Re-Capping older speaker crossovers?

Shadowfax

Shadowfax

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On that other board where Vintage Rules, there is lots of talk on Re-Foaming and Re-Capping.

So if your speakers are 30 years old, is it a good idea to have the crossovers re-capped or modified in any way? I know many here would never get to this point since much of the gear is turned over in months or a few years, not 30 years. But, has anyone taken the time to make an older pair of speakers sound amazing again by working on the crossovers?

I realize sometimes it is just easier to get different speakers, but with a budget and the fact that I like my old Clearfields, does it make sense?
 
It sure does. Do you notice any cracking or any issues with the foam surrounds? On re-capping I think it depends on the type of caps used and how old they are but I would get in touch with the speaker manufacturer and get their recommendation on that front. Problem with recapping is if original caps can't be found in aftermarket and you have to replace caps with similar but not identical caps, if that will change the sonic attributes of your speakers. Again, if speaker manufacturer is still around, they would be best able to advise you on this front.
 
Thanks Cyril,

Manufacturer was Albert von Swiekert when he worked under Counterpoint in the 90s. I suppose I can shoot them an email and see what they have to say.
 
Shadowfax said:
Thanks Cyril,

Manufacturer was Albert von Swiekert when he worked under Counterpoint in the 90s. I suppose I can shoot them an email and see what they have to say.
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Yep...or better yet, email Albert at his current venture Von Schweikert speakers
 
There is no need to change the caps in a crosover, unless it was build from cheap parts and used electrolytic caps (which tend to dry out over time).
 
I'm not detecting any issues in my DCM TF-600s, but they are old and the surrounds may be scary looking if I saw them. However, as much as I like the DCMs they are one speaker I would not bother trying to re-surround. (One can get to the cross overs fair enough). They are a huge PITA to work on in my opinion and not worth the work required. Not only would one have to replace the surrounds, but also the foam and socks. By the time your down you will have spent more than the cost of a pair of Andrew Jones design Pioneer floor standing speakers (which I read are supposed to be pretty good) and that doesn't include the labor.
 
Elberoth said:
There is no need to change the caps in a crosover, unless it was build from cheap parts and used electrolytic caps (which tend to dry out over time).
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I don't agree. Capacitors have improved over the years and if the speakers are worth a damn musically, upgrading the capacitors and inductors could bring a positive change in sound quality. Having said that, I wouldn't spend thousands to upgrade the crossover of a speaker worth hundreds.
 
Another possibility is to replace the internal crossover with an external crossover plate such as in some Newform Research speakers. In this way you can adjust the crossover more easily to get the sound you like without having to go back inside the speaker.
 
Albert said:
Another possibility is to replace the internal crossover with an external crossover plate such as in some Newform Research speakers. In this way you can adjust the crossover more easily to get the sound you like without having to go back inside the speaker.
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Shadowfax already said he isn't a DIY guy and would have to pay someone to update his crossover.
 
Albert said:
Yeah, I caught that the first time. I was only offering another possibility.
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I went to their website and found nothing but ribbon speakers. Is there a link I missed for the item you suggested? All suggestions are welcome.
 
Well it is no surprise that I never got a reply from email sent to VRS.

But, after chatting to Steve Monte of Quest for Sound, there is most likely no reason to touch my speakers. He asked do I use them regularly - Yes, do they have any sound issues - No, do I like the way they sound now - Yes. With that he said the caps are probably fine and no matter what they are replaced with, even exact match, I will change the sound. He also said if there was something specific I was after, changing to specific ones could "tune" the speaker differently.

I suppose I can put this idea to rest.
 
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