To repair/replace Utopia Be

Here's another caution to keep in mind!

Make sure any metallic items (screws, wrenches, etc.) are put safely some distance away from any driver you are handling. The magnets have a way of attracting those items ;^) and they can have the nasty effect of punching a hole in your new diaphragm, cone, et. al.

It is straightforward as long as the leads to the driver are not soldered on. I've replaced bad drivers before (darn kids) but only one tweeter. Just be sure to note which wire goes where and remember there may be some pretty strong magnets involved. Good luck with the project.

Even with soldered ends it's easy. If you have not soldered prior, just spend a few minutes with a soldering gun and practice. You need to be cautious as the melted solder runs rapidly, like water. It goes from solid to liquid - like THAT!

Be sure to protect everything nearby. Try to turn the speaker on it's side, etc. to have no chance of solder dropping onto the driver, etc. Put wood or something hard under the work area.

Are there tension clips used on these tweeters? or soldered? Just curious.

If the speaker is too heavy to turn on it's side, solicit help in holding the tweeter and then solder it. You may want to mask the speaker near the tweeter as well. Every precaution may seem extreme, but it's well worth it when the job is done correctly. One slip and regret is forever. :)

I replaced a tweeter in my Divas Be's in 2006. Accidentally cracked a tweeter replacing the tiny metal tweeter covers.

The connection between the tweeter and speaker will need to be resoldered, so you should probably practice a bit so you don't get a cold solder joint which could cause future problems. Leads to the tweeter are very small. Would be worth getting a second person to help hold the wires in place while you solder. Also, use hi-quality preferably high-silver content solder.

Also, be careful of the broken tweeter. Flaking Beryllium is toxic. Enough of it in your lungs can lead to permanent breathing problems. Focal will send you a cellophane type material to put over the broken one to contain any flaking beryllium.

Otherwise, two allen bolts and two wingnuts to get to the tweeter. Magnets are strong, so be careful of tools and metal parts laying around. Did mine sitting in place in the theater. Had some help holding the tweeter and leads during soldering. Pretty simple process.

Good Luck. Can e-mail me if you need more information.