OzJustin Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 (edited) Hi all New member here and just purchased a second hand set of VAF speakers. I've been told they are DC-7 fronts, DC-6 rears, DC-X centre and LFE-07 sub (I'm sure on this one as the model is on the back) but I would like to be sure. Can anyone confirm what model and generation speakers I've picked up? These speakers are a bit rough around the edges and I intend to clean them up a bit. The DC-7's are generally very good condition but the centre and rears require some new dust caps. The timber bases for the rears have also experienced some water damage so I hope to mock up some new bases using the old base as a template. One of the rear speakers also isn't working properly at this stage. The tweeter is producing sound but the two 4in drivers are lifeless. Are there any common trouble areas on this model that I could look into? I have been blown away by the DC-7 fronts. Apart from being a bit dusty they are in very good working condition. They are such a step up from my previous Richter precious metal series and much warmer, musical and more precise. I am now revisiting all my music and there is not enough time in the day. I cannot wait to get this whole setup looking schmick again, working properly and all setup in the living room for some home theater duties. Edited March 30, 2015 by OzJustin
emesbee Posted March 30, 2015 Posted March 30, 2015 Actually, they are DC-X fronts, DC-6 centre and DC-7 rears. Looks like they've had a hard life, although the DCX's don't look too bad from the photos. I have a set of these myself. They are an earlier generation of DC speakers, when VAF were selling them as kits. I bought mine as kits in 1999. You are probably right about the LFE-07 sub. (Don't have a sub myself.) 2
OzJustin Posted March 30, 2015 Author Posted March 30, 2015 Wow that's a welcome surprise if I have early gen DC-X fronts. I agree about the rest of the system being quite rough. Hopefully I can bring them back to their former glory with some new timber & paint. Any ideas on the problem with the DC-7 rear?
emesbee Posted March 31, 2015 Posted March 31, 2015 Looks like the dust cap has been pushed in on the DC-7. Also, damaged dust cap on the DC-6, looking at the photos. I'm not quite sure how one goes about replacing these (never done it myself). Hopefully others may have some advice. Might be worth dropping VAF a line to see what they suggest?
Grumpy Posted March 31, 2015 Posted March 31, 2015 If the 3rd pic is suppose t be a early DCX the tweeter is not the right one and it could be the pic but the colour of the cones looks too orange.
OzJustin Posted March 31, 2015 Author Posted March 31, 2015 Sounds like I might have to contact VAF directly to identify the models for sure. I'm sure I can figure out how to carefully replace the dust caps but the real aspect I'd like to fix is getting the DC-7 woofers running again.
emesbee Posted March 31, 2015 Posted March 31, 2015 If the 3rd pic is suppose t be a early DCX the tweeter is not the right one and it could be the pic but the colour of the cones looks too orange. Possibly, also can't tell the texture of the cone material from the photos. The cones on mine are more yellow than orange in colour.
OzJustin Posted March 31, 2015 Author Posted March 31, 2015 Had a good look over the DC-7 rear tonight and couldn't see any loose terminals etc. I'm a complete beginner when it comes to speaker parts and enclosure internals however. Are there any knowledgeable Brisbane VAF owners that would be prepared to take a look at the speaker for me?
vafi66 Posted April 2, 2015 Posted April 2, 2015 A controlled heat from a hair dryer should loosen the center cap from the cone. Removing the drivers from the cabinets will identify the model, usually stamped on the magnet. Than a google search should then show availablity of parts Good luck.
OzJustin Posted April 2, 2015 Author Posted April 2, 2015 A controlled heat from a hair dryer should loosen the center cap from the cone. Removing the drivers from the cabinets will identify the model, usually stamped on the magnet. Than a google search should then show availablity of parts Good luck. Is there a trick to removing the speakers from the cabinet? I undid the four screws and stuck my arm up through the base of the enclosure and attempted to push the speaker out the front but it wouldn't budge. It almost appeared to be glued in it was that tight.
Sub Sonic Posted April 4, 2015 Posted April 4, 2015 Try getting a self tapping screw that is too big for the mounting hole in the driver and screw it in as far as it will reasonably go. This will give you a handle to pull on as the screw will not go in far enough to go into the wood. Sometimes the speaker sealing tape will stick to the drivers and just needs some gentle pulling, possibly for a minute or two before they pop free. Cheers! SS
emesbee Posted April 4, 2015 Posted April 4, 2015 If they were built from the standard VAF kit, then a narrow strip of foam tape would have been fitted around the edge of the holes before the speaker drivers were screwed into place. It may just be that the foam has compressed over time, and has become 'stuck' to the speaker baskets. Having removed the screws, I would suggest gently prising around the edge of the speaker baskets with a narrow blade (a standard kitchen knife will probably do). This should free them, all being well. Just be careful when you remove the drivers, as the speaker leads will have been soldered to the terminals. The wires connecting the drivers to the terminals are quite delicate (especially on the tweeters), and you don't want to apply any undue pressure. Also, the felt pads would have been glued to the cabinet. This shouldn't affect removal of the bass/midrange drivers, but may obstruct removal of the tweeters. (Obviously not a problem if you don't intend removing the tweeters.)
OzJustin Posted April 5, 2015 Author Posted April 5, 2015 Thanks for the suggestions guys. I wonder if a hair dryer around the speaker baskets would soften the foam tape and make the speakers less 'glued' to the enclosure. Hopefully that will work them loose so I can get a look at the connections behind. Crossing my fingers the leads are just loose back there!
OzJustin Posted April 5, 2015 Author Posted April 5, 2015 The hair dryer worked a treat! There was a glue strip behind the speaker and with a bit of massaging the speaker popped out. Fortunately there was just one wire that had come loose on each of the speakers and after some soldering (first timer) and electrical tape now she's as good as new. All five working now and very happy! 2
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