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KEF 107 - opening them? + other questions

Hey everyone,

Long time owner of a pair of KEF 107 originals. Replacement parts and drivers dont seem to be available any longer.

Its a well known problem that the foam surrounds on the woofers tend to degrade and fall apart over time.

Recently it seems my bass has dropped off. I get the impression that one of the woofers has separated from the surround. Could be the crossover.

I'd like to open them to inspect. Anyone done this? Advice on how to get to the woofers?

Next, should I need to replace the surrounds, what kit should I use? Can anyone recommend something for me?

I have seen mentioned that there are instructions out there on how to replace the surrounds, can anyone provide a link to a reputable link?

Lastly, I have read that capacitors will degrade over time, is this a myth or true? Am I dreaming thinking the caps in my crossovers can be replaced? And how can I get the same quality caps? How do I even check them?

Thanks, everyone.
idfnl
thorman
1,262 posts
 
You may have to do some research but there are plenty of shops that do re foaming and crossovers etc.,for old Kef speakers..Unless you know what your doing you could end up making a mess of a perfectly fixable pair of quality speakers..My suggestion is to spend some time on the computer and or call a local Stereo Shop ( a good one ) and get some referalls...You are not the only one to have this situation come up.......Get it done right the first time.......It will cost more but it will pay for itself with years of enjoyment....
face
516 posts
 
If you can read a schematic and solder, crossover updates are easy. I would leave refoaming to the pros though.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Dump them, repair is not cost effective and the sound will not please you.
tubeking
65 posts
 
I just did a pair. Try Orange County Speaker for the foam surrounds, remember the have TWO per driver with TWO woofers per speaker for a total of Four drivers. Orange county sells a complete kit with all eight foams and glue for under $100.00. The drivers are accessable from the bottom and top panels, remove only the outside screws on the top as the crossover for the woofers are attached to the panel with the screws in the center. Both chambers are full of foam and stuffing and it must be removed takeing care to remember how it needs to be reinstalled, The woofers have the posative terminal marked and are push on connectors, if confused by polarity use masking tape with notes on the wire to remember how to reattach. the drivers are attached with nuts that have some resistance to them as they have plastic locking nuts. Remove the bolt in center of one driver so that it maybe removed from the cabinet, after you have removed the first woofer then remove the center bolt from the second woofer and remove the connector rod from the cabinet. The woofers are orentiated so that the wire will hookup better if you note the direction of the woofers as the wire is not real long and is easier to reconnect if the woofers connectors face the same direction as before. If you have patience and dexterity the refoam is not to hard if you don't I think Orange County Speakers offers the full service plan at $70.00 ea. woofer. Considering you will be restoring a Classic and expensive speaker that's not bad.

As far as the cap's I will leave that to a better qualified KEF kind of guy.

Tubeking
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