need to do is connect one red and one black to the amp. And you're good to go.

        Google 'bi-amping' to find out more about why there are 4 posts on the back of your speakers. But in short you dont have to use this feature to enjoy your speakers.

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  zally on 30/05/2015 - 04:34

  Hi, OP. The more relevant half, for home use, of the four post per speaker equation seems to be missing in the discussion above. Bi-wiring, as opposed to bi-amping does get easily confused even without wires being crossed!

  Talk of supposed benefits of each get very arcane, but I've found the simplest explanations of both techniques for you here: http://www.axiomaudio.com/tips_biwiring_and_biamping Scroll down a bit and just ignore the particular references to the Axiom speaker models mentioned. Simple and sane explanations for both bi-wiring and bi-amping and perceived or imagined benefits for each.

  For your setup and if you have spare lengths of cable not being used elsewhere, it is easy enough to try bi-wiring. I've never been able to notice a difference myself, but you might.

  Only 30 bucks. Sheesh. I'm not imagining my envy for your speaker purchase. Me a very jelly zally!

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    Bonsaichop on 30/05/2015 - 10:05

    Sorry * facepalm * you're right it's "bi-wiring".. had a long day :/

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  Geekomatic on 30/05/2015 - 23:45

  I don't understand an article that begins by extolling the virtues of bi-amp/wiring, only to then diss it's use in "normal rooms/domestic" settings? I mean, why would these speakers have the capability- when they're obviously designed for "normal" rooms & homes?

  I think I'll test it out by hooking one up the 914's as single & one as bi & see if this particular set of speakers produces any discernable diff in sound quality. My amp apparently supports bi-amp & also bi-wiring.

  Thanks all!