Re: Should I Re-cone a JBL L-65 Woofer ??

[Tim Schwartz]

James,

This sounds high for reconing. I'd suggest you get an estimate from:

Millersound Labs
1422 Taylor Road
Lansdale, PA 19446
phone: 215-412-7700

I've had excellent service from them. In any event, whatever the
estimate, go out and listen to new speakers in the price range of the
repair and see if you like them as much as what you have now. My guess
is that you may want to repair what you've got, even though I don't know
the L-65's.

Regards,
Tim Schwartz
Bristol Electronics


James wrote:
>
> I have a pair of JBL L-65's , a 20 year old 3-way speaker. Boy,
> these were nice speakers when I first bought them !!
>
> The woofers are 10 inch designs, and both need reconing. The cost , with
> associated shipping, will be in the $450 range for the pair.
>
> I am wondering if my investment would be in the right direction. I know
> that speaker technology has advanced a lot in 20 years, and that dollar for
> dollar, I would assume that you get more with current purchases.
>
> How much more than the $450 would I have to spend to get something as good
> or better in today's market, and what recommendation of speakers would you
> suggest ?
>
> I would be interested in receiving any comments.
>
> Thanks !!
>
> --James--

[Mr.T]

"James" > wrote in message
...
> I have a pair of JBL L-65's , a 20 year old 3-way speaker. Boy,
> these were nice speakers when I first bought them !!
>
> The woofers are 10 inch designs, and both need reconing. The cost ,
with
> associated shipping, will be in the $450 range for the pair.

Do they really need reconing, or just new surrounds? That would be lower in
cost.

> I am wondering if my investment would be in the right direction. I know
> that speaker technology has advanced a lot in 20 years, and that dollar
for
> dollar, I would assume that you get more with current purchases.

Only if you adjust those dollars for inflation.

> How much more than the $450 would I have to spend to get something as good
> or better in today's market,

Yes much more.

>and what recommendation of speakers would you suggest ?
> I would be interested in receiving any comments.

I suggest you get another quote for repairs.
Or be prepared to spend *far* more than $450 on new ones.

For starters, check the prices on similar sized new JBL speakers. You may be
in for a shock.

MrT.

[James]

I surely appreciate all of the responses, and will take a while to digest it
all.


My quote is indeed from Miller Sound Labs. They were recommended by several
sources, and of course they are all JBL certified. As far as I can tell,
the price is pretty much the same if you have it done with a JBL certified
shope and JBL reconing kit.


I don't fully understand about the "surrounds" and the issue of whether I
need reconing. The rubber outer ring on the outer edge of the entire
woofer is completely gone, and the woofer paper is torn quite a bit. I
don't think the voice coils are blown/

BTW, I would remove the woofers myself and just ship them if I decide to do
it.


I appreciate all the input.


--James--

[jakdedert]

James wrote:
> I surely appreciate all of the responses, and will take a while to digest it
> all.
>
>
> My quote is indeed from Miller Sound Labs. They were recommended by several
> sources, and of course they are all JBL certified. As far as I can tell,
> the price is pretty much the same if you have it done with a JBL certified
> shope and JBL reconing kit.
>
>
> I don't fully understand about the "surrounds" and the issue of whether I
> need reconing. The rubber outer ring on the outer edge of the entire
> woofer is completely gone, and the woofer paper is torn quite a bit. I
> don't think the voice coils are blown/
>
> BTW, I would remove the woofers myself and just ship them if I decide to do
> it.
>
>
> I appreciate all the input.
>
>
> --James--
>
>
Now it all becomes a little more clear as to what you have...and bit
hazier as to how to fix it.

Did you bid on the Ebay woofers I referenced? I have no idea what
they're worth, but should bring considerably less than $450. Assuming
they're a drop-in replacement, and further assuming they're in good
shape (check the poster's feedback, ask questions), that would be your
cheapest (probably) easiest fix. A lot of really nice speakers are
being parted out these days because of the cost of shipping heavy
speaker boxes.

The foam surround is one of the main suspension components of your
woofer. It's (supposed to be) a continuous ring of foam that acts as a
spring, both centering cone and sealing the box. When the cone moves in
and out, the surround allows it to do so in a controlled manner.

You say yours is completely gone. That's not fatal in and of itself.
Operating the speaker with the surround in that condition 'could' well
be, however. You further state the cone itself is torn. How did that
happen? Never mind. It still 'could be' fixed, depending on the extent
of the damage; but now you're getting into a judgement area where it
does not sound like you are qualified to operate. Any repairs to the
cone are likely to be visible, and will possibly affect the sound to
some degree.

If you replace the woofers (my recomendation), I'd be interested in
purchasing the old ones. Otherwise, either a recone or a careful
rebuilding of what you have--by an experienced technician--is warranted.

jak