SpeakerTalk

thyrringnielsen · Introductory Contributor Joined: 07 Feb 2016 Posts: 1

I am happy owner of a pair of KEF 104/2s. They were until recently hooked up to a Sonic Frontiers SFL-2 preamp and a Threshold T-1oo power-amp using a Accuphase DP-65 CD player. They are now running with an Rotel RA-1570 amp because they are part of my home audio system. After roughly 20 years of service the woofers have some issues. I think it is the doughnut that is wearing out (I believe this is a known issue), and the rest of the speakers probably need to be looked at.

I am living in California, so the wrong side of the pond. I would appreciate if any of the US users can recommend a repair shop or an outlet where I can get spare parts in the US. I know this is probably a long short, but this user Forum was recommended by a repair shop in the UK.

Appreciate any advice that anyone might have. Thanks.

MartinW · Junior Contributor 20+ Joined: 12 Jun 2011 Posts: 24

Welcome aboard! There will be probably be better informed replies along soon, but the normal things that can need doing on 104/2s are:
1. foam doughnuts on the internal B200 bass drivers perish (as you've discovered)
2. foam surrounds on the B200s also perish (some have rubber surrounds which don't perish)
3. ferrofluid in the tweeters can dry out
4. crossover components can drift in value

I've DIY'd 1-3 and it's not particularly difficult. I posted some pictures of my refoaming efforts here http://www.hifiloudspeakers.info/speakertalk/viewtopic.php?t=1472 which might help you decide whether to have a go yourself or not.
Mine are also paired with a Rotel amp - a big old RB991 power amp and they still make a nice noise together.