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Kef Reference Tweeters-Ferrofluid Replacement


It took me three months to build up the courage to replace the Ferrofluid oil in my Kef tweeters.
There were several good videos on the internet how to go through the process, one in particular out of Texas. 
There were no videos or instructions which directly related to my specific speakers; Reference 3~2.
They are ~ 20 years old and I noticed that the highs were muddy and dull in the right speaker.
I run a Cardas Frequency Sweep record every 6 months or so.  The tweeter issue was noticeable during this maintenance procedure.
No replacement speakers (tweeters) are available from Kef or anywhere on the internet, so one wrong move and the speaker system would be worthless.  I felt like I was performing brain surgery.

First speaker took ~ 3 hours.  Second about 30 minutes.
I am happy to announce that the 'oil change' was successful!
The speakers are back to full factory operating specifications.
I've attached a link with some photos below.
If anyone needs to perform this procedure I can help walk you through the process.

Take care,
Lou
https://photos.app.goo.gl/qt1ZUPk8jF1QNkUu6

quincy

Showing 2 responses by skidpalace

skidpalace
2 posts
 

I am very disappointed to have attempted to revive my SP1353 tweeter only to find it completely dead. I never thought to check the impedance before I started. I don't know if it was dead already or if I killed it trying to replace the ferrofluid.

It doesn't work at all. No impedance at all on the meter. 

After I changed the fluid, I noticed that the silk dome diaphragm has started to separate from the plastic ring. It seems both of the leads are still attached to the posts, but the signal is not getting through. 

I don't know if I should buy some new domes and rewire or just go a different route to replace the tweeter(s).

Any ideas on repairing or replacing?

skidpalace
2 posts
 

My speakers are Reference Series Model Ones. I bought them from a consignment shop in pristine condition knowing they might need the ferrofluid replaced.

I was elated to hear they they sounded great when I hooked them up. It didn’t take long before the left speaker lost definition. I figured no big deal, I will replace the fluid. All went as planned except there was no sound whatsoever when I went to test the “repaired” tweeter. After checking impedance (which I should have done before the repair), I got nothing. I do not know if I damaged the fine wires connecting the voice coil while cleaning it or if they blew prior to the repair.

As of now, there is no continuity between the leads of the tweeter. Also after rebuilding the tweeters, the VC/dome has completely separated from the speaker and floats free, levitated by the ferrofluid.

I purchased replacement domes off eBay and will now need to learn how to install them. Any tips on glue type to secure the diaphragms?

 

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