Hi everyone. I'm looking for some advice on replacing the 6.5" drivers in some old Kelly Transducer KT2 2-way passive floorstanding speakers. All 4 drivers are blown.
As far as I've been able to discover, the original drivers were Audax HP170ZO but since they're impossible to get a hold of, I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on decent replacements? I've been looking at some of the SB Acoustic options as they seem to be readily available and cheap here in Australia.
I'd appreciate any input.
DCM.
As far as I've been able to discover, the original drivers were Audax HP170ZO but since they're impossible to get a hold of, I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on decent replacements? I've been looking at some of the SB Acoustic options as they seem to be readily available and cheap here in Australia.
I'd appreciate any input.
DCM.
Ideally we need as much info as possible on the KT2, such as old reviews for crossover points and impedance and sensitivity specification. Is the tweeter a dome or a ribbon type ? Are the bass unit circular or pincushion types?
I haven't spotted the data for the HP170ZO but it will turn up eventually. Once we can see that is should be easier to make a choice on suitable replacements.
Are you sure all 4 drivers are blown and it is not a positec device in the crossover that has expired. If you remove the drivers and check with an ohmmeter they have infinite resistance open circuit?
Do you think you could measure the components and trace out the crossover?
Some audax models are being made again and are available certainly in Europe, from a French supply companies and from Germany
here:
https://www.audax-speaker.de
I think this glass fibre version with a phase plug could be a close match. They are typically 150 euros each.
Also, try https://en.toutlehautparleur.com and do a search of their audax drivers, possibly cheaper here?.
If the cost is a bit much, and postage and tax being a further addition, there is absolutely nothing wrong with SB Acoustics a very safe bet, and even better if they are bargain priced where you are.
Good luck.
I haven't spotted the data for the HP170ZO but it will turn up eventually. Once we can see that is should be easier to make a choice on suitable replacements.
Are you sure all 4 drivers are blown and it is not a positec device in the crossover that has expired. If you remove the drivers and check with an ohmmeter they have infinite resistance open circuit?
Do you think you could measure the components and trace out the crossover?
Some audax models are being made again and are available certainly in Europe, from a French supply companies and from Germany
here:
https://www.audax-speaker.de
I think this glass fibre version with a phase plug could be a close match. They are typically 150 euros each.
Also, try https://en.toutlehautparleur.com and do a search of their audax drivers, possibly cheaper here?.
If the cost is a bit much, and postage and tax being a further addition, there is absolutely nothing wrong with SB Acoustics a very safe bet, and even better if they are bargain priced where you are.
Good luck.
Ray if you did a basic search on the KT2 you'd answer a lot of your questions.
As to suitable replacements? The HP170Z0 look exactly like the AP170Z0 but with phase plugs. I know audax did OEM versions of their AP range with phase for its customers and as far as I know the drivers were very similar.
As to suitable replacements? The HP170Z0 look exactly like the AP170Z0 but with phase plugs. I know audax did OEM versions of their AP range with phase for its customers and as far as I know the drivers were very similar.
Agreed, I hadn't done a search at that point.
I just captured my thoughts as nobody had yet replied.
Doing a quick search for the KT2 reveals the same question is being asked on Stereo.net. Its always good to have a second source for help.
There is also a restoration project for KT2 on the Art of Sound forum as well.
Guessing the outcome of this, I think going down the road of the most suitable sized, correct impedance SB Acoustics driver is the way to go.
Choosing the most suitable paper cone driver, plus some tweeter level matching would provide a relatively inexpensive fix. I am not sure you could achieve the same published overall sensitivity as the original audax's drivers though, hence the treble matching comment.
I just captured my thoughts as nobody had yet replied.
Doing a quick search for the KT2 reveals the same question is being asked on Stereo.net. Its always good to have a second source for help.
There is also a restoration project for KT2 on the Art of Sound forum as well.
Guessing the outcome of this, I think going down the road of the most suitable sized, correct impedance SB Acoustics driver is the way to go.
Choosing the most suitable paper cone driver, plus some tweeter level matching would provide a relatively inexpensive fix. I am not sure you could achieve the same published overall sensitivity as the original audax's drivers though, hence the treble matching comment.
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Thank you so much for the thoughtful replies. I did find some great info on that TLHP site, including what looks like an original spec sheet for the HP170Z2 (which may or may not be the same as the HP170ZO). I think the best way to go at this point is to find an SB Acoustic model which matches those specs as closely as I can. Thanks again for the replies guys!