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KEF 104/2 tweeters

Good afternoon everyone. I just picked up a pair of KEF 104/2 speakers on CL. They are fully functional and I currently have them integrated in my system (Parasound Halo preamp and Nakamichi PA-5 amp).  I am concerned about the tweeters (one is slightly dented) and the ferrofluid. I've read some DIY fluid advice and am contemplating doing the work.  However, I've also heard that these tweeters are not top quality.  I've considered replacing them all together with Morel MTD 30s buy I can't seem to find any.  I would like to find a direct fit so I don't have to retro fit anything. Not sure about other available tweeters.... Also, do you believe it's worth while to do the surrounds while I have it pulled apart. Or any other suggestions for how to rehab them?? Thank you much! 

icarus12
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

I wouldn't de-value the 104/2,s with a different tweeter, the Kef T33 was a great tweeter when new they also used it in the 107/2,  just get some bad raps these days when old and crusty and half seized with dried up ferrofluid.

Also the T33 was designed to go lower than most tweeters, they cross it over at 3khz in these 104/2 so it's probably still doing audible work at 2khz.
Cheers George   
ljgerens
152 posts
 
As georgehifi says the KEF T33 is a great tweeter. Once cleaned up and new ferrofluid applied it will be as good as new. It is a straightforward process. There are several online videos for the process and plenty of discussions on Audiokarma. The ferrofluid is readily available from Parts Express. 

As for the surrounds and donuts, it depends on which version 104/2 you have. The earlier version had rubber surrounds and foam donuts, so only the donuts may need replacing. The later version, which can be bi-amped, had foam surrounds and foam donuts, so both may have to be replaced. You can visually see the bottom woofer through the front port and check the condition of the donuts and surrounds.
teo_audio
2,197 posts
 
If you have to take them apart, flip the bottom for the top woofer after the foam refit..., as this will give the natural over time sag of the drivers -- a chance to relax in the opposite position.

the in situ position of the woofers is bad for them (horizontal up and horizontal down), and.....over time, they tend to sag..so flipping them top for bottom when refoaming... is the remedy.

I don’t know if this can be done with the 104/2 woofers, but it should be done if at all possible.
icarus12 OP
24 posts
 
Thank you all. I appreciate the feedback.  I did check out one video on changing out the ferrofluid but it didn't recommend what type of ferrofluid to use as replacement nor did it state how much to add??? Perhaps it's obvious when I get it apart. 
ljgerens
152 posts
 
The ferrofluid is available from Parts Express. It doesn't take much. The ferrofluid comes in little tubes for different size tweeters. Each tube is enough for one tweeter. You need 2 tubes for 1 inch tweeters. They are about $6 each.
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