Cleaning dirty/dusty drivers

dipiazza
dipiazza Posts: 363
edited June 2009 in Vintage Speakers
hey all. I usually keep the grills off my speakers and recently noticed that dust has accumulated on the drivers, what do you all use to clean off dusty drivers? Its not too bad, but would you all just use a clean cloth? or is there something else good? Thanks!

-Jake
Terps Swimming!
HT Setup
TV: Vizio VX32L
Reciever: Pioneer VSX-D914
HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-A2
Fronts: Polk R50s
Surounds: Polk R30s
Center: Polk R20's
Subwoofer: SVS 20-39PCi

2CH Setup
Integrated: Onix SP3 Tube
CD Player: Sony CDP-CX355
Speakers: Onix Strata Mini in PR Finish
Signal Cable: Classic Speaker, Analog 1 IC

Headphones
Grado SR 60, Bang & Olufsen A8, Shure e3

Other Stuff in Use
Onix xls, Dual Onix x-subs, Onix Ref .5, Dahlquist M903, Teac A-1D, Marantz 1060
Post edited by dipiazza on
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Comments

  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited May 2006
    Put on some Zepplin at 3/4 volume....LOL

    Seriously though, I use a well rung damp rag to wipe my drivers down when needed, very carefully.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • Skynut
    Skynut Posts: 2,967
    edited May 2006
    Ditto the damp rag, usually a wash cloth or old soft t-shirt.

    Be very gentle.
    Skynut
    SOPA® Founder
    The system Almost there
    DVD Onkyo DV-SP802
    Sunfire Theater Grand II
    Sherbourn 7/2100
    Panamax 5510 power conditioner (for electronics)
    2 PSAudio UPC-200 power conditioners (for amps)
    Front L/R RT3000p (Bi-Wired)
    Center CS1000p (Bi-Wired) (under the television)
    Center RT2000p's (Bi-Wired) (on each side of the television)
    Sur FX1000
    SVS ultra plus 2

    www.ShadetreesMachineShop.com
    Thanks for looking
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  • dipiazza
    dipiazza Posts: 363
    edited June 2006
    So its ok to get a little bit of moisture on the drivers. obviously i wont get them "wet" but damp is ok?
    Terps Swimming!
    HT Setup
    TV: Vizio VX32L
    Reciever: Pioneer VSX-D914
    HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-A2
    Fronts: Polk R50s
    Surounds: Polk R30s
    Center: Polk R20's
    Subwoofer: SVS 20-39PCi

    2CH Setup
    Integrated: Onix SP3 Tube
    CD Player: Sony CDP-CX355
    Speakers: Onix Strata Mini in PR Finish
    Signal Cable: Classic Speaker, Analog 1 IC

    Headphones
    Grado SR 60, Bang & Olufsen A8, Shure e3

    Other Stuff in Use
    Onix xls, Dual Onix x-subs, Onix Ref .5, Dahlquist M903, Teac A-1D, Marantz 1060
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited June 2006
    I either use a 1500psi pressure washer or a DRY, THX certified paintbrush.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • dipiazza
    dipiazza Posts: 363
    edited June 2006
    I either use a 1500psi pressure washer or a DRY, THX certified paintbrush.

    Clearly either of these would work fine... why didnt i think of them!?!?
    Terps Swimming!
    HT Setup
    TV: Vizio VX32L
    Reciever: Pioneer VSX-D914
    HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-A2
    Fronts: Polk R50s
    Surounds: Polk R30s
    Center: Polk R20's
    Subwoofer: SVS 20-39PCi

    2CH Setup
    Integrated: Onix SP3 Tube
    CD Player: Sony CDP-CX355
    Speakers: Onix Strata Mini in PR Finish
    Signal Cable: Classic Speaker, Analog 1 IC

    Headphones
    Grado SR 60, Bang & Olufsen A8, Shure e3

    Other Stuff in Use
    Onix xls, Dual Onix x-subs, Onix Ref .5, Dahlquist M903, Teac A-1D, Marantz 1060
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  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited June 2006
    dorokusai wrote:
    I either use a 1500psi pressure washer

    Overkill....A common garden hose works fine. Leave it to audiophiles to come up with an expensive solution when something much less costly will do the job. I seriously doubt if anyone could tell the difference.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
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  • DarqueKnight
    DarqueKnight Posts: 6,765
    edited June 2006
    I have a French maid come over and dust all my drivers once a week. Twice a week if I do a lot of critical listening.
    Proud and loyal citizen of the Digital Domain and Solid State Country!
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited June 2006
    Leave it to DK to offer the best solution yet.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DarqueKnight
    DarqueKnight Posts: 6,765
    edited June 2006
    Yeah, and the cost is really reasonable if you get one who is working her way through school rather than one who is a full time professional.
    Proud and loyal citizen of the Digital Domain and Solid State Country!
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  • ND13
    ND13 Posts: 7,601
    edited June 2006
    How skimpy is her uniform??
    "SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
    CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE"
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  • DarqueKnight
    DarqueKnight Posts: 6,765
    edited June 2006
    The young lady who dusts my drivers prefers to take off her uniform shortly after arrival. She says its too contricting. She does keep on her hat and heels. The heels help her to reach the top of my SRS's (no extra charge). She keeps the hat on at my request because I think it is cute.
    Proud and loyal citizen of the Digital Domain and Solid State Country!
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  • dipiazza
    dipiazza Posts: 363
    edited June 2006
    Glad to see everyone has such "unique" methods to keeping drivers clean!

    I approve whole heartedly!
    Terps Swimming!
    HT Setup
    TV: Vizio VX32L
    Reciever: Pioneer VSX-D914
    HD-DVD Player: Toshiba HD-A2
    Fronts: Polk R50s
    Surounds: Polk R30s
    Center: Polk R20's
    Subwoofer: SVS 20-39PCi

    2CH Setup
    Integrated: Onix SP3 Tube
    CD Player: Sony CDP-CX355
    Speakers: Onix Strata Mini in PR Finish
    Signal Cable: Classic Speaker, Analog 1 IC

    Headphones
    Grado SR 60, Bang & Olufsen A8, Shure e3

    Other Stuff in Use
    Onix xls, Dual Onix x-subs, Onix Ref .5, Dahlquist M903, Teac A-1D, Marantz 1060
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited June 2006
    Dammit, come to think of it my rag IS NOT THX certified...son of a ****. Thanks for the heads up Mark!
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited June 2006
    DarqueKnight wrote:
    The young lady who dusts my drivers prefers to take off her uniform shortly after arrival. She says its too contricting. She does keep on her hat and heels. The heels help her to reach the top of my SRS's (no extra charge). She keeps the hat on at my request because I think it is cute.

    Are the hat and heels THX certified?
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • DarqueKnight
    DarqueKnight Posts: 6,765
    edited June 2006
    Yes, the heels are THX certified. No luck with the hat.
    Proud and loyal citizen of the Digital Domain and Solid State Country!
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,513
    edited June 2006
    Regardless of the THX certification, the wife says I absolutely cannot have one of them driver dusters.
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • Skynut
    Skynut Posts: 2,967
    edited June 2006
    Off the hook.
    All of you are off the hook.

    I am going to ask my wife for a duster chick, maybe for my birthday.
    Skynut
    SOPA® Founder
    The system Almost there
    DVD Onkyo DV-SP802
    Sunfire Theater Grand II
    Sherbourn 7/2100
    Panamax 5510 power conditioner (for electronics)
    2 PSAudio UPC-200 power conditioners (for amps)
    Front L/R RT3000p (Bi-Wired)
    Center CS1000p (Bi-Wired) (under the television)
    Center RT2000p's (Bi-Wired) (on each side of the television)
    Sur FX1000
    SVS ultra plus 2

    www.ShadetreesMachineShop.com
    Thanks for looking
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • ND13
    ND13 Posts: 7,601
    edited June 2006
    Skynut wrote:
    Off the hook.
    All of you are off the hook.

    I am going to ask my wife for a duster chick, maybe for my birthday.

    Or better yet, Father's Day!!
    "SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
    CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE"
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  • ward91
    ward91 Posts: 338
    edited June 2006
    proberly dusted them already but why not blow air onto them using yourself a compressor a bycycle pump ect.
    ELECTRONICS
    arcam cd93
    linn wakonda
    MC2 MC450
    Teac ud h01 DAC


    SPEAKERS
    Tannoy DC6 t se .
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  • read-alot
    read-alot Posts: 812
    edited June 2006
    DarqueKnight wrote:
    I have a French maid come over and dust all my drivers once a week. Twice a week if I do a lot of critical listening.

    This sounds much better than the Armour All option. I will just have to wait till my wife and daughter decide to travel again. My son is cool with his fathers decisions on keeping the audio in pristine condition.
    polkaudio SRS (rdo194 x 8)
    Dodd ELP (separate power supply)
    JC 1 blocks ( strapped )
    Rega Apollo
    MIT (speaker cables) Outlaw (ICs)

    polkaudio SDA2(rdo194x4) (front) polkaudio CRS (rdo194x4)(rear) polkaudio 400i (center)
    B&K 505
    Samsung LCD
    VIP 622
    HSU STF-2
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  • NJPOLKER
    NJPOLKER Posts: 3,474
    edited May 2009
    Well Sal,
    What are you waiting for? I think you should film it with your wife cleaning them like a "good" wife should. You've been married for a few months now so now is about time for some training.
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  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited May 2009
    read-alot wrote: »
    This sounds much better than the Armour All option. I will just have to wait till my wife and daughter decide to travel again. My son is cool with his fathers decisions on keeping the audio in pristine condition.

    I've heard that ArmorAll is not an option, and very bad for use on drivers.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,332
    edited May 2009
    gdb wrote: »
    I've heard that ArmorAll is not an option, and very bad for use on drivers.

    I think ArmorAll is bad on everything.. I do not use it.
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
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  • Bigbang
    Bigbang Posts: 233
    edited June 2009
    I use baby wipes to get most of the dust from the rubber butyl surrounds. It won't dry them out and it will clean them very well. I try and stay away from the sticky cones. Someone suggested silicon oil three times a year but I'm not sure where you would find that and not sure what corrosive actions it would have...

    you might check this thread out...

    http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74044&highlight=cleaning

    I thought about this product for the paper cones but I've never heard anyone use it and I don't want to be the first... anybody?

    http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=340-513

    D
    I like to listen, tinker, listen and repeat.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,748
    edited June 2009
    Windex is all that is needed to clean the cones and surrounds. Works perfectly and causes no damage. Do not use silicone oil or any silicone based product on the drivers or the cabinets.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • CowboyRJB2
    CowboyRJB2 Posts: 58
    edited June 2009
    Windex... chamois (shammy) cloth.... Then ARMORAL
    ELITE VSX-99 REFERENCE
    ELITE PD-65
    SDA-1C's with new RDO194-1 tweeters as MAINS
    MAGNEPAN TYMPANI 1D's for alternate fronts for classical music
    PARADIGM REFERENCE CC-450 Center
    MONITOR SERIES II... M10 REARS
    2 POLK DSW-600PRO SUBS

    "ROCKIN THE HOUSE"
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  • NJPOLKER
    NJPOLKER Posts: 3,474
    edited June 2009
    CowboyRJB2 wrote: »
    Windex... chamois (shammy) cloth.... Then ARMORAL

    Hopefully you mean for your automobile.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,332
    edited June 2009
    I used a silicone based product one time, but at that time i had no idea that was a no no.
    Polk Audio SDA 2.3tl Fully Hot Rodded. 😎

    SVS SB16 X2

    Cary SLP-05/Ultimate Upgrade.
    Cary SA-500.1 ES Amps
    Cary DMS 800PV Network
    OPPO UDP 205/ModWright Modification
    VPI Scout TT / Dynavector 20x2
    Jolida JD9 Fully Modified

    VPI MW-1 Cyclone RCM

    MIT Shotgun 3 cables throughout / Except TT, and PC’s
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • CowboyRJB2
    CowboyRJB2 Posts: 58
    edited June 2009
    NOPE, not my car... For my SDA 1-C's and my M10's
    ELITE VSX-99 REFERENCE
    ELITE PD-65
    SDA-1C's with new RDO194-1 tweeters as MAINS
    MAGNEPAN TYMPANI 1D's for alternate fronts for classical music
    PARADIGM REFERENCE CC-450 Center
    MONITOR SERIES II... M10 REARS
    2 POLK DSW-600PRO SUBS

    "ROCKIN THE HOUSE"
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  • CowboyRJB2
    CowboyRJB2 Posts: 58
    edited June 2009
    NO, not for my auto... For my SDA 1C's and M10's... I dont drench them. I spray the cloth lightly and give the drivers a wipe
    ELITE VSX-99 REFERENCE
    ELITE PD-65
    SDA-1C's with new RDO194-1 tweeters as MAINS
    MAGNEPAN TYMPANI 1D's for alternate fronts for classical music
    PARADIGM REFERENCE CC-450 Center
    MONITOR SERIES II... M10 REARS
    2 POLK DSW-600PRO SUBS

    "ROCKIN THE HOUSE"
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter