First sign of surround rot?

[Ralph856]

There are some light marks on one of my L19's LF surrounds that could be the first signs of rot. It is only over a 3-inch area and the rest of the surround appears fine, as does the other woofer. The seller thinks they have never been refoamed, so it would be long overdue.

Is it ok to go on using the speaker until it gets worse (if that's what it is) or should I get them done soon?

Thanks

[John]

When it starts to make farting sounds turn it down and inspect. After that I would refoam.

[UreiCollector]

look for a date stamp somewhere on the basket....if it's from 15 years ago....it's probably on it's way out....

just kidding!


those are not looking too hot. if you press on the foam lightly and see 'cracks', it's probably spent.

[boputnam]

if you press on the foam lightly and see 'cracks', it's probably spent.

Yeah - actually, run your finger lightly along the surround - chances are you will encounter areas / spots that fall apart. Do not be shy. Not knowing only prolongs the tenure of not having proper bass response.

[Allanvh5150]

To me it looks like water marks. The cone appears to have similar marks. Does the seller have a cat?

Allan.

[JBL 4645]

To me it looks like water marks. The cone appears to have similar marks. Does the seller have a cat?

Allan.

I agree the cone has some marks on it maybe condensation or dampness.

Marking its territory.


http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/how-to-solve-cat-behavior-problems10.htm
Cat spraying!
http://videos.howstuffworks.com/animal-planet/4497-spraying-tips-for-cats-video.htm

[Ralph856]

Thanks for all your replies.

Yeah, tried rubbing my fingers over it a bit and nothing seems to be flaking off or breaking up.

The owner did have two small, noisy 'woofers' (possibly the same breed below) that took great delight in going for my ankles when I arrived. She may well have had cats somewhere too.



Here's the whole woofer and, indeed, I've just noticed liquid stains around the port, as well as rust in three of the woofer screws (and not present in the other speaker):

[Ralph856]

Assuming that the water damage is purely aesthetic, is it possible to say, just by looking at the photos, whether they have been refoamed/coned yet? Also, would it be possible for anyone here to comment of the condition of the spider/suspension, if I took photos?

I ask because these speaker were manufactured in the late seventies.

I don't have any pets but I'm considering getting the other speaker sprayed by a local cat. A respray should be a bit cheaper than a refoam.

Here's the other speaker:

[Mr. Widget]

I was going to suggest that perhaps the "spray" job is what has allowed them to remain in such good shape. But it seems the untreated surround is also fine.

Maybe putting the grilles back on is the solution?


Widget

[Andyoz]

When I saw you first close-up picture, I thought the surrounds were definitely on the way out (they look like my 250's surrounds before they disintigrated)

But after seeing the wide shots, looks like localised "spray" as you say.

Speakers look in good condition - how are the cabinets?

[JBL 4645]

They look in good Nick mate I don’t know why your getting so paranoid. If the edge-foam-surround goes just order a new kit and replace it.

One other thing is the gasket that surrounds the edge-foam-surround now that looks kinder new, for late 1970’s JBL to me.

Maybe the owner’s cat sprayed it just after re-foaming. It’s a kinder a guarantee. Have you stiffed the speaker to see if it smells of stale cat urine?

[Ralph856]

It’s a kinder a guarantee.

"JBL L19, 9 out of 10 cats recommend it".

It does have some sort of aroma but I don't think it's feline, as that would be particulary pungent. There's also a water stain on the top of the same cab, which may not even be animal.

Here's the worst of the marks on the cabs, Andy, otherwise not bad:

http://s204.photobucket.com/albums/b...19%20cabinets/

Not mint, but possibly ok for £85 all in? Can anyone recommend some nice veneer / scratch/ water spot treatment or oil, preferably available in the UK?

Mr W :

[Andyoz]

"Here's the worst of the marks on the cabs, Andy, otherwise fine:

http://s204.photobucket.com/albums/b...19%20cabinets/

David, need your login details to view those photos. Just attach them to your post using the "paperclip" at top of the page.

[Ralph856]

Can't seem to get it to work on this occasion, Andy. So:






Apologies for the size, photobucket's a pain sometimes!