Long Term Testing

I allowed this system to “burn in” for about a week prior to my listening tests. It is advisable to allow a system to “settle” before adding large amounts of audio signal. The sound signature did change somewhat getting a deeper forward sound stage and more defined low end. The high frequency response warmed up somewhat also. I also firmly twisted the volume Control back and forth testing if it would loosen up any. It stayed very tight having a nice weighted feel to it, similar to a volume control on a receiver. Speaker systems improve somewhat with time and I have no doubt this system would continue to warm up with further testing.


Modding Options

The first modding option I would suggest with this set is to pull the ST 4558 amp and install an OPA2134, OPA2227 or OPA2107. You could even install the LM4562NA. This would improve the sound quality and get rid of the high frequency shimmer or Gloss heard on some tracks. You could also replace the stock caps with Black-Gates. I would advise if you’re planning to add a new chip amp consider adding a DIP8 socket which would allow different opamps to be auditioned. Improving the quality of the speaker wire is also an advisable option. I would install spring clips for the wires on the satellites also.