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Speaker Non-Vertical Orientation - Maintenance/Movement

Looking for opinions as to whether or not one must avoid orienting drivers upward or downward.

Some years ago I owned a pair of JBL speakers and I recall the manufacturer specifically indicating in the manual that when moving the speaker, they should be oriented upright so as to not have the drivers facing upward or downward. In the case of the GET Triton's  I currently own, the manufacturer does NOT make this same recommendation. In fact the manual specifies that the base can be attached or detached by laying the unit on its side, and I've seen video of sock removal where the drivers are facing upward. 

Assuming one handles their speakers with care so as to not drop them into place or otherwise move them abruptly, etc., what are your thoughts about driver (any brand/manufacturer) orientation? Basically, I'm looking to understand if upward/downward orientation would necessarily damage the driver, cabinet, etc.
128x128gdhal
3 responses Add your response
timlub
2,040 posts
 
When it comes to moving, I've seen more damage occur keeping a speaker in the upright or side position... overall,  I prefer a speaker to be laid on its back.... Standing up or sideways,  when a speaker is jarred or dropped, is when a voice coil shift occurs... this is the typical damage that I've seen rather than cabinet damage.. handled face down, if a jarring or speaker being dropped, it is possible, but unlikely that a coil could leave its gap.  On its back, if its dropped a coil may bottom, but it typically won't cause damage to the driver. 
I hope this helps, Tim
gdhal's avatar
gdhal OP
1,641 posts
 
Thanks Tim. Interesting to read that in your experience you've observed damage while the speaker is upright. By upright I take this to mean the listening when in use orientation. I would have thought that would be the "safest" orientation (again, given careful/gentle movement).
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
jbl 43xx series can be placed sideways or up-right at no problem.
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