New Dumpster Refurb Project - Any ideas?

[Surtsey]

I bought this for the fun of it. It's a bandpass box with 2 x push-pull 8" drivers. The surrounds of both drivers have perished. I have no interest in restoring to its original spec using the Peerless drivers.

Any ideas?

 

[6L6]

New surrounds would be the obvious first step.


If not restoring it to its original configuration, then what do you have in mind? Direct radiator? 2 boxes? Part of a conventional 3-way system?

 

[Surtsey]

If not restoring it to its original configuration, then what do you have in mind?

There's no fun (or joy) in doing that. I suspect the system wasn't that good in the first place.
There are three major variables in subwoofer design. In this instance the cabinet volume is fixed. I'm left with driver performance and port tuning.
My other option: a dual coil single driver

 

[6L6]

Are you more interested in keeping the box? Or the drivers? Both?

 

[AllenB]

Bandpass design is sensitive to drivers/tuning so best to model first.

 

[Surtsey]

Are you more interested in keeping the box? Or the drivers? Both?

Box . . . I think.

The drivers are Peerless 891019 - can't find info on them anywhere.
Never replaced a speaker surround - how difficult is it?
I hear bandpass drivers have a hard life - how do I check their integrity with the surrounds missing?

 

[AllenB]

How do you check a voice coil you can't see? You can start by feeling for restricted movement or scraping. Not just for mechanical damage but also for if the coil has overheated. Measuring resistance is worthwhile but it's much easier to detect an open coil than one with a shorted turn. Measuring T/S would be better for that.

 

[sesebe]

Measuring the inductance is more sensible to find shorted turns.

 

[6L6]

Replacing a surround is very straightforward and beginner-friendly, you'll have no issues, and will have two nice drivers to use! Absolutely worth the bother to do it.

 

[Brian Steele]

I bought this for the fun of it. It's a bandpass box with 2 x push-pull 8" drivers.

I too suggest replacing the surrounds.

Curious design. Is that three ports with the center one being longer than the ones on the sides?

 

[Surtsey]

Curious design. Is that three ports with the center one being longer than the ones on the sides?

Yes. I think this is a Bose knock-off, utilising bigger drivers to offset the lack of engineering expertise. I'm going to replace the surrounds.
What glue?

 

[weltersys]

Glue used depends on the surrounds you choose.
The surround supplier should tell you what adhesive to use.