Spendor SP2s

[Jimbo]

Speakers are generally regarded as having a 'break-in' period.

Surely once break-in has occured, the speakers are no longer at their 'as new' manufacturer's spec? The cones having established break-up patterns within their material structure and the suspension gaining greater compliance. So would the post 'break-in' spec be the aimed for and correct spec?

A comparison would be interesting. New speakers measured straight out of the box, then similar speakers tested after say six months of hard use.

I have heard a lot of speakers 'break in' at my friends dealership. He has new stuff all the time which I get to hear out of the box as it were and I have heard some dramatic differences from new to 6 months 'break in' especially with a recent pair of YG Hailey speakers which have metal cones. Don't think the cone material changes much but the rubber surround surely does. Then does that stay the same for a period or does it constantly change?

[57charles]

I wonder why so many of us have "old, out of spec" speakers? Must be because we're deaf

The problem with the hardening of the surrounds on many of the old Spendor speakers is a well known one - I'm surprised you're not aware of this. Of course things age but this particular problem is well documented one.Apparently application of brake fluid has been used to good effect - mentioned by DSJR on this forum a number of times. Why don't you do your research before making general statements? It's common sense that many things age and deteriorate - everyone appreciates that - it's just that this hardening problem with old Spendors can be quite pronounced over time.:lol

[struth]

doesn't have to happen though.

[Bigman80]

The problem with the hardening of the surrounds on many of the old Spendor speakers is a well known one - I'm surprised you're not aware of this. Of course things age but this particular problem is well documented one.Apparently application of brake fluid has been used to good effect - mentioned by DSJR on this forum a number of times. Why don't you do your research before making general statements? It's common sense that many things age and deteriorate - everyone appreciates that - it's just that this hardening problem with old Spendors can be quite pronounced over time.

Is it general to say a lot of us have old speakers ? I don't think so,

So, do you change your driver's frequently?

[Jimbo]

The problem with the hardening of the surrounds on many of the old Spendor speakers is a well known one - I'm surprised you're not aware of this. Of course things age but this particular problem is well documented one.Apparently application of brake fluid has been used to good effect - mentioned by DSJR on this forum a number of times. Why don't you do your research before making general statements? It's common sense that many things age and deteriorate - everyone appreciates that - it's just that this hardening problem with old Spendors can be quite pronounced over time.:lol

I am fully aware of hardening surrounds on Spendor speakers but it does not affect every speaker they manufactured as this was dependent on their use and storage. I spoke to Spendor concerning brake fluid and they winced and advised very guardedly that this was not something they would recommend. I have owned my Speakers from new for the last 30 years, your presumption is that I am not aware of any issues with them!

[Bigman80]

I am fully aware of hardening surrounds on Spendor speakers but it does not affect every speaker they manufactured as this was dependent on their use and storage. I spoke to Spendor concerning brake fluid and they winced and advised very guardedly that this was not something they would recommend. I have owned my Speakers from new for the last 30 years, your presumption is that I am not aware of any issues with them!

His presumption also appear to be that yours have hardened and are therefore inferior.

They sound great Jim, and there was no audible sign of hardened surrounds.

[Jimbo]

His presumption also appear to be that yours have hardened and are therefore inferior.

They sound great Jim, and there was no audible sign of hardened surrounds.

I really like advice and feedback on this forum as we all do and I appreciate your comments Oli. I would be concerned if there was any physical or audible signs of deterioration with the surrounds but there isn't. I knew of the possibility of hardening of the surround many years ago as a few early SP2 speakers did suffer however I have never seen any myself.

As a consequence I have kept mine in a room with and ambient temperature between 15-20oC and they have never been in direct sunlight or affected by the fire. I actually use heat deflectors when the fire is on!

[57charles]

His presumption also appear to be that yours have hardened and are therefore inferior.

They sound great Jim, and there was no audible sign of hardened surrounds.

If you read my posts carefully, you'll see I presume nothing. I merely pointed out that there can be an issue and that it can occur over a long period of ownership which means that it may not be noticeable as the bottom end response would tend to GRADUALLY reduce over a long time. So if the speakers are affected, the owner may not even realise the speakers have a problem. With regard to the brake fluid issue, I read it originally on this very forum and was only trying to offer information. If you don't like the advice then simply ignore it. I have no idea if these speakers are affected but they may be. Just pointing out possible issues. edited out

[Bigman80]

If you read my posts carefully, you'll see I presume nothing. I merely pointed out that there can be an issue and that it can occur over a long period of ownership which means that it may not be noticeable as the bottom end response would tend to GRADUALLY reduce over a long time. So if the speakers are affected, the owner may not even realise the speakers have a problem. With regard to the brake fluid issue, I read it originally on this very forum and was only trying to offer information. If you don't like the advice then simply ignore it. I have no idea if these speakers are affected but they may be. Just pointing out possible issues. edited out

[edited] Oooh. Did someone get a bit spicy? 🤣

Lighten up Charles, no one is acusing you of being wrong about the degradation of materials. Just that in this instance, you seem to be directly assessing Jimbos speakers and you did say they weren't as good as they should be. You also said he was ignorant (which provided bliss).

It's not the point, it's the way you went about making it.

[57charles]

I really like advice and feedback on this forum as we all do and I appreciate your comments Oli. I would be concerned if there was any physical or audible signs of deterioration with the surrounds but there isn't. I knew of the possibility of hardening of the surround many years ago as a few early SP2 speakers did suffer however I have never seen any myself.

As a consequence I have kept mine in a room with and ambient temperature between 15-20oC and they have never been in direct sunlight or affected by the fire. I actually use heat deflectors when the fire is on!

I don't believe ambient conditions are a factor - as far as I know, it was the surround compound itself that was a problem and hardened over time - irrespective of any external influence... AGE basically affected the properties of the surround - restricted excursion of said surround and thus changed the basic response and presentation of the speaker.