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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
glupson
7,842 posts
 
My question about wooden screws is very real. It is just another material. If brass, and we have no idea what composition we are even talking about, is allegedly making a difference then any material could be making a difference.

Same goes for "brass on the speaker". Different enclosure materials, many physical variables (location, number of screws, size of the screw, etc.). It is a nice start to think "brass", but it becomes a little suspicious when with all the possibilities "brass" is the answer and any development of that question becomes "not serious".

Is it maybe zinc in brass we are really looking for? Maybe copper? Or maybe zelkova?

Also, there is a mention of "tightened to spec" earlier. Do manufacturers publish those specifications?


roxy54's avatar
roxy54 OP
8,016 posts
 
I'm certainly not qualified to rule out wood or any other metal. If I hadn't read about brass years ago, I would never have considered it.
I do wonder about wood screws though...wouldn't they be very fragile and hard to manufacture?
zavato's avatar
zavato
1,404 posts
 
I’m not changing my speaker screws. If Peter says it’s of no effect- I am 100% confident in what he says. In years on these boards there is in my opinion only one or two other people whose analysis and conclusions are consistently rock solid. Peter is in the top 3 of “knows his stuff” 
thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian
4,540 posts
 
I would think Japanese zelkova for monitors.....
thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian
4,540 posts
 
Personally, I would use ironwood.
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