simonms Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Hi All, I live in the UK and have just bought a pair of Klipsch Belle speakers for £450. I think I will need new x overs for them and the cabinets need a rub down but until i have a poke about can't be 100% on condition of drive units (they are an old pair and the label with serial no's has dissapeared). I have had a look on Bob Crires' web site and was assured that there are replacement drivers available but does anyone know of any experts that could help me on my quest to get the best out of them in the UK? Did I get a good deal and can they be successfully refurbed by a relative novice like myself with a bit of help from the experts? I will be able to sort the cabinets out as I have much experience there. Kind Regards Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coytee Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 You might contact Ralph at Artisan Audio. He lives in Slough. http://www.artisanaudio.co.uk/ I don't know that he's setup to do anything for you per se' however, he's a fan of Klipsch and I think has access to some things. Regardless, he might simply be another nice person to know who is into these lovely boxes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonms Posted May 12, 2011 Author Share Posted May 12, 2011 Much appreciate, Many Thanks Si[] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtnfoley Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 450 Sterling is a GREAT price. Heck, I'd love to find a pair for $731.75USD on this side of the pond! Congratulations, and welcome to the club. --Edit: I believe the serial numbers should be stamped or embossed in the wood at the back, top edge of the cabinet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pcarson Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Dude, You pipped me on this one! I'm going to build my own....no chance of getting another shot at some big K's. MWM base bins....it looks like some sawdust is gonna be made. Check out my thread from yesterday for advice from the members about these Belle's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonms Posted May 12, 2011 Author Share Posted May 12, 2011 Thanks-just read through the post. They will cost nothing to get them to me home so fingers crossed they are in half decent salvigable state. The add says the cabinetsneed a rub down with no splits just a few chips on the bottoms consumate with age and that they "work". Hopefully the drivers just need a bit of TLC and don't need replacing. When I get them i will post some detailed pics so we can establish whether they are a bargin or not Thanks for the replies Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seti Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Belle's are rare in the UK so brilliant score. I would pay that price here any day of the week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonms Posted May 12, 2011 Author Share Posted May 12, 2011 Thanks seti. I have been looking for a project and am a big fan of the way thay look and their object quality just hoping the cost does not spiral! Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danzo Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Heh, i was oggling those Belles myself. Enjoy restoring them and i am sure You will also enjoy them singing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonms Posted May 12, 2011 Author Share Posted May 12, 2011 Thanks Danzo, I'm sure I will-it will be interesting to also establish their vintage-any rules of thumb re vintage.When were the best versions made? Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danzo Posted May 12, 2011 Share Posted May 12, 2011 Have You checked for serial numbers? As another member mentioned, they should be punched into wood at the top-back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonms Posted May 12, 2011 Author Share Posted May 12, 2011 Am waiting to speak with the seller over the phone but they are over 20 years old-will let you know... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg928gts Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 Am waiting to speak with the seller over the phone but they are over 20 years old-will let you know... 20 years old is not even middle age for these speakers. I have Khorns in my living room that are 44 years old and still in great shape. Before I upgraded all the components, I tried them with the stock 44 yr old ones and they still worked great. Chances are the components in your Belle speakers are fine, and if they need to have diaphragms replaced, it's easy to get parts. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gnatnoop Posted May 14, 2011 Share Posted May 14, 2011 pretty good deal!! listen to them for awhile before doing any upgrades, this will give you a basis to judge the efficacy of any changes... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonms Posted May 15, 2011 Author Share Posted May 15, 2011 Thanks for the replies folks,they will be with me tomorrow so will post some pics-the cabinets apparently have some sun damage so could be a re veneering job or maybe I can sand and stain as I'm not looking for a perfect finish,we'll see. The cross overs are blown so will try Bob's A/4500, some CT125 tweeters and new diaphragms for the mids. Cheers Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boxx Posted May 15, 2011 Share Posted May 15, 2011 You did very well indeed. I hope that you are able to get them up to speed and enjoy them for many years to come... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonms Posted May 19, 2011 Author Share Posted May 19, 2011 Hi Everyone, Thought I'd post some pics of my restoration,regards Si http://www.flickr.com/photos/48329457@N06/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danzo Posted May 20, 2011 Share Posted May 20, 2011 That veneer looks nice. You're working much quicker than i would have. Should sound awesome with new crossovers and tweeeters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonms Posted May 20, 2011 Author Share Posted May 20, 2011 Cheers Danzo, Here is the first cabinet finished- http://www.flickr.com/photos/48329457@N06/ Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.