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During the seventies and eighties, either planned obsolescense, poor engineering, or short-sightedness caused speaker manufacterers to use a type of rubber surround for drivers that deteriorates with age. Perhaps you have a pair of speakers that show the classic grainy, dirty looking speaker surrounds or maybe even have holes in them already. I got a pair of old Advent Heritage speakers from a guy for free because the surrounds were shot. The previous owner tried using silicone caulk to stave off the inevitable to no avail.
For about ten bucks a driver, you can replace the foam surrounds if you have some patience and determination.
There was a time when the quality of a manufacturer's equipment was what determined their success, rather than the amount of money they spend on advertising. While those days are past, much of this aging Hi fi equipment can be found on craiglist or freecycle for a song. At best, they are ready to go with a little dusting. Sometimes, however, the drivers need to be refoamed. Would you like to get started?
Rock on!
For about ten bucks a driver, you can replace the foam surrounds if you have some patience and determination.
There was a time when the quality of a manufacturer's equipment was what determined their success, rather than the amount of money they spend on advertising. While those days are past, much of this aging Hi fi equipment can be found on craiglist or freecycle for a song. At best, they are ready to go with a little dusting. Sometimes, however, the drivers need to be refoamed. Would you like to get started?
Rock on!
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Obviously you will need an old pair of speakers. The foam surround kits are not inexpensive so make sure you are getting a decent pair of speakers to begin with. Also the paper cones should move freely and they should still make sound when played. All the drivers should play. If they have been energized a lot with the surrounds damaged, the voice coil could be abraided away, shorted out, etc. Those should be avoided because I don't think that's an easy fix. Today we are working on a pair of Advent Heritage speakers. They are not the classic Advents and were produced after Jensen bought the company and ruined it. However these speakers, despite, their shortfalls, sound really good to my ears. The cabinets are pecan and clean up really well.
Materials:
Screwdriver
Razor blade, hobby knife, or scalpel
Stiff brush or toothbrush
Can of air
Speaker refoam kit http://stores.ebay.com/GeoAli-Vintage-Stereo-and-More
The kit I purchased included the glue, paint brushes, shims, speaker edges, and instructions.
Wood care products of choice (I'm using Howard's Restore a Finish and orange oil cleaner)
Clamps, c-clamps or the like if you have beauty rings to clamp into place.
Hair dryer or heat gun if your speakers have vanity rings around the basket ring.
Materials:
Screwdriver
Razor blade, hobby knife, or scalpel
Stiff brush or toothbrush
Can of air
Speaker refoam kit http://stores.ebay.com/GeoAli-Vintage-Stereo-and-More
The kit I purchased included the glue, paint brushes, shims, speaker edges, and instructions.
Wood care products of choice (I'm using Howard's Restore a Finish and orange oil cleaner)
Clamps, c-clamps or the like if you have beauty rings to clamp into place.
Hair dryer or heat gun if your speakers have vanity rings around the basket ring.
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Thanks
Beauty rings ---again
After I refoam I put the rings back on covering the edge of the foam where it was glued - correct.
It looks like they hold the foam in place - but I know its the glue.
BR
i dont know what they are called either. not many speakers have them now (not the cardboardy one anyway) i dont think they even have a official name so beauty rings they shall be :-)
Rock on.