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Definitive Technology Mythos STS crapped out... worth repairing?

Greetings... I dipped my toes into the world of higher end (?) audio eight years ago through a pair of Definitive Technology Mythos STS speakers. These speakers have integrated subwoofers and I loved the bass output and overall sound. But after dropping around $3000 CAD on them (at a time the CAD was at par with USD) the amp boards on both speakers failed after around eight years of relatively light use. Not that I'm bitter or anything...

Def Tech confirmed that replacement amp boards are unavailable. Their local authorized repair centre advised that a component level repair couldn't be carried out. Def Tech customer service has suggested that I send the amp boards to them for diagnosis and potential component level repair for a cool US$600 plus shipping (or a US$80 sucker charge in the event they cannot be repaired).

I am not impressed.

Are these speakers worth repairing under the circumstances? Has speaker technology has improved and/or gone down in price since I bought them (as have televisions, for instance)?

I liked the integrated subwoofers because I have no space for a surround sound system, although listening to music was my primary focus. But I am disappointed that they failed so quickly and equally disappointed with Definitive Technology's laissez faire attitude about the problem.

Any advice (including recommendations for potential replacements if not repair) would be greatly appreciated. I am not sure it's worth investing a further US$600+ to repair the speakers. But I'm also unsure what I might replace them with, budget permitting.

Thanks,

CRex

chuckasaurusrex

Showing 3 responses by jeffbij

Ag insider logo xs@2x
jeffbij
111 posts
 

Put the $600 plus into something else (and better).  Definitive's customer service has deteriorated since they were aquired by Sound United and then Masimo, especially for replacement parts.  I've got a pair of BP-10's that need replacement top caps  and were on back order for almost 9 months before I cancelled the order.  

There are a lot of better sounding speakers for music out there in the $800 to $1500 USD range (used) than the "lifestyle" Mythos line.  (The Mythos line was designed more as a home theater speaker than for music.)

 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
jeffbij
111 posts
 

@elliottbnewcombjr - Jason’s idea has one minor problem. A "standard" plate amp isn’t going to fit. You would have to build a separate box for the plate amp.  Unless OP can find a 3rd party to repair it, he is stuck having to deal with Definitive, especially if the board is fried.

Here is a link to pictures of the speaker.  (I tried to get pictures to post, but didn't work... sad)

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-VDTjd5WZ5rU/p_735MYTHSTS/Definitive-Technology-Mythos-STS-SuperTower.html

 

 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
jeffbij
111 posts
 

@chuckasaurusrex  -  Obviously, a large part of your decision is going to be based on how far you want to go, and what you are willing to do, in this endeavor.  You mentioned that you don't have room for a surround system, which makes me wonder if that includes a separate sub, or additional boxes for a sub amp?  Are you willing to modify the Mythos cabinets to bypass the internals to use any of the external repair methods suggested?  All are valid ideas and doable, but will still cost you several hundred dollars all said and done.)  

We all wish you luck and feel free to keep asking questions.  In the end, it's about the enjoyment you get from the hobby and the music.

- Jeff

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