Early foam surrounds broke down, but have lasted more than 10 years in my experience. Many lasted 20 years or more. Butyl surrounds don’t have the same break down issue. Accordion paper edges last a long time as well. I have customers with speakers I built in the 80’s with paper edge or butyl rubber surrounds that show no signs of wear. I’m using a set of Eminence woofers from 1983 in my bedroom system. I keep checking for wear but they are still soft an pliant. And sound great. Never treated them. The newer foam compounds being used should last many years. You may not have any need to worry. What does your speaker manufacturer say about life span?
Thoughts on extending speaker life.
For those of us who own speakers that are past a few years old, and those same speakers utilize dynamic drivers, what are your thoughts on extending the life of the rubber surround ( assuming that your driver utilizes this kind of design).
In general, as the driver ages, the likelihood of the rubber surround failing increases. Without actually replacing the driver ( not possible in some instances) what do you suggest to extend the life of the driver(s), if anything?
For those with other types of driver design, what are your concerns about the extended usage of this kind of driver as it ages?
In general, as the driver ages, the likelihood of the rubber surround failing increases. Without actually replacing the driver ( not possible in some instances) what do you suggest to extend the life of the driver(s), if anything?
For those with other types of driver design, what are your concerns about the extended usage of this kind of driver as it ages?
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- 39 posts total
I’ve read that somebody had bad sound from energy c2. the rubber was stiff. he applied rubber rejuvenation stuff and the improvement was tremendous . the speakers were over 20 years old. my surrounds do not feel stiff ...but i’m itching to use some to see if they would be more flexible . https://www.amazon.com/Max-Professional-2145-Rubber-Rejuvenator/dp/B00363M0TC https://www.amazon.com/MG-Chemicals-408A-125ML-Rubber-Liquid/dp/B008O9X3KS/ref=pd_bxgy_121_img_2/145-1917440-8998167?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B008O9X3KS&pd_rd_r=0bb7b184-9bbe-11e9-836e-f5a9254bf257&pd_rd_w=v043L&pd_rd_wg=y9L9j&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=TEDGS9TNSHCF1JFB4DSZ&psc=1&refRID=TEDGS9TNSHCF1JFB4DSZ |
Drivers do not need to be replaced because the surround goes. There are places to send them for replacement if you don't want to attempt that yourself using available kits. I had my doubts about how such repaired speaker would sound, but, I've heard a few and they sound good. There are people that out there that can do all sorts of repairs, including re-coning, and recharging the magnets on drivers. I am sort of luck in that the types of drivers I have are inherently long lasting (pleated fabric surrounds for woofers). The midrange drivers are compression drivesr made in 1939 that are still going strong. |
- 39 posts total