Hafler 300 opinions?

[Stickboy2k]

I may have the chance to get a pair of Hafler 300 floor standing speakers.
Not much out there on the interwebs regarding these but what is out there sounds like they are very good if you can aquire them.

Just wondering if anyone here has any personal experience and opinions on these to help me decide if I should nab them.
Thanks in advance!


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[fpitas]

Re: Hafler 300 opinions?

Not to be a Negative Nelly, but I'll state the obvious; old speakers often need TLC to work properly. The woofer surrounds may be in poor shape, for example. It may be difficult to get exact replacement surrounds, although most likely you could get something to work. The crossover caps may need attention, too.

Francis

[Stickboy2k]

Re: Hafler 300 opinions?

Ok, but assuming that the drivers are mint, and they seem to be, are they a good find?
I understand the risks but there is a potential benefit to taking a risk.

[djg]

Re: Hafler 300 opinions?

How much?

[johnastockman]

Re: Hafler 300 opinions?

Are they about 3-4ft tall with a sloped front? I do remember those, we got a couple pairs in at different times for service many years ago. The cabinets seemed to be well-constructed, sort of an old-school approach where the materials and construction was solid. I thought they could've benefited from some internal bracing, but I didn't get a chance to listen to them. Speakers that age almost always suffer from natural deterioration, mostly with the caps and the driver surrounds. Even with the best of care, the materials used in that time deteriorated anyway. There are places that can repair cones, voice coils, surrounds, etc., but because that endeavor is not a high-volume business, it can be fairly expensive from the outset. But it's the only way to preserve the original sound. Hafler made great products, legendary amps, so I would think a similar approach to speakers was used. The XO that's in there was worked up with those original drivers accounted for. Replacing drivers to get them to work with the stock XO is an exercise in frustration because no two drivers are exactly alike. The variables involved with driver characteristics/specs are different and unique enough that the odds of achieving even a similar SQ are too high to spend the money on a "maybe". Parts Express offers driver repair, so do these guys:

www.speakerrepair.com

They might even be able to help source NOS parts or drivers. I can't find much about the 300, or even pics. But just the cabinets alone might be worth it if the price is good. Let us know what you find out and if they're in great, useable shape.


John A.

[kenny_k]

Re: Hafler 300 opinions?

Found the manual, http://www.manualslib.com/manual/277456/Hafler-300.html .
Could it be a mltl?

[Stickboy2k]

Re: Hafler 300 opinions?

How much?

$100

[kenny_k]

Re: Hafler 300 opinions?

Can you see it before you buy?

[Stickboy2k]

Re: Hafler 300 opinions?

Can you see it before you buy?

Yes, I am sure I can, Probably can't listen before I buy.

[johnastockman]

Re: Hafler 300 opinions?

Found the manual, http://www.manualslib.com/manual/277456/Hafler-300.html .
Could it be a mltl?

Looking at the drawing on page 5, that looks just like what I remember. Sloped front baffle, MTM, rear port. I still haven't haven't found a photo, but I'll keep looking. Good find!


John A.

[johnastockman]

Re: Hafler 300 opinions?

Yes, I am sure I can, Probably can't listen before I buy.

Even a good visual inspection can show any deterioration with the cones or surrounds, or any discoloring, dents, etc. From that drawing I saw, looks to be a good, solid design.


John A.

[fpitas]

Re: Hafler 300 opinions?

$100 sounds like a good deal, even if they need some attention. The cabinets alone are probably worth that.

Francis

[djg]

Re: Hafler 300 opinions?

A bit Dayton 8ish.

[johnastockman]

Re: Hafler 300 opinions?

A bit Dayton 8ish.

Great pics, thanks. Definitely not small. Any idea of the production year(s)? Can't be very old...for $100, I'd buy them even if the drivers were damaged, just so I could have the cabinets.


John A.

[LongHorn64]

Re: Hafler 300 opinions?

I'm with John. The cabinets look pretty well built and are pretty darn snappy looking too. Certainly worth a hundred bucks just for the cabs. Me, I'd go all "Dayton" on them and buy the modern drivers. Just think of the driver possibilities. I'm fascinated by TL designs and hope to build one next. That looks like a really fun project, please keep us posted. All the best, Mike