250ti Top End

[sweet212]

Hi Everyone.

I have a pair of 250ti's - the later gloss black early 90's versions.

They sound great except for the top end. The best way to describe it is shreaky/steely - particularly on vocals.

What can I do? Perhaps new caps may help or what about charge coupling the xovers?

What do the experts here suggest?

Thanks in advance.

[rdgrimes]

The foam damper pads in the 044ti are known to degrade and fall apart. Replacing them requires taking the driver apart. There are a few threads around here about the process if you search.

[sweet212]

The foam damper pads in the 044ti are known to degrade and fall apart. Replacing them requires taking the driver apart. There are a few threads around here about the process if you search.

Thanks for your reply. I will take your advice.

I think these have the 035ti tweeters - could be wrong. Many years ago the Stereo Review article regarding the 250ti's raved about how sweet the top end was. I expected better.

[Mr. Widget]

Many years ago the Stereo Review article regarding the 250ti's raved about how sweet the top end was. I expected better.

Many years ago they probably did. Speakers do age. Yours may need servicing.


Widget

[rdgrimes]

Thanks for your reply. I will take your advice.

I think these have the 035ti tweeters - could be wrong. Many years ago the Stereo Review article regarding the 250ti's raved about how sweet the top end was. I expected better.

Ah yes, you have the Special Edition models. Those originally came with the 035ti and I think they even came later with something like a 052ti, but I could be wrong about the later. The same holds true in either case, they age. Although the 035ti is much easier to find to buy used than the 044ti. I'm pretty sure there are still some new reproductions of the 035ti being sold.

Look at your crossover boards for any obvious signs of age like bulging caps. If you want to rebuild the tweets, I'd first find a used pair to buy and experiment on. The good news is that the 035ti is 10 times easier to remove than the 044ti models are.

[sweet212]

Ah yes, you have the Special Edition models. Those originally came with the 035ti and I think they even came later with something like a 052ti, but I could be wrong about the later. The same holds true in either case, they age. Although the 035ti is much easier to find to buy used than the 044ti. I'm pretty sure there are still some new reproductions of the 035ti being sold.

Look at your crossover boards for any obvious signs of age like bulging caps. If you want to rebuild the tweets, I'd first find a used pair to buy and experiment on. The good news is that the 035ti is 10 times easier to remove than the 044ti models are.

Thank you RD. When you say reproductions - you mean copies of the tweeter by 3rd parties? I had a look at the boxes - they are "Classics" and also marked BQRC or BGRC - hard to read.

Would replacing the caps be an improvement? Made a definite improvement with my old 212's.

[sweet212]

Thank you RD. When you say reproductions - you mean copies of the tweeter by 3rd parties? I had a look at the boxes - they are "Classics" and also marked BQRC or BGRC - hard to read.

Would replacing the caps be an improvement? Made a definite improvement with my old 212's.

Unscrewed the tweeters - they are 035tia's. For some unknown reason the authorized JBL service center will not recondition these speakers - 035ti's yes but not the 035tia's. What can the difference be, apart from contact placement?

I have 2 options. Buy a Chinese drop in clone or repair the old tweeters. I prefer to keep the original components. Especially as their DC resistance checks out at 3.8 ohms, which I assume is OK.

So how hard can it be for a novice like me to replace the foam?

Who here has re foamed a 035tia tweeter?

Please let me know.

[sguttag]

Sorry to temporarily hijack this thread, but a quick question. Did the L250 HF driver (044-1) have the foam or was it just on the titanium stuff as used on the 250Ti?