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Anyone's tried repairing/upgrading original Vandersteen 1 speakers?

I have a chance at an original Vandersteen 1 with what's claimed to be a bad woofer. Well, maybe it's the woofer, maybe it's the feed to it through the crossover. Won't know unless I buy it (it's pretty cheap) and open it up. Curious to hear from anyone who's worked on this unit, especially done anything to bring it more up to date. Wondering if this one is worth the effort. Thanks.
rnathans00
ovinewar1
93 posts
 
These most likely had foam surrounds. Could be as simple as new surrounds. I have 2CE and 3As. Son has 2CE Sigs. I really like the sound of all three. Very musical. 
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,553 posts
 
Putting a lot of time and money into entry level speakers might not be the best way to go. If it is cheap enough AND you can find replacement drivers (I would think chances might be good) I might take a chance on it. 
fiesta75
1,378 posts
 
If you have to buy it, for those speakers, I would not take a chance.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,504 posts
 
The original Vandersteen 1 speakers sold for $600.00 a pair.  Unless you are getting them for under $50.00, I wouldn't waste the money.  I would call Vandersteen and see if parts are still available.  You will need to give them tthe serial# so they can determine the version.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,014 posts
 
To replace a woofer can be a cheap fix. In 1981 I bought a pair of ESS TranStatics I’s, introduced in 1970 and discontinued a few years later (with the success of the ESS/Heil AMT 1). One of the two speakers had had it’s KEF B-139 woofer replaced with a generic copy, so I called ESS to see if they had one to sell. I got the last remaining B-139 they had in stock---for 39 bucks!

Did you know Nelson Pass worked at ESS in the early-70's? Not designing electronics (ESS didn't yet offer any), but working on their loudspeakers (specifically their crossovers, I believe).
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