This review dives into the world of vintage audio with a detailed examination of the Goodmans Mezzo SL speakers, specifically the Mark 1 version featuring the Sears HO872 tweeter. The author recounts their acquisition, highlighting the speaker's inherent charm and the unexpected journey to obtain them. Initial impressions reveal a bright, forward sound signature, prompting a closer look at the speaker's construction and components, including a robust 10-inch woofer and a simple crossover network. A direct comparison with other vintage speakers, such as the Dynaco A25s and A35s, follows, offering a valuable perspective on the Mezzo SL's unique sonic characteristics.The review explores modifications made to improve the speaker's performance, focusing on a simple resistor addition to mitigate the initial brightness. Subsequent analysis delves into the speaker's frequency response, highlighting its surprisingly deep bass, clear vocals, and refined treble after modification. Ultimately, the author provides a comprehensive assessment of the Goodmans Mezzo SL's value, sound quality, and overall listening experience, comparing it to other classic speakers while also suggesting potential future upgrades.
Pros And Cons
- Relatively inexpensive (around £40-£50)
- Good bass, deeper than comparable models, with a degree of freedom due to cabinet design.
- Nice vocal and instrument sound (piano, etc.)
- Vintage sound.
- Slightly bright sound, potentially harsh on the top end for some listeners.
- Grilles may be slightly warped due to age and the mesh being pulled tight.
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Acquisition and First Impressions
I recently acquired a pair of vintage Goodmans Mezzo SL speakers, the Mark 1 version with the Sears HO872 tweeter, for a reasonable price. The journey to pick them up was a bit of an adventure, adding to the charm of the whole experience. Upon initial listening, I noticed a bright sound signature, a bit forward in the mid-range and treble.
The speakers are front-ported, a detail I almost overlooked. The overall condition was decent, though I discovered some damage to the grills that would require attention later. The speaker's vintage charm is immediately apparent, and the build quality speaks to a bygone era of craftsmanship.
Inside the Goodmans Mezzo SL
A closer examination revealed a robust 10-inch woofer with a substantial surround and a large alnico magnet (though I cannot confirm this definitively). The Sears HO872 tweeter is a prominent feature and was considered a high-quality component in its time.
The crossover network is simple, comprising a coil, two capacitors (2.2µF and 5µF), and a 10-ohm resistor. The internal damping is accomplished with thick foam padding. The rear panel is equipped with banana plugs for easy connectivity.
Sound Comparison and Adjustments
I compared the Goodmans Mezzo SLs to my other vintage speakers: the Dynaco A25s and A35s, and a pair of similar Solar Vox speakers. The Goodmans were noticeably brighter than the others, a characteristic that some might find appealing, others might find fatiguing. To mitigate this brightness, I added a 2.2-ohm resistor in series with the tweeter.
This simple modification significantly improved the sound balance, resulting in a warmer, less aggressive presentation. While the addition of the resistor slightly dampened the high frequencies, it enhanced the overall listening experience.
Bass Performance and Overall Sound
The Goodmans Mezzo SLs boast a surprisingly deep and impactful bass response, even surpassing that of the Dynaco A25s despite having a similar-sized woofer. The bass is more free and less boxed-in than the Dynaco A25s, likely due to the cabinet design and porting. This speaker's bass response is almost on par with my Dynaco A35s, which have a larger cabinet.
Vocals are clear and well-defined; the mid-range is pleasant and relatively smooth. While the treble is bright initially, with the resistor modification, it becomes refined and less spiky. The overall sound signature leans towards the vintage realm, and the listening experience is characteristic of classic British speakers.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The Goodmans Mezzo SLs are excellent vintage speakers offering a unique and satisfying listening experience. At the price point (£30-£50), they are a strong contender for audiophiles seeking a classic sound. The inherent brightness can be easily tamed with a simple modification, transforming the audio output into a balanced and enjoyable experience.
While they don't reach the level of refinement of high-end modern speakers, they deliver a compelling and characterful sound. Compared to other speakers, such as the Dynaco A25 and A35, the Goodmans provide a deeper, freer bass response, but the Dynaco A35s offer slightly more detailed highs. Consider recapping these speakers for an even better sonic experience; I will be recapping mine in the near future. Overall, they offer an exceptional value proposition and are highly recommended.