Upgrading Drivers in a Klipsch

[enzoferrari650]

Since my dad has a pair of klipsch KSF 8.5's that he doesnt like, I thought maybe it'd be possible to replace to drivers? Is this possible to just replace the drivers to make it sound better? Or do I also need to build a new crossover just for the new drivers? I dont know anything about DIY speakers so i need help.

 

[drewd]

If you want to do it the right way

, you need to know a few things about the enclosure and the crossover.

You need to know the enclosure's volume, the crossover frequency and the slope for the high pass and low pass sections. Then (I'm assuming that it's a two-way speaker) you need to match the mid-bass driver to the box's volume and, if it's ported, adjust the port to match the driver and box.

You'll also want to match the tweeter to the mid-bass driver in terms of efficiency and also frequency range - you'll want to make sure that there is sufficient overlap in the two drivers' frequency ranges so that neither is straining at the crossover point (or an octave or two on the other side of it).

You might want to pick up a book on speaker building. Even though you already have the cabinets and possibly the crossovers, a good book will help a lot. There is a whole lot more than just what I've mentioned here that you ought to know in order to end up with a good sounding speaker. But with what you have, you ought to be able to replace the drivers and end up with a really great sounding pair of speakers for not too much money.

-Drew

 

[gsferrari]

Try to find drivers with similar electrical and acoustic characteristics.

www.adireaudio.com makes some very nice drivers. I built a vented sub with the Bramha 15" Driver and couldnt be happier with the results. Their smaller drivers are also very well built.

Cheers!

 

[KTpG]

What is it exactly that he doesn't like about the Klipsch? I am a huge Klipsch fan... I own 8 pairs of their speakers, one center (soon to be two), one sub (probably soon to be two), and the ProMedia5.1's. Are they too bright for him? That is the standard complaint... or maybe not enough detail? I noticed that my older Klispch aren't as detailed as my newer ones... so you might try just rebuilding the crossover network with newer, "higher-fi" parts (ie film caps and larger inductors, non-inductive resistors). I have been seriously considering rebuilding my older Klipsch... haven't gotten around to it yet, though.

 

[enzoferrari650]

yeah he doesnt think they have enough detail. Compared to his Sonus Faber Concerto, he says theres a lot more bass (well duh) but the highs on the sonus faber are just way more clear. He doesnt like the concertos because they jsut completely leave out the bass. But when he runs both speakers at the same time, since the klipsch are easier to amp, they are a lot louder. This then covers the great highs on the concertos. Is there any way I can change maybe resistors or caps in the crossover to make the klipsh not as loud?

 

[KTpG]

Well... if you just want the Klipsch for bass, then why not open up each speaker and disconnect the tweeters? Older Klipsch speakers simply have crimp on connectors connecting the crossovers to each driver as far as I know. Just yank the connectors off of the tweeters and run the woofers only.

Or... perhaps just use a sub for more bass?

 

[enzoferrari650]

Well we've already tried disconnecting the tweeters. The bass is way too loud at the same volume as the concertos. So i'm wondering if i oculd just change the caps and have the bass lowered.

 

[SportaJoe]

How about an L pad inline to the klipsch to act as a volume control. Im not sure about what size and rating and all that but im pretty sure its feasible.

 

[KTpG]

Try one of these. You can adjust the output level this way.