Do I need the dustcovers on my Mission bookshelf speakers?

[HappymaN]

Do the dust covers have any sonic influence?
Will I damage anything by not using them?
Is it just a matter of dusting the cones every now and then?

 

[Jeff Guidry]

Anything that is placed in front of a speaker blocks sound. Higher frequencies are most susceptible to physical barriers, so you may notice a reduction in high frequencies when using the covers. Using one of those keyboard vacuums would be a great solution to removing the dust when you need to. I don't think you will damage them by not using them, but they do offer protection for the drivers if, for example, the speaker should fall or if something is dropped on or accidentaly thrown at the speakers.

 

[carlo]

the grilles will probably have a sonic affect, which way you prefer is up to you. i'm not familiar with the designer's intent, but for example paul barton designs psb speakers with a slightly hot tweeter and recommends the grilles on.

should you decide to leave them off i doubt you'll collect much dust with regular use. you can wipe the drivers with a cloth, just do it gently and make sure to not push in the dust cap. blow the tweeters with an air gun. i've never had a problem with this approach, although i'm sure others have suggestions.

best,
carlo.

 

[markjia]

This is just a theory, but I'm thinking that since sound is made through vibration of the drivers, it might keep the dust off. Regular use could prevent any dust from building up.

As for whether or not to use the grills, I personally leave them on on all of my speakers. I find the speakers are too bright without them. But I guess it is a personal choice, and it would vary between speakers.

 

[88Sound]

You'll probably be fine if you don't have any little kids running around that can't resist pushing in that middle button on the woofer. BTW I also have mission bookshelf speakers (being used with my TV) and a 5 year old. My covers are on.

 

[jbannow]

My biggest concern is always what is stated here ... it is so easy to damage a speaker, and the grill adds that extra protection. If it is in a safe spot though, and you like the sound without the grilles, then go for it. Dust buildup should be negligible.

 

[aos]

If the speaker sound was designed with dust cover in mind (and it should have as it's the part of the speaker!), you NEED to keep it on. For example, my Paradigm speakers rely on dustcover to diffuse the sound from tweater, and it was confirmed by Stereophile reviewer that is sounds better with dustcover on.

 

[andrzejpw]

I say this:

first, check the sound with the cover on and off. Which do you like better? If its with it on, you're done.

Second, if you like it with the cover off, position it in a safe place.

Third, vaccum/dust about once a week.

 

[pedxing]

I think electric charge builds up on the speaker, collecting more dust than normal. That is my experience with speakers. But, I would be careful in cleaning the tweeters because they have a tendancy to be delicate and fragile. Keyboard vacuum or a air duster can should work.

With my monitor audio's, i can hear a difference with the grill off. However, I keep the grill on because people can potentially bump into them and damage the diaphragm.

 

[AdamP88]

I was about to post something to the same effect as aos. I've got a pair of Paradigm Monitor 9's in the house, and Paradigm states that the grills are designed to help diffuse the treble, so you might want to check if that's the case with your speakers. It's almost a shame with the Paradigms, because they look so darn cool without the grills. But in a house with a dog and three cats, grills definitely stay on anyway.