effects on storing unused loudspeakers

[mikee55]

Hi all,
I have several unused speakers, both driver units and fully made complete systems.I live in the south of UK, so taking climate and type of dwelling we Brits have, what is the best method of storing speakers in a loft?
I would imagine they'd get exposed to cold and probably damp in the Winter, to very hot and dry in the Summer which too could vary,especialy since we had a heatwave back in July!
How worried should I be about the materials gone into speakers? Are cones likely to warp? I know some drivers,heavy woofers, can sag with time (Leak Sandwich?), what can I do to store them to minimise damage?

Cheers Y'all. Mikee55

[richie00boy]

Monitoring this thread as my driver stock and old complete speakers now live in the loft.

I think if they are kept in boxes rather than plastic bags they should be OK. Plastic bags will retain moisture as they can't 'breathe'.

They do need to be boxed as the dust and spiders etc will not be good for them.

Obviously if your loft is draughty and damp it's probably not ideal.

[Visor57]

Hi there,

If I had to choose between standing the enclosures erect or lying down, I'd opt for storing them on their backs. Like richie00boy suggests, if you wrap them up make sure it is a porous, water resistant material and then perhaps tape some thicker material along the front and corners to prevent serious damage when someone goes rummaging around in your loft

[audiofan]

years ago we had renovation around here and a few air surpension speaker were laying on their back for few months after that the suspension sag an the voice coil touch the backplate of the magnet system.

I would not lay speaker on their back.

[Visor57]

That is true for that type of loudspeaker

[Cal Weldon]

I think the size of the driver determines what to do. The larger the moving mass, the greater the chance of sag so the big boys get stood on edge as they would be in a box. If you lay tham flat, be prepared to flip them over every six months or so. If storing for a long time, wrap them in newspaper then bag them.

[jaizon]

I own a pair of vintage JBL- L 100's and discovered the urethane (styrophor?) suspension of the 12" woofers all crumbled into dust-like materials after being idle for some time. Is it because of the type of weather conditons we have in the Philippines or do the speakers need to be driven every now and then to keep them "exercised"?

[AKN]

Originally posted by audiofan
years ago we had renovation around here and a few air surpension speaker were laying on their back for few months after that the suspension sag an the voice coil touch the backplate of the magnet system.

I would not lay speaker on their back.

Hi!

Agree with you, I have seen many speaker units all the way down to 6.5" that got permanent sag due to storage on their back or front. Not all all units suffer from sag or creep but some sure do.

I think if one want to be careful, store speakers upright and if possible rotate them if stored for a long time.

[Cal Weldon]

Originally posted by jaizon
suspension of the 12" woofers all crumbled into dust-like materials

This is a natural occurance. The solvents in the surround have gassed off and there's nothing left to hold it together. You will need new surrounds.

[mikee55]

Hi again, interesting thoughts, techniques and ideas.I think I'll periodicly turn them around,and hope for the best. Thankyou for all your suggestions, please feel free to add to, if you think of anything missed.

Cheers. Mikee55