AR-2ax re-foaming by Newbie?

[PEJ]

I had no idea this forum existed until I stumbled over it searching for possibilities to repair my AR-2ax speakers. I bought them new (from Rabson's 57th St. in NY) about 1972 and they've been in almost daily use ever since. I have a Carver M-500t amp(250 w/channel)and some Klipsch Forte II speakers I use as well, but the AR-2ax pair are my favorites. The foam deteriorated 10 or 12 years ago and I had them restored professionally with excellent performance ever since - until I was playing a new Christmas recording with some deep organ music. It was only at modest volume, but I noticed for the first time the sound like I heard before when the foam deteriorated. Although I haven't pulled the grill cloth yet (it was glued on after repairs were made a decade ago) but I'm virtually sure that's what's wrong. The mid-range and tweeter have always been flawless and I don't think the pots or other internal wiring will need attention. My questions are these:

1) After looking over some on-line descriptions of what is involved in re-foaming, it looks pretty daunting. Is this a doable job for a "Speaker Newbie" who has done many other DIY projects (a couple Heathkit receivers in the late /60s and early '70s)? Would the serial numbers (185277 and 185321) suffice to get the proper re-foaming kit? I think it's a 10" woofer, but there seem to be some minor nuances of differences. Is glue included? Will dust caps need to be replaced?

2) If I decide to have the restoration/repair done professionally again, what is an appropriate price to expect? Is there, among the forum users, a known reputable repair person in the Indianapolis/Central Indiana area?

Thanks!

PEJ

[Carlspeak]

You can try Tom Colvin at www.recone.com. I think he's in your neighborhood.

[JKent]

Hi PEJ and welcome to CSP!

Yes--it is daunting but you CAN DIY. If you have built heathkits you probably have the requisite skills. My first refoam project was a pair of 2ax's and it went perfectly. Take a look at the MSound web site. It gives step-by-step instructions. You can order the complete kit from MSound for about $25--that includes dust cap, glue, even sandpaper and alcohol wipes. Here is the site:

http://www.citlink.net/~msound/refoam/

I suggest you also click the link to his ebay store and read about the special Boston foam surrounds he sells for the 2ax.

If you decide to have a pro do it, everyone seems to agree that Bill LeGall of MillerSound is the best. I had him refoam some 3" woofers that were too delicate for me to handle. He will be glad to give you a price quote. He quoted me $70 for a pair of Advent woofers but they're a little tricky so it's "possible" the ARs would be less. Here's the MillerSound site:

http://www.millersound.net/indexfl.htm

Kent

[genek]

I paid $50 to have a pair of 3a woofers refoamed in Southern California. I would expect the cost to be similar in most major metro areas. With the average cost of DIY kits running around $25, it didn't make sense to spend the amount of time it would take a clumsy amateur like myself to get it right for a labor cost of $12.50/woofer.

[JKent]

Gene, you of course make a very valid point. But there's also the fun factor and bragging rights of being able to say "oh yeah, I refoamed the woofers, recapped the crossovers, restored the pots, refinished the cabinets & reupholstered the grilles. Sure--did it all myself"

Kent

[genek]

I did the cabinets, pots and grills myself. I subbed out the part of the refurb where I was most likely to irreparably ruin something or bleed.

[deek]

You may just have a surround come unglued in a spot. That would not require re-foaming but simply identifying where the leak is and re-attaching it.

I got a (cheapo) subwoofer for the bedroom and it had that problem. Being a vented cabinet already, it really sounded awful! I just used some of the contact cement that comes with the Parts Express refoaming kits and went to town. It's still in service 5 years later.

-deek