Mechman6595 Posted February 25, 2023 Share Posted February 25, 2023 I am the original owner of a 1978 pair of Heresy speakers. They are in very near mint condition on the outside, but are sounding a little more harsher these days. I am looking to replace the crossover caps as they are still the original configuration. A few questions for this learned group... What caps are best to use. Expected expense of replacing? Since I will be working to make these sing nicely once again, is there anything else, maintenance wise, I should be doing to them? Thanks! Scott in Minneapolis PS: I met Paul Klipsch in 1978 when I was working for "Sound Environment" selling Klipsch speakers. All this time later, I am still a fan of his speakers. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Travis In Austin Posted February 26, 2023 Moderators Share Posted February 26, 2023 If you are handy with a soldering iron the caps that Roy and his team at Klipsch tested and curved to ensure faithfulness to the original designs of PWK are sold by JEM. If you don’t want to hassle with your it @Deang is an authorized rebuilder of the networks using those same tested and approved caps. Welcome to the forum. Travis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted February 26, 2023 Share Posted February 26, 2023 I charge $175 to do those, which includes parts, labor, and return shipping. dgwescott@gmail.com 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuzzzer Posted February 26, 2023 Share Posted February 26, 2023 I would highly recommend Dean if you don’t feel comfortable soldering new capacitors yourself. The only other thing I’d recommend is to unscrew and tighten all of the input and output screws on the crossover. That will help remove years of oxidation and give a much better contact. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wuzzzer Posted February 26, 2023 Share Posted February 26, 2023 By the way, I’m from Minnesota as well. 🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubo Posted February 26, 2023 Share Posted February 26, 2023 Replace the squaker gaskets, they look like washers for a garden hose. They have dry rotted. The wires inside the speaker may have dry rotted, plan on replacing them. 14GA is plenty. Solder the wires to the spade connectors and shrink wrap the necks. Cheapo hardware store spade connectors are fine, nickel if you can find them. Gold solder spades or other exotic a may be a waste of money. Parts express has gold if you want them, I have used them and like them. Same results with cheapos. The connectors at the rear of the speaker are dangerously close, I would replace them and move them further apart or use one of the manufactured speaker connectors that will require increasing the size of the hole. I actually prefer the screw type connectors over the 5 way since I don't move the speakers every day. I wont be making any 3-4in round holes in the back of my cabinets any time soon. If you want 5 ways, and have someone who can cut new plywood backs and drill the holes go for it. Requires a table saw and all of your fingers. Local cabinet shop may do it for you after they have a laugh, perhaps for a few bucks out of their scrap. I always pay cash for the no charge jobs, no one has ever refused me picking up their lunch in advance with a $20........ I flipped the rear covers so the connectors are at the bottom. I like it, mine sit on end tables. Add some of the padding-fill from any fabric store to the bottom of the speaker 2 inches should be plenty for a little damping. Try the speaker with the damping in and out to see which you prefer. Make the fabric3-4 in wider all the way around to it leans up the sides. Flipping the woofers to account for the pull of gravity over 40 years sounds, good, I'll try it the next time I am in the speaker. Forgot to do it the last time. Rebuild or replace the cross overs, the life of the caps is 20 years. So they are overdue. Noticeably better sound on mine with the Crites crossovers. Others may sound better, but factory and Crites are all I have. Refresh the stain on the speakers, mine were walnut oil, I used WATCO to great effect. Others may be better, but I didn't try them and would just use Watco again. The squaker horn compression driver may require re-magnetizing, I didn't test mine they sound great so I left them alone. Maybe a future project. Your local pro audio shop or repair shop may be able to test and re-magnetize for you. Do phenolic diaphragms dry out over time, seems like they would. You can consider replacing with the same or titanium. Not sure why but I think titanium sounds different. Would love to test two speakers on mono side by side with female voice to see if what's left of my ears can hear the difference. Skylark by Ronstadt is my quick test for speakers, I've got a crush on you is a good second test if it passes the first. If she sounds seductive on Crush, you are good. If not, punt. Mine got new Crites crossovers, new wires with soldered cheapo spade terminals, new gaskets, back covers flipped, Watco walnut oil. When I have time will try the padding in one speaker on mono and use the balance control for test. Factory rear screw connectors scare me to death and need to be replaced when I remember to do it. May be use a second similar terminal offset, or a six or eight screw version of the same marked with nail polish for the black and red the others are blanks and can't do any harm. If larger terminal is good and covers the original holes, will fill the old holes with good quality calk and declare victory. Forgot to flip the woofers, another one on the list the next time I am in there. My Heresy 1 speakers sound and look superb, perhaps better sound than new. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikekid Posted February 26, 2023 Share Posted February 26, 2023 The only Klipsch that I have not changed to titanium are the ones being stored in the shop. A set of Heresy II and a set of Kg 1.5's, both sets back in their original boxes. One day I'll put them to use again after the insides of the shop is re-painted and all cleaned up again. All 5 of our living room speakers have the titanium diaphragms and they match up very well. Very happy with everything! 👌 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mechman6595 Posted February 26, 2023 Author Share Posted February 26, 2023 Hi folks, Thanks for the responses. I got the cabinets open. Like time capsules from 1978... never opened before. I am not good with a soldering iron, so I will likely be sending them to you, Deang. The crossovers are "type E" crossovers. Any tips for packing them for shipping? Seems like all of the wiring is still pretty good. I like the idea of flipping the woofers and 86ing the speaker terminals. I never did like them. I was noticing the current Heresy version has a port in the rear. Anyone try this with an older version? Or, would this mess with the older crossovers? I was surprised to not see any damping fabric inside the speakers. If I try this, what is recommended? The finish (WO) is till in good shape. I oiled them with linseed oil about a year ago. I would likely just refresh this. Thanks! Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OO1 Posted February 26, 2023 Share Posted February 26, 2023 51 minutes ago, Mechman6595 said: I like the idea of flipping the woofers and 86ing the speaker terminals. the woofers push out , they dont push down or up , Heresy terminals use a mini-barrier strip , 0 problems . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 Kinter Lil'Piggies Vintage Audio Binding Post Adapter Banana Jacks to Lead Wire Adapters for Speakers and Amplifier Connections 8 Pack - 4 Red and 4 Black https://a.co/d/bMQ70C5 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 2 hours ago, Mechman6595 said: Any tips for packing them for shipping? Cut the wires near the capacitors, where they are soldered. Remove the capacitors. Use USPS medium flat rate box. Wrap each network in some decent bubble wrap - enough to provide some actual padding. Sit one in the box. Take the other, turn it upside down, and place on top of the other network. They are pretty robust. Tape box well and ship to: Dean Wescott 933 E Stroop Rd Kettering, Ohio, 45429 Use email I provide for PayPal, or toss personal check or money order in the box. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave MacKay Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 12 hours ago, Bubo said: Replace the squaker gaskets, they look like washers for a garden hose. They have dry rotted Where can the gaskets be purchased? What size & material? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geezin' Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 Just got my '79 H1 crossovers refurbished by Dean. Go ahead you won't be disappointed. A noticeable improvement. 7 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubo Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 1 hour ago, Dave MacKay said: Where can the gaskets be purchased? What size & material? Purchased mine from Bob Crites Call them to place the order or confirm the fit to your drivers may want you to place the order on line. https://critesspeakers.com/collections/all 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 Driver Gasket, P/N 157041 https://support.klipsch.com/hc/en-us/requests/new 1-800-554-7724 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubo Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 6 hours ago, Deang said: Driver Gasket, P/N 157041 https://support.klipsch.com/hc/en-us/requests/new 1-800-554-7724 It's weird they don't give us exploded bills of material with part numbers and a way to order them. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 They should have a separate customer support section for Heritage owners - and an online store for most requested items. They are trying to operate like the small company they used to be while now controlling 35% of the loudspeaker market. The site seems cobbled together. I wish they would fix it. A lot of people don’t even know how to find customer support. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Travis In Austin Posted February 27, 2023 Moderators Share Posted February 27, 2023 16 hours ago, Dave MacKay said: Where can the gaskets be purchased? What size & material? Per @Deang Driver Gasket, P/N 157041 https://support.klipsch.com/hc/en-us/requests/new 1-800-554-7724 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave MacKay Posted February 27, 2023 Share Posted February 27, 2023 Thanks. Do you know if they will sell to Canada? I’m in Canada where Klipsch service handled via Gentec, Klipsch’s Canadian distributor. Gentec (also operating as Klipsch.ca) refer parts queries to an affiliated company (www.repairparts.ca). Unfortunately, the gaskets aren’t listed on the repairparts.ca website. I’ve e-mailed them to ask if they can supply the gaskets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Travis In Austin Posted February 27, 2023 Moderators Share Posted February 27, 2023 59 minutes ago, Dave MacKay said: Thanks. Do you know if they will sell to Canada? I’m in Canada where Klipsch service handled via Gentec, Klipsch’s Canadian distributor. Gentec (also operating as Klipsch.ca) refer parts queries to an affiliated company (www.repairparts.ca). Unfortunately, the gaskets aren’t listed on the repairparts.ca website. I’ve e-mailed them to ask if they can supply the gaskets. Hi Dave: I am sorry I don’t know the answer to that, but @Islander and many others from Canada would probably know the answer to that. Travis 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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