Thread: Any Experience Wrapping Your Amp (or Speaker)?

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.

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.

Originally Posted by audio.bill

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.

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!

Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

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.

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.

the heat wont bother the foil but the heatdissipation

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

Originally Posted by Bruce

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

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.

Points taken-Guess all Ok then

Appreciated
Bruce

Can MDF be wrapped?

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.

You might want to check with the manufacturer. If the unit is still under warranty, there may be a warranty coverage issue.