View Full Version : FS/... IMF Super Compact Speakers (restored)
My lovely IMF's are up for grabs. Cabinets, xovers and main drivers(Kef B200) have been restored/ replaced. Elcap caps in xovers, and 2 kef main drivers. Look and sound great, and only for sale as I have too many speakers tbh so some will have to go. They are REDUCED to £180 including delivery ..I have new carboard so will custom make boxes if needed so they are safe.
These don't come up very often ......
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From the website......
With the Super-Compact, enclosure size is sufficient to accommodate the use of a bass unit with a free air resonance around 25Hz. The drawing illustrates the resistive loading conditions which, whilst not impairing the exceptional bass response, damps the system against 'cone weave' from unwanted subsonic signals The mid-range is isolated in its own short transmission line and this unit along with the tweeter is similar to those we used in our Studio TLS 50 and ALS 40 loudspeakers.
The decision was also made to adopt the same complex and expensive crossover and mirror image configuration as in these larger models. This results in two important advantages. The in-line crossover network has been developed as a no compromise optimum filter for the drive units employed and as such, provides the minimum of colouration and thus the maximum sense of acoustic transparency. Secondly, it ensures that the phase and dispersion characteristics of the SuperCompact are substantially identical to those of the TLS 50 and ALS 40. Thus all three models are compatable for four-channel applications. Research demonstrates that dissimilar loudspeakers cannot be used for four channels any more than unmatched speakers are acceptable for stereo. Even choosing all loudspeakers from the same manufacturer is no guarantee of compatibility unless the speakers have the same phase relationship throughout the range and a substantially similar integrated performance. With an eye to the future, IMF in their Super-Compact have ensured this compatibility and anticipate that many of these speakers will compliment IMF Studio or ALS 40 loudspeakers for rear channel information. Meanwhile the prospective customer can purchase now without .fear of pending obsolescence.
We have said very little about the sound of Compacts, which in a way is a good thing for both have little of the obvious 'hi-fi' qualities about them. Low frequencies are remarkably extended for their enclosures sizes, but are smooth and free from the exaggerations of 'one note bass'. The middle and top has a sense of 'sheen' and continuity - rather than the sound of multiple speakers working in a box. Although of moderate efficiency, such is the freedom from distortion and colouration, that listening at low levels as well as high, gives a sense of balance that reveals all that is worthwhile over a wide variety of programme sources. The speakers are worthy of the best amplifiers and indeed the finest ancilliary equipment. We invite you to audition the IMF Compact II and SuperCompact loudspeakers against others beyond their size category.
NOMINAL SPECIFICATIONS
SUPER-COMPACT
Dimensions
18" x 11" x 11 3/4" wide; 46 cm x 28 cm x 30 cm
Frequency Range
30 Hz 20 kHz
walpurgis
23-06-2015, 09:32
Not many of these about. Certainly not in that condition. They have the more desirable EMI midrange unit too, with the non perishing surrounds. Nice!
some closeups of the drivers
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/23/c0a93026d0d9767c8a34c768c6ecc767.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/23/78e9547cd90676d9269be08b3f388c07.jpghttp://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/23/fb43334d3d69459fb345096453c0c45e.jpg
Floyddroid
23-06-2015, 13:48
These are flippin good. I used to have a pair. These should fly out of your door.
My lovely IMF's are up for grabs. Cabinets, xovers and drivers have been restored/ replaced. Elcap caps in xovers, and 2 kef main drivers. Look and sound great, and only for sale as I have too many speakers tbh so some will have to go. They are on sale here first at £200 plus P&P if needed at cost ..I have new carboard so will custom make boxes if needed so they are safe.
These don't come up very often ......
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/jprVAi.png
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I've still got to rebuild the refoamed drivers back into the Compact mk1's next time I visit Hifi Dave, who's storing them for me. I'm hoping they'll sound ok, cone tweeter and all...
I had a pair of these a while back but in much poorer condition.
used the b200s as replacements in a pair of celef (remember them?) domestics then junked the cabs.....didn't realise at the time how desirable they are!!!
good luck.
NIGE.
Really nice speakers, yes, thanks Steve & Nigel. I have made a base box for them so they can now be couriered safely in one package which should save on postage;
As said they don't appear like this often, and at this price, so if you fancy some classic speakers then don't hesitate too long:)
quick bump for these crackers....
bump up. these are advertised elsewhere too now.
bump....interest elsewhere:eyebrows:
With my new project on its way I will reduce these for now to £180 plus postage if needed.
Firebottle
02-07-2015, 05:36
I'd be interested if I 'needed' more speakers.
I'm sure they won't hang around long Grant.
Anyway you live far too far away :doh:
Haven't they sold yet? Come on guys, they're really good!
Cheers Alan, and David. Nope no interest at moment for some reason. Maybe over the weekend.:scratch: Obviously not one of the known flavours these days I guess :)
IMF disappeared in the late 70's and I believe the story was that TDL was set up to make drivers for them originally. IMF folding left TDL with a good range of drivers and nothing to put them into, so some cabs and crossovers were designed and John Wright, formerly MD of IMF, took the helm and TDL was then a manufacturer of fully assembled loudspeakers. I hope I have it correct.
I blame the demise of IMF as a partial; fault of Linn and Naim, the fruitbox having a less than accurate or accomplished bass even with a lean toned Grace 707 and Supex 900. Naim amps have - or had - a high (by ss standards) output impedance I understand and although the mk2 versions of the TLS50 and 80 sounded ok with bolt-up era Naim, the earlier ones sounded heavy and well over-ripe in the very low (pressure wave frequencies) bass most 'flat earth' speakers didn't know anything about.
Just my views of course. Even KJ, a staunch supporter of IMF through most of the 70's, abandoned the brand later on, the then new KEF R105 and B&W 801 getting far more attention, even if neither worked well with most domestic amps due to lack of power to row them along.
walpurgis
03-07-2015, 14:56
Yes. A landmark name IMF. Some of the most iconic designs of the time, that can still sound great today. I always wanted a pair of TLS80s.
Cheers all....there are very hard to find now and these are a pretty good price for such a nice pair; always nice to have a nice pair around the home:eyebrows:
brian2957
05-07-2015, 21:13
If you're still coming over on Tuesday you could bring these over for a listen Grant :eyebrows:
Yup, still planning to Brian, barring outside influences .......dare say I could get them in the boot somehow.:) ...got a couple of Gary's cd's too
brian2957
05-07-2015, 21:30
Be good to hear them mate.
No bother. I will do my best or would you rather hear the jmlabs I have Brian. They are real nice speakers too
brian2957
06-07-2015, 07:04
Whichever suits Grant . I was thinking about the IMFs because you're selling them and a little feedback from the troops may go a long way :)
Please don't hurt yourself lifting these though , I'm sure I can hear these at your place the next time I'm over mate so it's not desperate that you bring them . Just bring yourself in one piece Grant :lol:
final bump for these then.
These are for sale at the wrong time for me. I'd like to try this sort of speaker down the line sometime.
These are for sale at the wrong time for me. I'd like to try this sort of speaker down the line sometime.
Always the way lol. Fancy a pair of nice actives for my pc upstairs so trying to move a couple of sets unsuccessfully. Not to worry Simon, the way things are going I will be keeping them . they wont come to any harm at moment, but the temptation is to put on the bay
walpurgis
08-07-2015, 22:11
the temptation is to put on the bay
They would definitely sell. Not many about in that sort of good condition.:)
Another bump I think for these and price drop to £175 plus P&P at cost(probably £20/25)
Might be interested in swapsies. whyg
Jerry should buy them for his newly purchased Crown D-60 - match made in heaven at the time :)
Jerry should buy them for his newly purchased Crown D-60 - match made in heaven at the time :)
Deffo David ;) . Still available, and I will give a reduction if someone picks them up and saves me the packing:eyebrows: Trying hard not to go to evilbay
Bump..... make me a reasoned offer. or swap me something' I could do with the room.
What ,,, no offers either??? sad world....looking like I will have to keep em
Took me a while to find this lol. This is a great set of classic speakers for the money. I will do them for £180 including delivery.... I'm losing a fortune folks :)
bumperooney. can still do em for £180 delivered for now.
Very retro looking. I seem to remember this maker, but never heard the speakers themselves.
I've just realised I already have 3 pairs of speakers.....how the hell did I manage that :(
Hoping to be into single figures soon:eyebrows:
Looks like I'm keeping these.... :) Never mind in another few years folk will wish they bought them :lol:
Final reduction. This week only £170 delivered uk mainland. I need a bit of space with my new speakers about to come out of the factory:eyebrows:
walpurgis
22-09-2015, 12:01
Surprised they've not gone yet Grant. They have the same tonal balance as the big IMF monitors. Good speakers and rare.
(you won't need furniture soon. you'll have enough speakers for everybody to sit on! :D)
Yup they are gonna go onto ebay at a higher price i think. They are in fab condition
brian2957
22-09-2015, 15:27
I've heard most of Grants refurbished speakers and can confirm that they all sounded fantastic are were finished to a very high standard . So much so that I bought a set from him . I did have some trouble deciding which pair to take home with me .
These are a bargain at this price :)
GLWTS Grant .
Well no one is interested...must be too cheap;)
one last try b4 ebay....some fresh pics ..Tonight's price £150 delivered...
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Still £150 delivered, so thats like 120 for the speakers folks....I'm giving them away
brian2957
16-10-2015, 20:54
Cracking speakers , I had trouble deciding between these and the big Tannoys I bought off Grant a few weeks ago .
GLWTS
Hmm. I'm giving some thought to this. Not sure I can afford them but I'm giving it done thought. Which is a wishy washy of saying I'm umming and ahhing about snapping these up.
I'll leave them up for a few days, then I'm gonna strip them for parts I think. Could do with the room, and the parts are worth as much as the sum lol
:carrot::carrot::carrot::carrot::carrot::carrot::c arrot::carrot::carrot::carrot::carrot::carrot::car rot::carrot::carrot::carrot::carrot::carrot::carro t::carrot::carrot:
Yay! These will be replacing some mordaunt short pageants
Just finished boxing them up. They look a fair bit bigger than they are now
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/17/ce6f14c64b49af4298c68efc56da4c15.jpg
MarginWalker
17-10-2015, 13:05
Glad these found a home rather than being stripped for parts. Hope you enjoy them, Peter.
Shipping booked Peter..will pm you the details
All I can add, is that the damping factor/output impedance of the amp will be crucial for best bass performance. Get these right and you'll have a wide, deep soundstage of great clarity and natural in timbres (that mid driver design in both rubber and foam surround versions is bloody good in the way IMF used them). Get the amp wrong and the bass will 'bloat' and swamp the mids.. Also and preaching to the converted perhaps, but 20" stands and positioning them a good few inches from a back wall is recommended too.
All this IMF talk made me get my Compact mk1's restored. Similar midrange standard to the Super Compact but a more forward balance. The difference between say, the cap-coupled Quad 303 and the 'period and recommended' Crown D-60 is very marked, the latter far better reproducing bass instruments and timbres, the Quad reducing it to an ill-defined noise in comparison (the track that immediately showed it was 'Lie To Me' by Depeche Mode - later remastering).
Hope Peter likes them
walpurgis
17-10-2015, 14:24
Yay! These will be replacing some mordaunt short pageants
Totally different type of sound with the IMFs. More authoritative and punchy than the Pageant II (which I also like a lot). These are good speakers. You'll have fun with them.
(and yes, I have owned a pair amongst the hundreds of speakers that have passed my way)
Sorry to hijack. Here's my driver-restored pair of original Compacts. Same mid driver (Elac? version) and now sounding better than ever for my needs in their compromised position...
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q8/DSJR_photos/IMF%20Compact%201_zpsbnkkqc9t.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/DSJR_photos/media/IMF%20Compact%201_zpsbnkkqc9t.jpg.html)
At hifi_dave's place -
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q8/DSJR_photos/SP_A0035_zpsarfwknxb.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/DSJR_photos/media/SP_A0035_zpsarfwknxb.jpg.html)
In situ on Celotex blocks -
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q8/DSJR_photos/DSCF0051_zpspni6uxhi.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/DSJR_photos/media/DSCF0051_zpspni6uxhi.jpg.html)
Sorry to hijack. Here's my driver-restored pair of original Compacts. Same mid driver (Elac? version) and now sounding better than ever for my needs in their compromised position...
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q8/DSJR_photos/IMF%20Compact%201_zpsbnkkqc9t.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/DSJR_photos/media/IMF%20Compact%201_zpsbnkkqc9t.jpg.html)
At hifi_dave's place -
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q8/DSJR_photos/SP_A0035_zpsarfwknxb.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/DSJR_photos/media/SP_A0035_zpsarfwknxb.jpg.html)
In situ on Celotex blocks -
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q8/DSJR_photos/DSCF0051_zpspni6uxhi.jpg (http://s132.photobucket.com/user/DSJR_photos/media/DSCF0051_zpspni6uxhi.jpg.html)
Nice one David...think my mids are emi's.
walpurgis
17-10-2015, 15:05
Nice one David...think my mids are emi's.
So are Dave's.
As is the tweeter, which should not be underestimated. Those little cone EMIs actually sounded surprisingly good.
So are Dave's.
As is the tweeter, which should not be underestimated. Those little cone EMIs actually sounded surprisingly good.
Yes it looks like my one on zoom..tweeter and bass are different and cabs are smaller and with a tube port. Dont think mine would sit on a desk
Sorry, I thought the mids were Elac as the crinkly doping is similar, but nice to know these were EMI ones instead. The EMI oval drivers with twin cone tweeters set within them were very highly thought of I recall.
Ah, so the Super Compacts are bigger? Such a long time since I last used these and I came too late for the Compact first time round...
Wont be hugely bigger but a little bit..think they are 18" by about a foot both ways.
walpurgis
17-10-2015, 15:34
The EMI oval drivers with twin cone tweeters set within them were very highly thought of I recall.
Those were the ones sold in vast quantities to DIYers by Laskys and G W Smith of the Edgware Road in the seventies. They were called 'Set 350'. Sometimes with two paper coned tweeters or one across the front. There was also the 'Set 450' which had a tiny magnet, plain corrugated cone surrounds and two plastic coned tweeters (they were crap).
Totally different type of sound with the IMFs. More authoritative and punchy than the Pageant II (which I also like a lot). These are good speakers. You'll have fun with them.
(and yes, I have owned a pair amongst the hundreds of speakers that have passed my way)
Yeah. I'm looking forward to giving them a go. See what they do in my system. I've heard these type of speakers. So, fun sounds good.
walpurgis
18-10-2015, 09:00
Yeah. I'm looking forward to giving them a go. See what they do in my system. I've heard these type of speakers. So, fun sounds good.
Give us a report on your findings once you get them Peter.
brian2957
18-10-2015, 11:41
:popcorn:
Indeed. I'll let you know how it sounds. It will be excellent, I'm sure.
Hi Peter,
I used to sell loads of these IMF Super Compact speakers in my miss spent youth days in the '70s at KJ. DSJR is right they do have a slightly different balance (slightly more extended LF which IMHO makes them sound less forward than the Compacts ) to the IMF Compacts which I owned at the time but both respond well to a careful choice of amp. They seemed to work well with the A&R A60 of the day and came alive with Crown amps.
They are great speakers and I hope you enjoy them. My sense is John Wright at IMF was one of the best speaker designers, certainly of his day and IMHO maybe one of the all time greats.
Looking forward to hearing your views.
regards
Chris
walpurgis
19-10-2015, 09:20
They seemed to work well with the A&R A60 of the day. Chris
Not one of my favourite amps the A60, but I have to agree. It does pair well with the IMFs. As do the earlier Audiolab efforts.
Well, I use a WD KEL84 integrated amp. We'll see how they work together this week, with luck.
Thats them on their way.... Should be there tomorrow.
Well, I use a WD KEL84 integrated amp. We'll see how they work together this week, with luck.
Not sure if i used them with my wad or not...memory not great these days ..lol.. They do like a bit of driving and were very good with my Yaqin kt88.
Thats them on their way.... Should be there tomorrow.
Excellent! I'll be working from home so should be in to receive them. :)
IMF's as a breed had pretty benign impedance loads of around 8 ohms right across the board. be warned that a transformer coupled valve amp will have next to no damping factor and in the IMF's case in particular, this may change the bass reproduction slightly - my Compacts don't like the Quad 303 for example when wide ranging percussive electronic stuff is played (oh alright, Depeche Mode from recent masterings :rolleyes:).
Good luck...
I was latterly using a proart monoblock (classD)as a stereo amp with them. Sounded very good .....
Blimey. Still on the first song. Definitely an improvement over the Pageants! :eek:
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