Speaker DIY

Author: Yang Guangzong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-10-01
Features:
2. The Properties of the Surround
The surround is a key component that affects the compliance and directly influences the resonant frequency. Therefore, when replacing the surround, it is generally recommended to use the original material, paying attention to its thickness, weight, hardness, color, as well as the number, height, and size of the waves. Many users request durable rubber surrounds to replace damaged foam surrounds. When replacing non-original material surrounds, it is also advisable to choose a material that is as close as possible to the original to maintain the original sound output performance.
(II) Surround Adhesion
The surround is attached to the front or back of the cone. When replacing it, it should be re-adhered in the original position. If the size of the surround makes this impossible, the adhesive position may be changed. Regardless of the material of the surround being replaced, it must match the dimensions of the adhesive surface. If the dimensions are too large or too small, wrinkles are likely to occur during adhesion, which will affect both the appearance and the sound quality. Whether the surround is attached to the front or back of the cone, careful consideration should be given before proceeding, as adhesion can only be done once and cannot be repeated, otherwise, it may damage the surround, especially foam surrounds.
1. Retaining the Cone and Voice Coil
To replace the surround, first remove the damaged surround, clean the remaining adhesive with toluene, and then remove the dust cap. Insert a piece of paper into the magnetic gap (all the way in), secure the voice coil (not too loose or too tight, just tight enough to lift or press the cone), and then apply adhesive evenly to the adhesive points on the cone. To prevent uneven adhesion surfaces, apply slightly diluted adhesive twice (the frame is not glued yet, to be done later). Subsequently, press the cone down to leave a certain gap and secure it, then fix the new surround on the frame with a clamp. Extend both hands to the back of the cone, gently lift the cone and press it against the surround to adhere them together. Then, use one hand to support the back of the cone and the other hand to press the top of the cone until it is firmly adhered. After that, glue the frame section by section, and the process is complete. The surround can also be attached to the back of the cone.
2. Replacing the Surround Without Removing the Dust Cap
The dust cap attached to the cone can be very easy to remove or may be damaged if removed. To avoid damaging the cone, a simple method of replacing the surround without removing the dust cap can be used: Press the cone down with an appropriate heavy object, ensuring not to damage the dust cap, to replace the method of using a piece of paper to press the cone down temporarily in the previous example. The replacement procedure is the same as in the previous example. It should be noted that this simple method is only applicable when the surround is attached to the front of the cone.
3. Separating the Cone from the Speaker for Surround Replacement
The adhesion between the cone and the surround can be perfectly done manually by trying the following methods:
(1) Surround Attached to the Back of the Cone
Apply adhesive to the respective adhesive points, place the surround on the cone frame, and secure it with a clamp. Slowly and steadily lower the cone to the adhesive point, allowing it to adhere to the surround, then use one hand to support the bottom and the other hand to press the top until it is firmly adhered.
(2) Surround Attached to the Front of the Cone
A wok or similar utensil can be used. Apply adhesive to the respective adhesive points, place the surround on the back of the wok, adjust the roundness, then align the cone with the adhesive point and slowly lower it to adhere to the surround. Press the adhesive surface by hand until it is flat and firmly adhered.
4. Adhering the Surround to the Frame Edge
There are three methods to choose from for adhering the surround to the frame edge.
(1) Adhere the surround to the cone while also adhering the frame edge.
This method is efficient but difficult and the results may be