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KEF 104/2 tweeters

Good afternoon everyone. I just picked up a pair of KEF 104/2 speakers on CL. They are fully functional and I currently have them integrated in my system (Parasound Halo preamp and Nakamichi PA-5 amp).  I am concerned about the tweeters (one is slightly dented) and the ferrofluid. I've read some DIY fluid advice and am contemplating doing the work.  However, I've also heard that these tweeters are not top quality.  I've considered replacing them all together with Morel MTD 30s buy I can't seem to find any.  I would like to find a direct fit so I don't have to retro fit anything. Not sure about other available tweeters.... Also, do you believe it's worth while to do the surrounds while I have it pulled apart. Or any other suggestions for how to rehab them?? Thank you much! 

icarus12

Showing 6 responses by ljgerens

ljgerens
161 posts
 
As georgehifi says the KEF T33 is a great tweeter. Once cleaned up and new ferrofluid applied it will be as good as new. It is a straightforward process. There are several online videos for the process and plenty of discussions on Audiokarma. The ferrofluid is readily available from Parts Express. 

As for the surrounds and donuts, it depends on which version 104/2 you have. The earlier version had rubber surrounds and foam donuts, so only the donuts may need replacing. The later version, which can be bi-amped, had foam surrounds and foam donuts, so both may have to be replaced. You can visually see the bottom woofer through the front port and check the condition of the donuts and surrounds.
ljgerens
161 posts
 
The ferrofluid is available from Parts Express. It doesn't take much. The ferrofluid comes in little tubes for different size tweeters. Each tube is enough for one tweeter. You need 2 tubes for 1 inch tweeters. They are about $6 each.
ljgerens
161 posts
 
I wouldn't get into the caps yet, there are a lot of them in the crossover. When you removed the front enclosure to access the tweeters, did you clean up the slip-on connecters and check if they have a good connection? If you didn't, I would check out those connectors first and make sure they aren't oxidized and they are all making a good connection. 

Also, visually are the midrange drivers all in good condition?
ljgerens
161 posts
 
The mid range drivers are an integral part of the enclosure and cannot be removed. You should be able to tell from looking at the front of them if there are any issues with them. 

Did the previous owner replace the foam donuts? Perhaps he connected up some wires incorrectly when putting everything back together.


ljgerens
161 posts
 
The bottom panel is not glued in. It is a very snug fit and can be difficult to remove. I read somewhere where someone used the spikes as leverage to remove the panel.

Did you decide that the trouble with your muffled sound is with the tweeters? Did you order the tweeters from Midwest? I am curious to hear what you think of the new tweeters.
ljgerens
161 posts
 
I am not aware of any sealant on the bottom panel, but I have never removed mine. I believe there is a gasket on the panel or the cabinet itself which may have softened over time and caused the panel to stick. 
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