Originally Posted by
DavidF
Not sure what you are asking but it seems you have two 4313 monitors, one with a bad midrange. You are contemplating installing a different model. Would that mismatch in midrange models "sound" different to the listener, even if he/she may not be sure if they are able to hear a difference?
I would say yes, very much so. The 4313 set up properly should have a very distinct soundstage with a focused center image (vocals meant to sound dead center would be dead center like one voice speaking in space between the speakers, as opposed to a large image vaguely between the speakers). Good imaging characteristics benefit from close performance matches on the two stereo drivers, especially important in the mid range where many localization cues are produced. Gross differences, and this is what would happen in using two different midrange drivers, will cause the image to wander and result in an unbalanced timbre and tone quality.
The LE5 and LE5-8,10 etc are different enough in performance to effect your decision. You may plug a different model LE5 and live with it if the stereo pairs are used for very casual listening, or in a setup where the pair can not be aligned for proper stereo effect (one box on the floor by the couch pointing one way, the other up on a shelf aimed 90 degrees from the other, sort of thing). If you have them oriented for good stereo sound, and you listen at sound levels that allow you to listen to the program material (not just soothing background sound), you should notice the difference. Try to replace or repair the original LE5, or replace both with the same LE5 variant. The latter is less than ideal but limits the damage of two mismatched drivers.
DavidF