Refurbishing Avalon Ascent Mk 2


After 25 years of service my Avalon Ascent Mk 2 have started to distort especially with classical piano.  I have isolated the problem to both 2" aluminium-manganese mid drivers.  These, I believe, were built by MB Quart of Germany, now out of business and the part seems unavailable.

I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on how I could bring back these speakers to their former glory. Thanks.

franzschubert
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Did you try different components? I had the same problem with my Thiel 3.6 speakers distorting certain solo piano notes and Thiel said they could rebuild the driver if I remove it and send it to them. However, I picked up an SACD player and the distortion did not appear when playing the same disc. Turns out it was a bad polypropylene cap in the analog board of my Theta Gen Va.
Yes I have tried multiple amps, preamps, DACs and cables.  The distortion remains.  It is only ameliorated when I disconnect the midrange drivers .... hence my conclusion that they are at fault.
Hi franzshubert,

Try placing very small pieces of Dynamat on the dustcap of the offending drivers. It may take several attempts to find the right spot but this may work. Worth a try.

Dave
Dave,
When you say "dust caps" are you referring to the cloth grill or the wire mesh protecting the drivers?