Swapping out OEM speaker driver with new driver

It is definitely the driver... the cone separated from the voice coil. 

I recommend a screwdriver. Or Allen key. Hard to get a clear enough look to tell.

Either way you take em apart. Then while waiting on the replacement (the part# is probably printed on the driver, if not VA can provide) you order some fo.Q tape and TC. Remove speaker gaskets (if any) and apply thin fo.Q tape around the perimeter of the speaker frame. Apply strips of fo.Q tape to the speaker baskets. All of them. If internal wire clips to the speakers then cut this off and solder. All of them. Save a little fo.Q tape for your tone arm. Use almost all of the 2 sheets on the speakers.

Apply TC to all internal speaker wires. Apply to caps and choke on the crossover, if you can get at it. Cover the outsides but do be careful to not create a short anywhere. Put a coat on top of all the fo.Q tape. Put a coat around the speaker magnet. Put the speakers back together.

You will now be so happy to have upgraded your speakers to such a level as you never dreamed was even remotely possible.

You shake your head, pat yourself on the back, and pour yourself a cool tall one. You earned it.

That’s my recommendation.

Lol.  Thanks guys for feedback!!  I’m going to try to contact VA again.  In all honesty I feel the drivers are not that high end.  Maybe I’m just to much is a novice to see the quality but I was hoping there was an upgrade option.  I’m driving them with PS Audio Classic 250.  They may have been pushed to their limit.  Maybe time for new speaks........

Bill at Millersound can probably repair the driver. If you don't get any good news from VA, contact Millersound through their website.

Hey OP,


Unfortunately if you cannot find an exact replacement, there's no easy way to just eyeball a matching driver. Too many variables, which would require a new crossover.  I believe you have 2 of these mid-woofers, right? You'd need to replace all 4, and get a crossover matched to the replacments, IF you found drivers that worked well in the cabinets.

You are well into hacking here and unless you are looking for a DIY learning experience with a steep learning curve, strongly suggest avoiding it. If you want to DIY, then DIY instead of trying to back into pre-existing tweeter and cabinetry.

Best,

E