Speaker Asylum: Simply Modified Radio Shack LX-5's w/cheap subwoofer blow away anything under $1500/pair by -3db

Dear Moderator,
Sorry for the long subject;
Everyone else,
But, here is the scoop: One MaxiPad, plus four one inch pieces of straw in the left port. It took, get this, including finding the supplies & screwdriver: 15 minutes. The detail compared to stock is amazing; there standing in my living room is Loreena McKennitt. Yes!
The speakers now very slightly emphasize the highs instead of being bright, and the sound staging, microdynamics, and detail in the midrange are nothing less than amazing. The tweeter is excellent: great detail without ever sounding etched or strident.

So the Mod (note this is on Model II's), the brand new ones have a single center port, but stuff it with straws just the same.

1) Cut four pieces of big(black - from an espresso place free) plastic straw each one inch long. tape 'm together, and press gently into the left port.

2) Unscrew the four screws that hold on the back terminal block (keep'm in a secure location). Stuff into the hole one - Regular or extra Heavy MaxiPad.

3) Rescrew the screws into the terminal block- note, you don't even have to disconnect the speaker cables-note; do turn off your amp.

4) listen and marvel, hear things you have never heard before:

Note: this incredible mod took 15 minutes, including finding the screwdriver, taking the black plastic straw out of a friends espresso cup, asking the Lady of the house for two MaxiPads, and completing the above, total, start to finish. Yes.

Does this mean you paid too much for your speakers; maybe who knows. I perhaps am just still amazed. Yes the speakers to begin with were too bright. Yes running them with the Passive subwoofer makes a big difference. So, what is my evidence in experience. So, a week ago I was in Hawthorne stereo in Seattle shopping for a friend. she found Mirages for $300 a piece not near as good. nht's, $500 a piece not quite as good. Finally only some efficient new Canadian wedge speakers, 3#'s with the woofer plug like the old Naim's for $2300 were actually better. So..... anyway, I paid $88 for the LX-5II's, and $50 for the Radio Shack passive subwoofer (matching), and I am just delighted. If this gives you ideas or something, then I am happy, if this is a possible cheap system for your kids, or your den/office/shop, then I am happy.

Good Luck,
Sincerely,
-3db

PS: we listened mostly to classical, and acoustic music
CD; Sony DVP-S550D cd/dvd player, direct to Sherwood S-6040CP 100watt MOSFET, cables all Monstercable, so out of all midfi, great sound. Yes!