Cat damaged speaker, Help

First, do no smarm.

When I moved in with my gf a few years ago her cat peed on my Vienna Bach speakers...creepy but harmless (the incident, not the speakers which I sold anyway due to midrange congestion). Also peed on a Les Paul guitar case that to this day carries a hint of that incident. The favorite speaker for cats has to have been my old Vandersteem 1Bs which were designed not only for music, but clearly for cats to entertain themselves...cat friendly clawable covers, little cat trampoline rest area on top...had those repaired and sold. Now we remain catless and happy.

Adam18.. I was simply pointing out that a stereo is better off kept away from pets. Having a garage to keep a NEW car in is also more advantageous. Sorry if I've offended you, but maybe anyone over 45 that still has to have a job in this country is an insult to me. Happy listening.

Moderator..... please close this thread. The ridiculous argument between Stereo5 and Polk432 is an insult to all of us !

stereo5, How can I be an ass? Unless parking a car outside is better for a car than having it in a garage. If you can't afford a big enough lot, then maybe you are spending money in the wrong places. If you want to know who the real as is... just look in the mirror.

If the alternative to having a home or being in a shelter or left outdoors to whatever is declawing, the cat/kitty will chose declawing most everey time.
I have two females and they don't mess w/ the gear. Of course it took time and effort to get them to realize that wasn't the way to peace and happiness.
Btw, some nites I don't sleep and just stay up and I can say for certainty most cats will adopt to your hours. They seem to lose the nocturnal thing or I should say each cat/kitty I've had has gone this route.
No dogs for me. Have had dogs and they arn't what I want from an animal. And to each, there own.
My Brooklynne is so special to me that I do volunteer work at the shelter where she came from. It's the least I can do.

TOUCHE

02-25-13: Polk432
You don't care what happens to your car."

You are quite the horses ass. FYI, there isn't room for a garage on my property. My cars are kept in excellent shape, always washed and clean and waxed twice a year. For you to make that statement that I don't care about my cars because I don't have a garage speaks volumes about how ignorant you truly are. You really are an ass.

You don't care what happens to your car. Having a garage is just one way of being more responsible taking care of your car. I don't keep my stereo anywhere in the house where there is any traffic..again, just being carefull and keeping my things as nice as possible.

"Would you buy a new car if you didn't have a garage?"

I have bought probably 30 new cars in my lifetime between my wife and I and I have never had a garage. What's the point?

Ideally, you should, but not everyone has this luxury. That should not dictate whether you pursue your passion for high-end music reproduction or not. Nothing against animals, but should I become single again, pets (cats especially) would be a factor in my relationship choices. Pursuit of dedicated, high-end systems and owning pets just does not go well together. If you must have animals, get a fish tank...

Of cource you should have a seperate room for a stereo even if you don't have cats. Would you buy a new car if you didn't have a garage? I guess some would... Be nice to animals.

I like the idea of the shopping bags, probably easier to put on than the slip covers my wife made me. Thanks.........

Stereo5,
I wasn't going to chime in here since the thread was resuscitated long after you posted, but since you posted, I'd like to offer an advice and share my cat experience, which was similar to yours.

My girlfriend came with two cats, neither one declawed. When she moved in with me into my large studio apt in NYC, I asked her whether the cats would scratch my Totem Hawk speakers, which do not come with grills, and essentially have the same driver configuration as your Odysseys. She said no, and one of the cats of course tore a little "V" in the mid/woofer surround soon after. I wanted to kill the fcker and we almost broke up over it. I ended up using Shoe Goo to patch it up and it seemed to work very well. I then moved the speakers so that the drivers would face the wall every time I was doing listening, which was very tiresome. I then started using big paper shopping bags to cover the drivers. They are the type you get when you shop at the mall and fit nicely over the top of the speakers, and cats do not seem interested in that texture so they ignore it. Pretty? Hell no, but essentially free and very effective, and I could sleep soundly.

After that, I simply negotiated my own listening room when we moved into a new apartment, a compromise of sort - she gets to keep her cats, I get to get my own listening room where cats are not allowed. Every time I read a review or a post where people have their cats anywhere their equipment, like Sam Tellig from Stereophile, I cringe. There is no room for mistake here. My equipment is just too valuable to take any chance with cats (dogs might be a different thing perhaps). Once I experienced first hand what cats do at night when I had to share a small space with them in NYC, I will never let one anywhere near my stereo, even if declawed.

I repaired the woofer without incident and the cat hasn't bothered them since. He is now too fat and old to jump up on the speakers. And for the person who said to "get a life", all I asked was if anyone knew of a product to fix the speaker. Personally, I think you are a horses ass.

The op wasn't stupid. The direction just took a turn in the wrong direction. I own a cat and I own a dog. I'll never get another cat but I love this one enough to not care about the resale value of my equipment. She's not the greatest cat ever. She's not a lap cat etc. When she goes I won't replace her, however a day will not go by that I don't own a dog. If you see something up for sale from me, I will proudly state that I own a dog. It's wife, dog and then hi-fi for me. Then the kids. lol

This thread is so stupid, I want to get sick.

Replace your woofer, and keep your dam cat away from your system.

And get a life.

Lemmycaution,

A year and a half later, do you think he has figured out a plan of action for his dilemma?

Shakey

Oh I hate cats. Ive got my music room isolated from those claw devils. Cats seem to be vindictive. So if you punish them they will just get you back by tearing something up or using the bathroom in your bed. Tips on search criteria for new girlfried. Make sure she doesnt like felines if you value your stereo and sanity.

1 -Personally? I would have the driver repaired professionally OR I would replace the driver.

2 -Get the cat(s) a scratching post.

A nice, tall one covered in sisal. Give the cat(s) a cat treat when they use it. Leave a couple of treats on the top of the post so they fall off when the cat uses it and you're not home. It works. Be consistent

Make sure they have lots of toys.

I have two cats - they do not mess with my things.

Also try providing a system just for the cats so they are less tempted to disturb other systems.

Keep your system in a cat free room.

I also feel that Vets should not be performing speaker repair without proper training.

How did thisd post get off the subject of repairing my speaker and go to animal cruelty? The guy wasjkoking in one of the earlier threads. Lighten up people.

I would NEVER declaw a cat. Our cat is 8 years old. Our dog lasted 14 years and my wife and I miss him every single day. Animals as pets have given my wife and I great joy.

It was MY fault for not putting the slipcover over the speakers that my wife made for them. Had I done that, the cat wouldn't have hurt my speaker. It wasn't his fault.

Please end this thread.

Bob

I would like to address the "thousands of Vets, NATIONWIDE, that perform the operation daily":...you should be ashamed of yourselves as you are a disgrace to your profession.

Informationally, it is like cutting your fingers back below your nails, to the first joint. Many simply do not understand the severity of the process.

Many vets are against the practice. Tho, they realize the owner will simply go to the next vet. So, by refusing, the first vet only talked himself out of a gig, and did not save the cat. My vet does refuse to perform that procedure.

Iso- I'm not into animal cruelty in the least(OR Anthropomorphism). Angel was as much a compleat, frisky feline after, as it was before the procedure, minus it's capacity for shredding things. It was an indoor pet, and needed not to defend itself. Outside of feeding the neighborhood strays; I have had no pets, since Angel died(14 cat years=80 human years). To me; the issue is as dead as the cat. Perhaps you(or anyone else with something to say) would care to address the thousands of Vets, NATIONWIDE, that perform the operation daily: (http://www.localvets.com/services/declawing/) Happy crusading.

Rodman:... it was declawed (front paws) immediately.... and it was, for the next 14yrs( the perfect pet-literally). The cat was afraid to do anything wrong......... "what will they cut off me next time"?!!

Declawing cats is a cruel practice, and an amputation, as is debarking dogs. If one is too lazy to enforce some positive training, they should not have a pet. Cropping ears and docking tails (cosmetic surgery) is for the narcissistic owner. Animals should be left as intended ........ Au naturel

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.

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

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

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 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.

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).

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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).

Adam. Do you want some cheese with that whine?

A barbecue and a bottle of Shiraz perhaps.