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B&W and deteriorating Kevlar drivers

I have a pair of B&W 802N's purchased new when they first were introduced. Over time I had noticed a slight "card board" sound in the upper midrange that seem to grow over time. Just replaced the Kevlar midrange drivers and the distortion left........they need some break in time, but I think I solved the problem (not the cross overs). They certainly changed color over the years from yellow to almost orange. I would recommend the replacement of the midrange drivers if you have the original 800 series.

Anyone else have this experience?
angst0
angst0 OP
13 posts
 
Thanks for the comment. The speakers are in a sunny room, but not in direct sunlight. You can see pictures of the room and system in virtual systems. http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vevol&1262106902&view Humidity not unusual....Phila area.
layman
34 posts
 
I have experienced this. The aramid fibers (kevlar) in the main drivers do appear to "age" over time. They change color and I also noticed the "papery" coloration in the upper mid-range gradually become more pronounced over an 11 year period.
layman
34 posts
 
Aramid fibers such as kevlar degrade in ultraviolet light, so sunlight may be the culprit.
rhljazz
1,254 posts
 
I am curious if you always had the speaker grilles removed? I have not noticed any driver degradation or discoloration on the mid drivers but 99.9 percent of the time, I leave the grille covers in place. I get morning sun in the summer months but have shade screens and shutters on the windows to reduce the light.
angst0 OP
13 posts
 
yes, Rhljazz, the grills are removed. Thank you for your response, Layman. That is exactly what had happened. I have had the speakers at least that long. I'm glad I'm not as crazy as my friends think!
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