Cat damaged speaker, Help

You really do need to leap into action and do something about this. I'd suggest maybe something like Asian Barbeque sauce for marinade, then fire up the grill and maybe match your Toasted Tabby with some fava beans and a nice Chianti...

...then find a good spot in the backyard to bury the remnants of the little scratcher. and no headstone for him....

Cute, but you aren't helping me.

You might be able to have the driver repaired by having the surround replaced.

I'd try a little piece of tire tube patch (or other thin rubber) and rubber cement to seal the area... preferably to the back of the surround. Just pull the driver out to apply. Can't hurt to try it!

Talk to your speaker manufacturer. I looked at your system.... you should not need that KAB rumble filter.

Mickeyf...hilarious!!!

I would probably go with the silicone sealant or buy a bicycle tire patch kit and use the cement that comes with it.
I wouldn't add a patch because it may cause the woofer excursion to pull the voice coil to one side and/or change the compliance of the suspension. My cat tried to use the grille-cloth on my Altec's as a scratching post on two occasions. A stern "No!" was all that was necessary. The cat and the speakers remain in excellent health after 4 years of cohabitation.

I have in storage a pair of Dynaco A 50's with Seas drivers. I used a piece of tissue paper with a little adhesive on both sides the driver and it has held for over 14 years and counting. The tissue is very light unlike rubber, etc. You cannot throw the balance of the voice coils off or you will hear rubbing or worse.
Bill Legall at Millersound can replace it for you and he does a wonderful job. Google Millersound. Turn down your speaker volume on your computer the sound in the beginning could be loud.

All good advice to go with the silicone sealant. My dad had a TV repair shop (for all who remember those) and that is basically how he would repair a damaged speaker .. except back then it was contact cement glue (think model airplanes) with some toilet tissue paper. Worked like a charm once it dried.

By the way, the cat was just doing what cats do, which is why I use monitors placed on shelves inside of bookcases. The current two (Buster and Pattie Cat) leave my Opera Platea floorstanders alone since I purchased Felix Scratching Post . They really give this one a work-out, best $65 I have spent.

Rich

Rich

Speakers can be reconed locally .

Ponnie what type of adhesive did you use?

Not sure why you would want them reconed when the surround has a tear. I would contact the manufacturer and find out what a replacement would cost. 7" Scan speak drivers are avaialable from supply houses for around $160-$225 per driver depending on the model. I would expect the manufacturer cost to be about the same.

Put the grills on them.

speakers do not come with grills, manufacturer doesn't offer any!

I will try that recipe from the first response. Their is no love lost between me and my girlfriend's cat. Although her cat stays away from my speakers it terrorizes my little shih tzu which by the way is a better companion than that damn cat.

Your post caused me to investigate, just for fun. I used Parts Express for some old garage speakers, but yours are much nicer. I found a website that is interesting but I have not used them. They sell an adhesive just for this purpose as well as re-foam kits for many speakers.

http://www.simplyspeakers.com/speaker-repair-adhesive-mi-3035.html

Good luck.

Use the glue on the cat.

I sold a pair of Vandersteens many years ago after getting the "cat abused" grills replaced (by Vandersteen). Now THAT was a cat friendly speaker including the little "cat trampoline" on the top. I couldn't take having them ripped up again so I moved on to speakers less appealing to cats. A stern "no" to a cat? That worked? Really? When my current cat dies I'll reconsider Vandys maybe, although I prefer speakers with drivers I can see and remove for my own curiosity.

Agreed with Wolf garcia, the cats I have had might have jumped out of the way, but most assuredly gone back for more.

My cat has shredded my couch, but has shown no interest in scratching on anything else, including my Magnepans. She must sense somehow that she would get flying lessons if she ever messed with the Maggies!!

Silicone will add weight to that section of the surround(not much, but...), and silicone does not adhere well to neoprene anyway. Get some Super Glue/Krazy Glue/cyanoacrylate adhesive, and dab a TINY bit exactly in the center of the cut, with the tip of a toothpick(don't spread the cut). capillary action will carry the adhesive into the cut, and left alone for a few minutes, the repair will be complete.

Cyanoacrylate adhesive, used in minimal amounts, should work well. And for you guys who are suggesting destroying the cat.... you are cruel and crazy. If you have a pet, it's your responsibility to create an environment where they are nurtured and protected. Your cat or dog did not ask to live with you.... YOU decided to invite them into your home and your life. Be responsible !!!! I've had two cats and four dogs with my Vandersteens and tubes.... never any problems. There's enough crazy violence in this world already. Let's at least respect and take care of our pets !

Another vote for the super glue; a little dab with a tooth pic. I prefer the gel type which doesn't run.

Agree with Adam
There is a simple solution that seems to work well for Vandy and Magie or most any speaker owners
Pick up a spray can of Orange Citrus spray from Bed Bathe and Beyond and a couple plastic sandwich bags.
Spray a fair amount into the Baggies and tape each one to the low back side of the speakers.
You can also spray the base low section around the speaker as well.
Cats seem not to like the orange citrus scent but pleasant to most folks with 2 legs.
Cheers Johnnyr

One of many reasons a "no pets" listing is a must when buying a used speaker. If it were my speaker, I'd try to replace the driver. If I couldn't, I would let a shop repair it. Just send the driver.

When I had issues with a Legacy 20/20 tweeter, they repaired it for me free. Even sent out a box built to hold the tweeter correctly free

I suppose people incapable, or unwilling, to do(or learn to do) simple tasks for themselves, is what keeps our economy fueled(at least the repair/service sectors). Then again- there are A LOT of people out there, that should NOT be allowed to lift a hammer, plug in an appliance or squeeze a tube of glue! A good percentage of the money I've earned in my lifetime has been a result of another's ineptitude. There is great wisdom in the quote, "A man has GOT to know his limitations!" Sorry- just felt the need to use a 3rd Order Butterworth Alignment for a minute(venting).

None if this can possibly be true, all audiophiles live in a smoke free, pet free and child free environment.

And for you guys who are suggesting destroying the cat...

Adam18- Since you apparently don't understand the concept of hyperbole, here is what Webster said about it:
"the use of exaggeration as a rhetorical device or figure of speech. It may be used to evoke strong feelings or to create a strong impression, but is NOT MEANT TO BE TAKEN LITERALLY.
Hyperboles are exaggerations to create emphasis or effect."

Chill out, dude! (tongue in cheek, also a rhetorical device)

Adam. Do you want some cheese with that whine?

A barbecue and a bottle of Shiraz perhaps.

Haven't you people ever heard of, "declawing?" In 1978, my daughter got a cat for her birthday. It was declawed(front paws) immediately. After one incident, it was vigrously trained not to jump onto my turntable, and other audio gear. The cat's name was, 'Angel' and it was, for the next 14yrs(the perfect pet-literally).

Hey Swampwalker and Ecclectique .... If the "destroying the cat" comments were simply meant as hyperbole, then I will "chill out" as you suggest. However, it is quite unfortunate that many people do indeed end the lives of their pets or cause them major harm because of their inability in understand and properly modify their pets' behavior. My wife and I are very active with local animal shelters and pet adoption agencies (in fact, our two dogs now are puppies that we "rescued") and you guys would not believe the cruelty that many people show towards their pets. Yes, this is an audiophile forum, and not a place for discussing pet/animal related issues, but the above comments by Hosehead, Mickeyf, and Lloydc are totally inappropriate. I have personally seen the results of demented people who have actually "barbecued" their cats and dogs, put glue and other noxious chemicals on their pets, and have caused other types of disgusting harm to their animals. So, if you guys think these comments about pet destruction are only hyperbole, I hope you are correct. Unfortunately, there are many people who think these comments are very real.

So let's all sit back, relax, and enjoy the wonderful music as it's played back on our terrific stereo systems. Maybe, as Ecclectique suggests, with a nice glass of Shiraz in our hand and a puppy or kitty cat in our lap. Happy Listening.

Sorry, I just looked at this thread. I have repaired hundreds of speakers, here is a quick fix. Remove the woofer. Cut a piece of thin fabric to fit in the surround area and cover the slit from the rear of the woofer. Now find some old paint. Carefully open it without shaking it at all. Spoon off of the top a tablespoon or so of latex. Mix the latex with an equal amount of elmers glue all. Soak the fabric in this mix, then place on the rear of the surround. Turn your woofer over(top up) with one hand on the rear, position your cloth, while watching the front to pinch close your gash to cosmetically show the least damage. Once you get it set, let it it dry 24 hour before playing. It should hold up fine.
Good luck, Tim

Adam18 has "personally seen the results of demented people who have actually "barbecued" their cats and dogs". Really?..where do you live? Wow...also, your dogs are now puppies? Now THAT'S strange...

I think the insane act of "declawing" cats is illegal in most places these days, but it appears I don't get out enough. Damn...get me some Shiraz quick!

Adam18- I'm a dog lover (cats too... well maybe cat liker would be more accurate). I know that people commit unspeakable acts of brutality against their pets, (and/or their children, spouses, entire races), etc. I applaud your work w animal rescue. There was no question in my mind that those comments were, in fact, meant to be "humorous". I don't think anyone meant to push your hot button, but I also know that it's very easy to misinterpret "intent" via email, esp. given your experiences. I have a very black/cynical sense of humor but try to temper it a bit w a wink ;~). If you ever get to New England, look me up; I'll spring for a fine Shiraz and we'll listen to a few tunes.

Okay Swampwalker.......... All is cool. Thanks for understanding. And to all my Audiogon pals, let's leave this topic alone, and ya'll have a great weekend. Happy listening.

HEY, "wolf"- Look up a Vet on this declawing locator site: (http://www.localvets.com/services/declawing/) Ask them to educate you! I found twelve, in my neighborhoo, that are presently declawing cats.

Bob, I started to send you a private email but decided to go ahead and post this here for everyone. The best repair is one that will be permanent without adding mass to your cone. Much mass will change your qms. Although I doubt this minimal mass would be audible. Next, your repair needs to stay flexible so that the repair doesn't break during use.
I saw 4 repair idea's sorry if I missed one.
Silicone, tube repair, Cyanoacrylate adhesive and my mixture with a fabric patch.
Honestly they will all probably work. I don't know how Super glue type glues (Cyanoacrylate) will hold the tear in a moving surround, but his is the least mass. If it will work for sure, it is a good solution. The next lowest in mass is my fix. The idea is create a strong flexible glue. When you open paint that isn't mixed a clear fluid rises to the top, this is pure latex, Mixing this with Elmers Glue all gives you a fairly strong, but very plyable glue material. Fabric, gives the strength and backing to allow you to move the surround from the front and make the tear look as seemless as possible.
The silicone is heavier, but if it will hold without pealing off, it will work also. I would recommend you put it on from the rear as thin as possible.
The last is the innertube patch, It will be very strong, stick well and work, but will add the most mass to the cone. To do the best job, you will need to pull the woofer. If you are tying not to pull the woofer. I'd try the Super glue idea, by adding it to the torn edge only with a tooth pick, trying not to get any on the surround(you will see it)... and it won't come off.
Good luck, I hope this helps.
Tim

Timlub- Adding paint and fabric to a surround, will both stiffen and add weight to it, changing the Thiel/Small parameters. It's easy to, "fix" a speaker, so it continues to make sounds. Reconing is another option, but the vast majority of reconers, use aftermarket parts(ie: Waldom was the major supplier for decades), that DO NOT come close to OEM. To repair a speaker, and NOT change it's original sound/parameters, is a bit more involved.

Timlub- It seems we pressed the, "Submit" button, within seconds of one another, on those last two posts. Regarding cyanoacrylate and rubber: There are numerous kits available, that use neoprene, Nitrile, Viton, etc. and cyanoacrylate to allow one to make O-rings. These bonds are some of the most permanent/strongest, with this type of glue. Foam surrounds are another story altogether.

Hi Rodmann 99999, Glue and fabric won't add a half gram of mass and it is not on the cone. Final qts won't change by .01. This mass will not be noticeable. I agree with your last post, but Bob doesn't need an "o"ring. 25 or 30 years ago, I did recones, I built and repaired speakers. To make it clear, I do not want Bob to use paint at all, only clear latex skimmed off the top of un shaken or mixed latex paint. Hopefully Bob will have some old paint in the garage or basement. Bob would be making a very pliable glue. It would work great in this instance. I've patched several surrounds, if the tear isn't large, it will almost not be noticeable. Bob, in the end, you can only do what you are comfortable with. This is my best advice,
good luck, Tim

Seems like he fixed it a couple days ago. Pics and remedy used available here:

http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/speakers/messages/30/308451.html

Hello Tim- I did speaker reconing for a number of years(largest speaker repair service in Orlando, FL), before opening a High End shoppe, in Winter park, FL. I was building my own line of speaker systems(Pro and home), and still reconing/repairing speakers, when the Winter Park Sinkhole(1981) opened up 20' from my property line, and shut my doors. I'm still doing pro-sound repairs now, as a sideline. It doesn't take much material, added to a 6" driver's surround, to stiffen it & change the driver's sound. Whether most listeners would notice or not......? My point on Super Glue and rubber, in the O-ring kits, should have been obvious to even the meanest of intellects. All moot points, now that the OP has done his repair, and is pleased(KUDOS).

I appreciate EVERYONES contribution. I thought the cat jokes were cute but I didn't take them seriously. I repaired the speaker using Locktite super adhesive which specificly states is safe for all kinds of rubber. I only used 1 drop of the glue but it spread fast. I left a fan blowing on the speaker for 8 hours and played music through them after the 8 hours. It sounds no different from the other speaker. The repair doesn't look perfect, but it sounds wonderful. I wish the manufacturer made grills for the speakers though.

And Hello Rodman,
I have listed my experience in several other threads, not need to bore everyone here. I'm sure you were trying to substantiate your point by having the experience that you posted, then you know that I was speaking truth. I not trying to discount your experience. The only thing that truly bothers me about this forum is, you try to help someone, you give solid advice and someone else comes along and challenges your post when you have done it many times yourself. This is not directed specifically at you, it has happened in the past. I have experimented adding mas to several drivers, dozens, not two or three. Back in my SpeakerCraft/Marcof electronic days, we were designing drivers, I can give you a good idea of how much qms/qts changes on just about any size driver once I know the original cone mass and motor structure and how much mass is applied. I have found there are a whole bunch of people on this forum that have tons of experience and even though I'm an old timer, I continue to learn. Tim

(My point on Super Glue and rubber, in the O-ring kits, should have been obvious to even the meanest of intellects)
These comments don't need to be said.

I guess I'm wrong about the douchebags who declaw cats...I stand corrected.

Tim- You keep talking about, "mass." What part of, "stiffness"(changing a driver's compliance, Cms/Qts), do you not understand?

Hi Rodmann9999, I should have expected this response after seeing your last response, you got it, Let me know if you'd ever like to have a conversation. I have no time for this.