Phase 1 of Speaker Modifications
Drenis
Posts: 2,871
So yesterday began the challenging task of doing phase 1 of a 2 part upgrade.
Phase 1 will see the speakers gutted, checked for any structure issues, drivers will receive dynamatting, JB Weld as well as new gaskets. Cabinets will receive Larry Rings.
Phase 2 will see brand new crossover components installed (Currently Being Assembled) and terminal cups modded to accept NL2 in lieu of current Pin/Blade SDA connector for my AI-1.
I expected to write this thread yesterday but it's not done. Both myself and my sweetie went at it for several hours last night. I'm going to come out and say it... I think the 3.1's have to be the BIGGEST PAIN IN THE **** when it comes to installing rings. Because only one ring for each speaker is a direct fit. All the rest including the PR ring must be modified. As of this morning all the rings are in. So much for thinking this would only take an hour to put them in. There was a point in time last night where I was quite frustrated and a voice came out from the kitchen reminding me, "Just think of how it will sound in the end...". Such a good woman to keep me calm as she is putting just as much into this project as I am.
Probably another 3 hours left of work just on the remaining drivers. Then I can begin reassembly. I'll post some pictures later today.
Phase 1 will see the speakers gutted, checked for any structure issues, drivers will receive dynamatting, JB Weld as well as new gaskets. Cabinets will receive Larry Rings.
Phase 2 will see brand new crossover components installed (Currently Being Assembled) and terminal cups modded to accept NL2 in lieu of current Pin/Blade SDA connector for my AI-1.
I expected to write this thread yesterday but it's not done. Both myself and my sweetie went at it for several hours last night. I'm going to come out and say it... I think the 3.1's have to be the BIGGEST PAIN IN THE **** when it comes to installing rings. Because only one ring for each speaker is a direct fit. All the rest including the PR ring must be modified. As of this morning all the rings are in. So much for thinking this would only take an hour to put them in. There was a point in time last night where I was quite frustrated and a voice came out from the kitchen reminding me, "Just think of how it will sound in the end...". Such a good woman to keep me calm as she is putting just as much into this project as I am.
Probably another 3 hours left of work just on the remaining drivers. Then I can begin reassembly. I'll post some pictures later today.
Post edited by Drenis on
Comments
-
Physical work like this is only easy for those that don't do it!
Hang in there and keep after it is the thing to keep in mind when gettin' after it. Always start a project with the idea that something will come up. Once in a great while, things go smooth. But it's a good thing to have the attitude of things will happen and I'll overcome when they do!
Keep after it and look forward to the long term enjoyment and self satisfaction!
CJA so called science type proudly says... "I do realize that I would fool myself all the time, about listening conclusions and many other observations, if I did listen before buying. That’s why I don’t, I bought all of my current gear based on technical parameters alone, such as specs and measurements."
More amazing Internet Science Pink Panther wisdom..."My DAC has since been upgraded from Mark Levinson to Topping." -
From "The Last, Best Marigold Hotel" :
"Everything will be alright in the end, and if it's not alright it's not the end"
When you're finished and listening to 'em, it'll be worth it."Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer -
Still a pain in the rear. You certainly gain that pride of ownership once completed though.
Fantastic mod. New crossovers will be icing on the cake. -
So a few photo's of the mods. My sweetie did ALL the dynamating of drivers and passives. She did a stellar job and even found a way to improve the process to further dampen the baskets. Apparently the pattern she choose and method she layered the dynamat proved to dampen more than just applying strips. The pictures will outline what was first done and then how it went the rest of the way. Kudos to her for spending two days of her weekend to help me with this.
The speakers sound marvelous. The mods help. Whether its a combination of all or simply one the excelled results. I honestly can't imagine it sounding even better.
Speaker baffles are flush with the front of the side wall, 13 1/4" off the back wall and spaced 6 feet apart, edge to edge. Listening position is 8 feet back. They have never sounded better with any other placement option I've used. So no bitching about placement! -
That is some intense dynamatting there! Nice and neat tooo!- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
-
First, take the Pepsi cup out of the picture!:evil:
CANNOT stand that company (over 10 years service!).
Those are some cool a$$ pics Andre!
Looking forward to more on this thread, excellent job!:cheesygrin:Testing
Testing
Testing -
First, take the Pepsi cup out of the picture!:evil:
CANNOT stand that company (over 10 years service!).
Those are some cool a$$ pics Andre!
Looking forward to more on this thread, excellent job!:cheesygrin:
That's funny about the pepsi cup.
Thanks for the kind words. It's all about doing it right the first time!
