standingwave Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 Hi, I recently purchased a pair of Klipschorns and have spent an embarrassing amount of time troubleshooting and restoring these old gals. I have hit a road block with one of the woofers. Cosmetically it's perfect. I see no cracking or deteriation. It produces sound, but very, very quietly and distorts. Both woofers measure 4ohm. Help. Please. Sanity receding. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
standingwave Posted September 30, 2016 Author Share Posted September 30, 2016 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
standingwave Posted September 30, 2016 Author Share Posted September 30, 2016 Hmmm just noticed this...im a better musician than photographer but there appears to be a separation or a sagging at the end of the cone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The History Kid Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 Is it the coil itself that is having an issue with separation? Sorry, it's hard for me to see in these pictures. If it is, a new driver is in your future. I had the same issue arise with my KP-101's - similar sound too. A replacement driver fixed the issue right up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
standingwave Posted September 30, 2016 Author Share Posted September 30, 2016 I think you are right. I have a Altec 421-8H in the basement. Could I use that as a temporary replacement? It's 8ohm's so I'm out of luck correct? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The History Kid Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 It's not a good idea to mix drivers that are spec'd differently than the schematic calls for. I believe all of the drivers either test at 4 to 6 ohms. You shouldn't be without too long though. There are plenty of Klipsch drivers and after market drivers that should meet your needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
standingwave Posted September 30, 2016 Author Share Posted September 30, 2016 perfect. thank you. do you have a preference for a replacement? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The History Kid Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 I don't know a lot about the KHorn, especially compared to some of the others here, so I can't say. I'd probably recommend the factory replacement, but others may have a better option. Just be aware, that if you replace one, you should replace both, or you could encounter some problems down the road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wvu80 Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 Here is some discussion on Khorn woofers: http://www.klipschupgrades.com/criteswoofers.shtml http://www.critesspeakers.com/prices-other_stuff.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricktate Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 Call Bob Crites and get one of his woofers...either the regular or cast frame one and be done with it no more worries mate. lol...Why so much concern over this old woofer ? If it sounds different than the other on and you want to keep it original you can have it rebuilt but to match them you will need to do both I would think. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Richard Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 When removing or replacing the woofers replace the foam rubber gaskets on the motorboard. This has to be a good seal. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WMcD Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 Let me suggest that you test whether the diaphragm is moving freely. With open fingers try pushing in on the cone. In a good driver the diaphragm will move freely but if the voice coil is binding it will feel jammed or gritty. The binding may be the result of the crack or sagging you see. Sometimes heating and mechanical stress on the voice coil winding will cause the mechanical distortion and the voice coil winds up binding against the magnet gap even though the windings are still electrically functioning (so you get some sound and a normal resistance). I'd suggest you get a pair of new drivers from Klipsch. It would be interesting to know what crossover model you have. Replacing both drivers is just about required. When you get the other, good driver out it would be very interesting to test it, or have someone here test it for the T-S parameters. (I could do it even if you want me to buy the units. And, yes I'll share the information.) WMcD 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
standingwave Posted October 5, 2016 Author Share Posted October 5, 2016 Thank you for the advice. I ordered a pair from Bob. He informed me they are the Jensen model. I would like to find another so I can have a pair. Are these speakers anything to make a fuss over, or am I crazy as usual? They are just too darn gorgeous for me to not to put some effort into. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WMcD Posted October 5, 2016 Share Posted October 5, 2016 You're doing the right thing. K-Horns make magic. People say, "The first time I heard a K-Horn, everything changed." They are worth the TLC. Please post pictures of your work and the units overall.. WMcD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
standingwave Posted October 5, 2016 Author Share Posted October 5, 2016 Will do. I want to clarify that the speakers I purchased from Bob are his cast replacements and the original drivers are the Jensens. Bob was super helpful over the phone and took the time to answer all my questions. I wish I lived closer to him, seems like a very cool and intelligent man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Mobley Posted October 6, 2016 Share Posted October 6, 2016 put the Crites in, send both originals to Bob, re-cone them both. then they'll be the same and be right for K-horns or other Heritage. Or re-install them in your k-horns and sell the new Crites woofers. They're known good, you wouldn't have any trouble selling them. What year are your Khorns? those look like my woofers. Mine are 59 or 60s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Mobley Posted October 6, 2016 Share Posted October 6, 2016 haha, look at the serial number on yours and mine. probably built at Klipsch on the same day. What your Khorn serial numbers? Mine are 1511 and 1517. IIRC, I think Klipsch said they were sold new to a dealer in Michigan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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