STAX Lambda: Rear foam replacement?

[audiolab1]

Hello,

I am a new member here and I have scoured the archives in an attempt to find an answer to this question, so my apologies if I missed it.
I have a pair of Stax Labmda Pro Signatures with the tube SRM-T1 energizer/amp. As is common for vintage Stax earspeakers, the open cell foam has started to disintigrate. I uinderstand that the ear side foam can be replaced as part of a replacement earcup kit. However, I see no way of cleaning out or replacing the same foam that is behind or on the "outside" side of the membranes. Do any Stax experts have any ideas for safely cleaning out and replacing this foam? Or is it even necessary to replace it?
Many thanks for your help!

Andrew

 

[krmathis]

Hi and welcome to Head-Fi!

I have two pair of SR-Lambda Pro myself, one with the backwave foam intact and one with all backwave foam gone. There are no major audible difference between them, and the minor difference I hear go in the favor of the fully open one. So don't think you have anything to fear.

But if the foam disintegrate rapidly I would open the 'phone and clean it all out so particles don't enter the transducers. In each corner, behind the earpads, you find small screws. Unscrew, take the 'phones apart and clean up properly. You can even add some new earpads while you are on it. Black earpads can be had new from Audio Cubes II.

Enjoy!

 

[spritzer]

You need to remove the earpads to gain access to the earcups and replace the foam inside there. The problem is that the original Signature earpads are all long gone so you can only use the SR-202 pads that are black or the new Signature pads that don't look the same but use a much nicer material.

I usually just rinse the earcup backs under a running tap to remove the foam or put them in a bucket full of warm water and soap. This is of course with the drivers safe and sound away from any water but I use a light brush to clean the back of the drivers and baffle. I wouldn't really bother to replace the foam but it does help to keep dust away from the drivers.

 

[audiolab1]

Wow!!!
Amazingly fast and detailed replies!
One additional question, will the ear pads stick back on once removed or do I need to order replacement pads before taking them apart?
Thanks again!

Andrew

 

[spritzer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by audiolab1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Wow!!! Amazingly fast and detailed replies! One additional question, will the ear pads stick back on once removed or do I need to order replacement pads before taking them apart? Thanks again! Andrew

We in the Stax mafia take care of our own...

So do and some don't. Stax changed the adhesive at least once and the oldest one is very strong so you will probably tare the pads but you could just lift up the 4 corners and then stick it back on with some double sided adhesive. You can get sheets of double sided adhesive at most crafts stores and that is very similar to the stuff Stax used.

 

[krmathis]

"Team Stax" are quite responsive and helpful in here.

You can carefully lift up the corners of the earpads, and unscrew.
There should be enough adhesive on them to stick back when you are done. Just be careful not to rip the earpads apart when you pull the corners.

 

[audiolab1]

I'd just like to say a big thank you for the fast and helpful responses!
What a fantastic introduction to these forums.
I worked on my Lambda Pro Signatures over the weekend and found that, upon closer examination, only the earcup foam was falling apart. I carefully removed all of the foam and made sure they were completely clean. I also gave the housing and the ear pads a good cleaning. I hate to admit it, but this system has not been used for at least two years. It's simply been collecting dust on the bottom shelf of my equipment rack!
Anyway, after a good cleaning of the earspeakers and the amp all is well and the system is now setup and in operation again.

 

[spritzer]

Great to hear that you are using them again. The Lambda Signature is a fine headphone and deserves to used frequently.