Any Experience Wrapping Your Amp (or Speaker)?

N

nicoff

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Odd question I’m sure. I searched before posting and found nothing.

I have a set of mono amps that I feel would better fit the rest of the system/room if they were a different color (black for example instead of silver).

Many people use wrapping on their cars. They can be removed whenever once pleases. It made me think of the possibility of using wrap to change the exterior look of an amp (or a speaker). It would be a simple job compared to wrapping an entire vehicle. Plenty of color options available.
 
A mate of mine wrapped his JBL Everest's. from woodgrain to automotive silver. he is very happy

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Ordered my speakers to specifications (quartersawn walnut), changing my DIY amps to black aluminum fronts currently. Doing some structural changes as well, so a wrap would not do all the job I need.

That being said, I’m sure a whole lot of good could be done design-wise with wraps. Anything that helps with esthetics, and acceptance by “she who must be obeyed” is great!
 
I've done this with a car and it certainly could work on speakers but it's not a job to be rushed, my friend. You need to have a knack.
 
Wrapping speakers is something I can see that may be feasible to achieve a desired aesthetic, but I'd exercise more caution when considering wrapping an amplifier due to the heat created during operation. Vinyl wrap could be affected by the high temperature of many amps, and may potentially leave some residue on an amp's finish or even melt causing related issues. :S
 
audio.bill said:
Wrapping speakers is something I can see that may be feasible to achieve a desired aesthetic, but I'd exercise more caution when considering wrapping an amplifier due to the heat created during operation. Vinyl wrap could be affected by the high temperature of many amps, and may potentially leave some residue on an amp's finish or even melt causing related issues. :S
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Thanks! Just checked with installer. Heat is not a problem. He reminded me of how hot a car gets under the sun in the summer. Also installer says that wraps are designed to be removed without residue. Cool!
 
I'm not familiar with wrapping, I'm assuming you are leaving the vents uncovered as well as heat syncs. The heat syncs have to still be able to do their job. If not, the amps are looking for shorter life at minimum and possible malfunction for worst.
 
audio.bill said:
Wrapping speakers is something I can see that may be feasible to achieve a desired aesthetic, but I'd exercise more caution when considering wrapping an amplifier due to the heat created during operation. Vinyl wrap could be affected by the high temperature of many amps, and may potentially leave some residue on an amp's finish or even melt causing related issues. :S
Click to expand...

agreed, especially if it is a Class A or high bias A/B amp.
 
Mr Peabody said:
I'm not familiar with wrapping, I'm assuming you are leaving the vents uncovered as well as heat syncs. The heat syncs have to still be able to do their job. If not, the amps are looking for shorter life at minimum and possible malfunction for worst.
Click to expand...

Yes, vents are left open. Heat syncs are not touched either. Also, on/off buttons, DB/power meters, or lights are not touched.

If you Google car wraps, you will see pictures of what some folks have done on cars. Pretty amazing really.
 
I would advise against wrapping amplifiers. I don't think its a good idea to cover heat dissipating chassis/sinks/etc. with material not specific for heat conduction/dissipation.
Of course there is one way to find out...

cheers,

AJ
 
Hmmm, I don't think wrapping Speakers would be such a great idea --

Would not the wood /lacquer/composition/and the sonic footprint be compromised if some blanket vinyl(?) or such was stuck over the cabinets.

Some designers today make great play about the properties involving the cabinet structure/resonants/ timbre(yes)is the wrap a hinderance to these factors?

The big JBLs pictured above look good "wrapped" but what about the tonality /etc-with the covering-interesting thought.

Curious,

Bruce
 
Bruce said:
Hmmm, I don't think wrapping Speakers would be such a great idea --

Would not the wood /lacquer/composition/and the sonic footprint be compromised if some blanket vinyl(?) or such was stuck over the cabinets.

Some designers today make great play about the properties involving the cabinet structure/resonants/ timbre(yes)is the wrap a hinderance to these factors?

The big JBLs pictured above look good "wrapped" but what about the tonality /etc-with the covering-interesting thought.

Curious,

Bruce
Click to expand...

Look at it this way: without the warp, the sound is transmitting from inside the speaker through the speaker cabinet then through air. With the wrap, the thin layer of wrap separates from the air.
Not sure that it makes a difference one way or another. Maybe the person who posted about wrapping a speaker can share before/after sound experience.
 
Bruce said:
Hmmm, I don't think wrapping Speakers would be such a great idea --

Would not the wood /lacquer/composition/and the sonic footprint be compromised if some blanket vinyl(?) or such was stuck over the cabinets.

Some designers today make great play about the properties involving the cabinet structure/resonants/ timbre(yes)is the wrap a hinderance to these factors?

The big JBLs pictured above look good "wrapped" but what about the tonality /etc-with the covering-interesting thought.

Curious,

Bruce
Click to expand...

It's no different to the transparent plastic wrap that is put on Wilson speakers when new and many other speakers. You remove the wrap when the speaker is positioned in it's final position at home.

There is no sonic difference with a thin plastic wrap - my mate has done it several times.

cheers
 
Seems to me that the MDF covered in vinyl works because the vinyl has a glue that is designed to work with something porous like MDF
Could be the adhesive on wrap might not be the same, designed to stick to slick non porous surfaces like a painted car.
For a DYI speaker in raw MDF, I think several coats of automotive filler primer and some sanding smooth should put a finish on the MDF that the wrap would stick to.
I just know there is someone out there who can't resist doing a chrome or gold finish.
 
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