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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
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Interesting you mention chipping motors. Porsche, Ferrari and others have encoded engine management systems that are able to download data history so swapping your aftermarket chip back out does no good. Magico, Wilson and others picked up on this and so are all doing the same with their six-figure speakers. Only instead of merely monitoring power and hours they also monitor things like shock (was it dropped? How hard?) and temperature. Don't even think of touching one of these Faberge eggs they will know which screw and when and how much torque and everything.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Good point Roxy
When one channel of my BAT power amp crapped out, Victor diagnosed it as one of the power modules and had me just remove that and send to him for repair.
35lb much better than 130lb shipped!
rixthetrick's avatar
rixthetrick
1,060 posts
 
@ tobor
So speaker companies like B&W and Revel wanted to save money on screws or just just never heard of this little tweak that would make their 20K speakers sound better. I’m sure at the next R&D meeting someone will have to answer for this. Are you kidding?
Not kidding. Yes the elasticity of the screw material can actually help the speaker basket to stop ringing against the baffle, helping to remove noise.

Torquing the screws at the same setting, and correct (spring rate) for the driver is important.
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. 


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