EPI 100V surrounds

[Guest molecules]

I just bought a pair for $15.00, and was about to replace the surrounds. Several companies that sell the surrounds for about $30 including shipping. However one site mentioned that the spiders in these speakers are weak and it is wise to replace the woofers completely (at $40.00 each !)

Does anybody know if I am wasting money repairing the surrounds ? If so, can anybody recommend a good replacement woofer, similar sounding to the original, esp in the midrange.

Dave

[pmsummer]

I've got an original pair of EPI M100s (first generation EPI 100s). They have been to hell and back. The spiders are fine on these 35 year old drivers.

Just refoam (or re-butyl, depending on what was there originally).

[Guest oldkush]

Definitely replace the surrounds ... do not pop in a replacement woofer.

Bob

[Guest donlockett]

I recently found some 100s at a thrift store and paid $12 for them. The surrounds were obviously gone, which I knew I could deal with; however, on closer examination, the voice coil on one was torn away from the spider and moved about 3/4 inch foward. First woofer I have encountered with a spider problem. So, I might think that soemthing is weak there.

I gently moved the bobbin back into position, matching up the separation line of the glue of the spider, and re-glued the spider. I did use shims to prevent things from moving. I used a long handle artists paint brush with bristles about 1/2" long and 1/16 " in diameter. A little on the stiff side. Using the "dreaded" white glue which comes with surround replacements, I painted around the spider/bobbin line and let it dry. I like the "white" glue, BTW for surrounds.

Speakers now work fine and have given me my first taste of EPIs. If you are concerned about the age and possible spider weakness, add a little insurance and apply a little glue. Good listening!