garyd9 Posted May 1, 2002 Share Posted May 1, 2002 Is there a "rule of thumb" criteria (in years or measurable sound) for replacement of the woofer or drivers? I retired last year and now have time to enjoy music. I want to "tune up" my 1990 Klipschorns. These units have averaged 10 hours per week of light usage (California weather). Crossover networks are on order from ALK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Klappenberger Posted May 1, 2002 Share Posted May 1, 2002 Gary, I think the rule of thumb is DON'T! I have been using the same set of Belles since I bought them in 1976 with no trouble from the woofers. I think you could remove them and rotate them 180 Deg though. That way gravity can pull on the cones in the opposite direction for the next 10 years! I doubt if it's worth doing though. By the way, I started building your networks yesterday! 8^) Al K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDBRbuilder Posted May 1, 2002 Share Posted May 1, 2002 Al.K, Good call, man....I'm with you!!...If it ain't broke, don't fix it! ------------------ If you want to send a private message, or have already done so, be aware I have not as yet been able to retrieve them. Send e-maill instead, please...just note Klipsch forum in the heading so it doesn't get deleted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j-malotky Posted May 1, 2002 Share Posted May 1, 2002 Gary Sounds like your already making the only change that I would make - by replacing the crossover network with an ALK network. I agree with the above - Dont replace the drivers unless they are broken. JM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyd9 Posted May 1, 2002 Author Share Posted May 1, 2002 Thanks for the responses. I was impressed with the number of posts on this forum involving vintage Klipschorns but I did not know if they had original drivers. This forum is an valuable asset! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnA Posted May 1, 2002 Share Posted May 1, 2002 My La Scalas have apparently original drivers from the late 70s and very early 80s; still cookin'. John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edster00 Posted May 1, 2002 Share Posted May 1, 2002 garyd9, I wasn't going to add to the already "sound" advice...if it's not broke don't fix it! My '78 Khorns are going strong, but I did opt for the ALK x-overs. Enjoy ------------------ 2 Channel System: '78 Khorns w/ALK networks Welborne Labs Moondog 2A3 amps AES AE-3 Superpreamp DJH mods McIntosh MCD 7007 CD McIntosh MR-78 Tuner DIYCable Twisted Cross Connect Speaker Cable DIYCable Superlatives (preamp/amp) DH Labs Silver Pulse interconnects (sources/preamp) f> s> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChemPharma Posted May 1, 2002 Share Posted May 1, 2002 Gary, I have 78 model LaScalas and these drivers are very durable, as long as they have been, and are going to be, used for home enjoyment, such as mine. However, commercial applications for the La scalas as monitors will wear them down quicker (humidity, heat, cold, roadies, night clubs, spilt beer ) I use the ALK crossover as well, utilizing the 3-0 tranformer setting giving 7.9 dB attenuation; up a little from the factory setting of 5-2 @ 6.2 dB attenuation. Your tastes, room, speaker model etc.. will dictate yur preference. The factory setting is a GOOD setting and you will LIKE the difference, immediately! A damn good amp is important here, however, to make the most of the upgrade. Enjoy ChemPharma This message has been edited by ChemPharma on 05-01-2002 at 09:07 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDBRbuilder Posted May 1, 2002 Share Posted May 1, 2002 I agree with one making an upgrade to their cross-over network if he or she feels the need or want...but the drivers will last pretty much a lifetime(if not more) if taken care of. Component upgrades were always an option when I worked there...Many sent their speakers back for upgrades...the key was to do an ENTIRE upgrade, and NOT just a tweeter...or midrange...or woofer. Either way, as time goes on there are alot of folks who dearly wish NOW that they had a 1951 k-horn (for instance) that had been left "as-is" by its previous owner...something to think about. As for Klipsch crossovers, I will put up a small info posting about them in a few minutes elsewhere in this thread. Hey...Al K....I have a pair of Scalawags heading my way...built in the 70's...I may want a pair of crossovers sometime soon for em...talk to me!! ------------------ If you want to send a private message, or have already done so, be aware I have not as yet been able to retrieve them. Send e-maill instead, please...just note Klipsch forum in the heading so it doesn't get deleted. This message has been edited by HDBRbuilder on 05-03-2002 at 09:17 AM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Klappenberger Posted May 2, 2002 Share Posted May 2, 2002 builder, I'm here! You can find me through my personal web site (the little house below) or by my business site http://www.alkeng.com AL K. ===================== Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neek Posted May 2, 2002 Share Posted May 2, 2002 I would recommend replacing all the wires to each of the drivers. New wire took Al's crossover to another level on my Khorns! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChemPharma Posted May 3, 2002 Share Posted May 3, 2002 Neek, What kind and gauge wire did you use here. I have thought about doing the same, but wondered if it would be audible. ChemPharma Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j-malotky Posted May 3, 2002 Share Posted May 3, 2002 Chem Use the same wire you run from your Amp to the speaker. 10ga, 12ga, Monster, Kimber, anything over 16ga, whatever!! JM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neek Posted May 3, 2002 Share Posted May 3, 2002 The tweeter and squaker got silver-clad 14awg copper and the woofers got 10awg copper, all from North Creek Music. Really made a big difference for me! Cheap too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChemPharma Posted May 4, 2002 Share Posted May 4, 2002 Neek and JM, Thanks for your input! I'll look into it. ChemPharma Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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