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Kef Reference Tweeters-Ferrofluid Replacement


It took me three months to build up the courage to replace the Ferrofluid oil in my Kef tweeters.
There were several good videos on the internet how to go through the process, one in particular out of Texas. 
There were no videos or instructions which directly related to my specific speakers; Reference 3~2.
They are ~ 20 years old and I noticed that the highs were muddy and dull in the right speaker.
I run a Cardas Frequency Sweep record every 6 months or so.  The tweeter issue was noticeable during this maintenance procedure.
No replacement speakers (tweeters) are available from Kef or anywhere on the internet, so one wrong move and the speaker system would be worthless.  I felt like I was performing brain surgery.

First speaker took ~ 3 hours.  Second about 30 minutes.
I am happy to announce that the 'oil change' was successful!
The speakers are back to full factory operating specifications.
I've attached a link with some photos below.
If anyone needs to perform this procedure I can help walk you through the process.

Take care,
Lou
https://photos.app.goo.gl/qt1ZUPk8jF1QNkUu6

quincy
mhaanraadts's avatar
mhaanraadts
3 posts
 
I posted the Ref 2 video that is mentioned above. If you have any questions about the process of getting the tweeter out, let me know. I did send in the tweeter to an authorized Kef repair center for the ferrofluid replacement.
quincy OP
327 posts
 
Please post the contact information for others in regards to the company authorized to work on Kef equipment.  Phone, e-mail address, etc.

Good luck reassembling everything!

Thanks,
Lou
lchavesta
1 posts
 
How about the area (sorry for my lack of knowledge here) but my tweeter is just fine, or so it seems, but the area of the cone where it meets the tweeter area, is completely loose and it just falls around like a broken floor monitor driver (I work in live music and would just replace the whole speaker normally) question is, do I replace the whole speaker or is there a way to glue it back on? or do I have to take the tweeter out and replace the whole outer speaker? Thanks in advance, already learned a ton on this forum as it is.
quincy OP
327 posts
 
Ichavesta1;
Not sure I understand what your asking?  If its a Kef speaker, the tweeter and midrange speaker are concentric to one another.  The tweeter sits inside the mid range.  It sounds like the 'inner surround' of your mid range has become detached, which is bad.  Can you take a few cell phone photos of your issue, then create an album, then a link for us to view the photos, please?  If your speakers are over 10 years old replacement units may not be available.  Lou
skidpalace
2 posts
 

I am very disappointed to have attempted to revive my SP1353 tweeter only to find it completely dead. I never thought to check the impedance before I started. I don't know if it was dead already or if I killed it trying to replace the ferrofluid.

It doesn't work at all. No impedance at all on the meter. 

After I changed the fluid, I noticed that the silk dome diaphragm has started to separate from the plastic ring. It seems both of the leads are still attached to the posts, but the signal is not getting through. 

I don't know if I should buy some new domes and rewire or just go a different route to replace the tweeter(s).

Any ideas on repairing or replacing?

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