I have a pair of Boston Acoustics T-830's that are about 15 years old. Last
night the foam surround on one of the woofers ripped whilst cranking out
some blues.

Does anybody out there have an opinion on the many DIY re-foam kits
available? I've found one specific to BA 8" woofers and it's cheap...
$20USD for enough materials to do two speakers. As a comparison, the cost
of woofer replacement from Boston Acoustics is $70 per speaker (including
shipping). I made an investment when I originally purchased the speakers
and I'm very very happy with the sound (prior to last evening anyway); I
don't want to waste time and money on a kit if it is going to fundamentally
change the sound. I am guessing that there are foams of varying stiffness
and most likely the DIY kits would use a middle-of-the-road grade of foam.

Another option I suppose would be to have the re-foaming professionally
done, but I can't see it costing much less than replacement of the woofer
when you add shipping both ways, etc.

Any feedback greatly appreciated.

Dave

Dave wrote:
I have a pair of Boston Acoustics T-830's that are about 15 years old. Last
night the foam surround on one of the woofers ripped whilst cranking out
some blues.

Drag....

Does anybody out there have an opinion on the many DIY re-foam kits
available? I've found one specific to BA 8" woofers and it's cheap...
$20USD for enough materials to do two speakers. As a comparison, the cost
of woofer replacement from Boston Acoustics is $70 per speaker (including
shipping). I made an investment when I originally purchased the speakers
and I'm very very happy with the sound (prior to last evening anyway); I
don't want to waste time and money on a kit if it is going to fundamentally
change the sound. I am guessing that there are foams of varying stiffness
and most likely the DIY kits would use a middle-of-the-road grade of foam.

If it were me, I'd go the DIY refoam route. If you have a commitment to
these boxes, eventually--in about 15 years--you'll probably have to do
it again. In any case, if you do screw it up, you're only out $20, and
the new drivers are still a foolproof option.

Another option I suppose would be to have the re-foaming professionally
done, but I can't see it costing much less than replacement of the woofer
when you add shipping both ways, etc.

That would be my take. the issue of 'sounding different' is probably
likely no matter which option you choose. OTOH, 'different' might even
be better.....

jak
Any feedback greatly appreciated.

Dave

"jakdedert" wrote in message
...
If it were me, I'd go the DIY refoam route. If you have a commitment to
these boxes, eventually--in about 15 years--you'll probably have to do
it again. In any case, if you do screw it up, you're only out $20, and
the new drivers are still a foolproof option.

Yeah, after some consideration I'm going to do the refoam and see what
happens. For $20 it's unlikely to sound worse than the ripped driver
anyway. I poked around on the net and see really nothing but good things
said about the kits. Who knows, maybe they WILL sound even better...