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Replacing driver screws with brass screws

There was some discussion about this on Millercarbon's thread about the Moab speakers, and I wanted to pursue the subject further without interfering with his thread.
As I stated there, I have heard about this practice for quite a few years, but never tried it because it seemed like one of those lunatic fringe ideas; and even though I actually really enjoy trying tweaks, and have found many of them effective, I just was not prepared for what this one did for the music coming out of my speakers. 
Specifically, it improved the detail in ambient trails, focus in general, complex harmonics in voices and stringed instruments, and instrumental separation. It is not subtle, and it is immediately noticeable.
So, I am curious to know how many of you out there have tried this, and what your experience has been.
Thanks, John  
128x128roxy54
tobor007's avatar
tobor007
135 posts
 
So I wanted to stop just putting my 2 cents in and ask someone that knows more than me to weigh in. I just sent Revel the following. 
Big discussion on the Audiogon blog concerning the best screws to attach a speaker driver to the cabinet. I purchased a pair of Salon 2's from an authorized dealer 2 years ago. I love them and wouldn't change a thing. Some are claiming brass screws are best because "the elasticity of the screw material can actually help the speaker basket to stop ringing against the baffle, helping to remove noise."  Do you have any information concerning the validity on this? Thank you, David
Perhaps this is new information to them and we will see brass screws on Revel speakers soon.

djones51
4,947 posts
 
Wouldn't the elasticity of MDF or plywood make more difference than the material of the screw? Stainless Steel  screws would probably be the strongest. 


theaudiotweak
2,795 posts
 
In the past I worked for a Dunlavy dealer and spoke with John Dunlavy several times.  I told him I replaced all the steel fasteners with brass and he laughed..he laughed again when I told him I replaced the sand cast resistors with a resistor bridge made up of many Vishays..he told me resistors make no difference I laughed with disappointment that such a great designer had not considered such simple items to try or replace. If you cant measure IT then IT can't be heard. WRONG..Tom
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glupson
7,842 posts
 
What happens if one replaces all the usual screws, including brass, with wooden (made of wood) screws? Which wood would work the best? Would it depend on what actual material speakers (boxes) are made of, or there would be some universal wooden screw that would work the best all the time?

Is the effect of brass screws same on all types of enclosures? MDF, aluminum, granite, etc.?

Are there screws on electrostats? If yes, do brass screws make a difference and why?
hshifi
572 posts
 
Hello,
How about this test. As long as it does not void your warranty replace the screws on one speaker. We all know when something is different with our system. If it sounds the same then it did not help your system. If it sounds off then there is a possibility it could sound better. Replace the screws on the second speakers and give it a listen for a few days. Make sure the screws are the exact same thread, length, diameter, and head size. 
It is really amazing how heated this discussion got. I wonder if this happened when the first person changed out their power cable to something different? Maybe even more basic when Mr Lee of Monster decided to upgrade speaker wires. Is anyone using lamp cord anymore?
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