Thank you - I sincerely appreciate all the responses.
I have only basic knowledge of speakers so I wouldn't likely be comfortable doing anything on my own (even just swapping out one part for another). I'd love to learn more, but realistically I already have several other hobbies with little time to pick up a new one.
I wouldn't want to pick up a used pair (even for parts) because of the likelihood of the same problem recurring. The local repair shop said that because of the speaker design there is way to bypass the integrated amp,but I don't know if that is actually true.
I don't have a dedicated listening room and as space is a bit of an issue I'd prefer to stick with a two channel system for both music and movies - hence the appeal of the integrated subwoofers in the DT versions. Whether or not the bass they produce is "musical / natural" is an interesting question as I really have nothing to compare them against. I really did like the big bass sound (as well as the soundstage), but maybe I'm not that sophisticated a listener. I used the speakers with an Anthem I225 amplifier and an Oppo BDP-105 BR player.
I listen to a lot of 1970s and early 1980s funk and reggae, and the quality of the original recordings varies (especially with reggae albums). Bass and drum heavy music... My wife listens to other kinds of music and we inherited a huge vinyl classical music collection which we might try out some day as well, so I do still care about other genres.
I may see if there is some place reasonably local to me (ideally Greater Toronto Area) who could do the repair for significantly less money. I don't want to throw good money after bad. I might alternatively consider spending up to US$2000 for new speakers. Recommendations would be welcome in either scenario.
Thanks again.
Chuck
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
As a die-hard speaker builder i think the only reason to keep these speakers now is as a learning experiment. On E-bay they are running $1k. $600 for repairs seems like too much, and all the mods suggested above are great, if you are already a speaker hobbyist OR want to learn but none of them get you back to a simple life. Just how many wires and holes do you want to have running around here? I strongly suggest that your choices are either pay for repairs or decide to learn a lot more about speaker design and configuration, and be prepared to sink lots of money into these as you learn. :D A better path forward there is building a kit from Maidsound, Meniscus or Parts Express honestly. |
@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 |
could you simply go lows l/r lines out to this 2 channel class d amp, back to the woofers?
this ones in stock, and they have 1 open box version, clarify the warranty, from maker or from sweetwater https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/NX3000--behringer-nx3000-power-amplifier
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jeffbijI imagined something like a separate box or pair of boxes would be needed. OP says it is possible to pull the existing boards out of the speakers and ship just the boards to somebody for repair. IF they are the best sounding speakers ever heard in that space: Could buy a working used pair, and have spare parts to keep them going and going variations exist, I don't know much about them then keep an eye out for parts, get lucky find amp board in the future
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@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...
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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.)
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