Refoaming JBL L3's

[Log1x]

I bought a pair of JBL L3's off of Craigslist for $100. I used them for 2 days and I started to hear a weird sound from the right speaker. It was almost as if it was blown, and when I put my hand over it, it was omitting a lot of air. I couldn't understand why and was looking at the woofer from all angles with a light, and finally I pushed the woofer in lightly and the foaming around the speaker literally about came off (it stayed in place as the woofer pushed back).

tl;dr I need to refoam my JBL L3's because I really enjoyed the sound and if I could throw a tiny bit of money into them and have them as good as new...I'll be happy I suppose. :)

I was looking on eBay but I'm not really sure what to get. There are a few audio specialists locally that would more than likely be willing to do the refoaming for me but if I could do it myself and save some money, that would be convenient. I'm looking to not spend more than $40.

There are a few refoaming kits on eBay but nothing SPECIFICALLY for the L series. Could anybody link me of what would be ideal? I'm assuming if I order the correct kit and were to bring it to a specialist it would be a pretty small price.

Only one speaker needs the refoaming but I should more than likely do both, I'm assuming?

Thanks.

Brandon

[BMWCCA]

I don't believe anyone offers correct surrounds for the L3 woofer. From your description it sounds like the surround has just separated from the cone. If so, just re-glue it to the cone and keep on rockin'. If the surround is split, you may as well just sell the tweets and find another pair of L3s. :(

Pics of the problem?

[Log1x]

Thanks for the reply! Here's a picture.

http://log1x.com/files/DSC00638.JPG
(http://log1x.com/files/DSC00638.JPG)

[rdgrimes]

Replace. [/$.02]

[Log1x]

The foam?

I mean, if it's really that bad, I guess I could go back to the guy I bought them from and stir up a shit storm.

I really did enjoy the sound of the speakers though. They were my first JBL's.

This is rather unfortunate. :/


Super glue wouldn't do the trick?

[HCSGuy]

Get a tube of Moyen glue:
http://www.soundspeakerrepair.com/speaker-parts-cp/RS-3087/Supplies/Supplies/

run a bead around the outside of the cone - it will hold on for a while, at least until the foam tears at the new glue line:o:. Meanwhile, keep your eyes on Ebay for a new woofer, or CL for a new pair of L3's. I don't think JBL thought about servicing drivers with this line of speakers, as there isn't much surface to glue a refoam kit to.

good luck!

[Log1x]

http://cgi.ebay.com/JBL-708G-1-Genuine-8-Woofer-L3-L5-L7-Brand-New-/260618008089?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item3cae0b3619

There actually is one on eBay. But heh, $125 shipped is more than I paid for the pair.

Sigh.

I'll give that glue a go. Hopefully (considering they are accompanied with a sub), if I don't drive them too hard bass wise I should be able to make it last until I figure out an alternative.

If anybody else has any suggestions, please feel free to chime in.

Thanks a lot!

Brandon

[HCSGuy]

I'm not sure comparing the price of a new woofer to your whole speakers is a valid comparison - you got an amazing deal on the speakers, provided the rest works. You can get $80 out of the tweeters alone. $100/woofer isn't bad, especially since NOS ones should hold up better in the aging department, presumably having been sealed up in a box all these years. Is $50 for a used one a better deal than $100 for a NOS one? I don't think so.

Be happy with the deal you got, save up for the next pair of L5's that go on CL in your area for $225 - then you'll really be over the moon...