I Don't want to box up my B&W

[gokou777]

Hello Folks

Any fathers in the room? I am soon to be a father in November. Can't wait!!!!

Just thought I share the news and also get some suggestions on what to do with the audio system.....

My initial thoughts are put them in the box because I am think my kid will POKE on my speakers and etc...

any suggestions? also how do I go find a reputable installer in my area?
my tv is not mounted yet....hehehe.....

city: Torrance, CA
bigger picture is Los Angeles


FL, FR: B&W 684, Center B&W

thanks

 

[Hocky]

Pay attention to your kids and teach them not to mess with the speakers. It won't be that hard.

 

[tattoo_Dan]

Pay attention to your kids and teach them not to mess with the speakers. It won't be that hard.

I have two kids and this is the best advice

 

[baniels]

My son was 2.25 yrs old when I finally finished my mains and brought them up to the living room. I don't have a theater room, so they are always exposed to him and his playing.

What worked for me was carefully explaining that the front of the speakers are very delicate, and that if he touched them they could break. And that would "make daddy very sad" and we wouldn't be able to listen to Steely Dan anymore (he's a lifelong fan).

He understood almost right away and I haven't even had one close call. That said, I wouldn't ever leave all the drivers exposed. Toys go flying in all directions without aim - there's no protecting against that. The foam grilles add a layer of protection.

It also seemed to help that I showed him parts that he could touch, namely the outriggers and the side of the cabinets. I had also brought him down to watch as I worked on them over the course of many months. I think that helped him to understand that they were important to me.

But there are other kids his age that I just know wouldn't be able/willing to understand the concepts of delicate or don't ever touch yet. And I'm sure that when he was younger and crawling around, grabbing everything, there wouldn't be any real recourse apart of a fence of some sort.

You've got some time before your new baby will be able to do much moving around. But you will have a time where the physical ability to some damage isn't offset with the comprehension of boundaries. During that time you've got to either block them off, or watch the kid all the time (and rely on whomever else may be watching him/her to care as much as you do about protecting your speakers).

 

[Midwesthonky]

What worked for me was carefully explaining that the front of the speakers are very delicate, and that if he touched them they could break. And that would "make daddy very sad" and we wouldn't be able to listen to Steely Dan anymore (he's a lifelong fan).

He understood almost right away and I haven't even had one close call. That said, I wouldn't ever leave all the drivers exposed. Toys go flying in all directions without aim - there's no protecting against that. The foam grilles add a layer of protection.

It also seemed to help that I showed him parts that he could touch, namely the outriggers and the side of the cabinets. I had also brought him down to watch as I worked on them over the course of many months. I think that helped him to understand that they were important to me.

I had problems with my initial old speakers with the kids touching them, etc. Then I got the new Axioms. The kids were at first intrigued because they were new. But I made sure to tell them not to touch. I keep the foam grills on to hide the drivers and protect from flying toys. I didn't have foam over the old ones so touching was a problem because "they move if you touch the drivers..."

I also strategically placed items in the room to add some subtle protection. The right speaker has the dog bed located in front of it. Dog doesn't care, but it keeps the kids from playing right in front of the speaker. The left speaker has some storage boxes/boxes of toys they don't play with in front of it (but not in a way to seriously interfere with the sound). So it keeps the kids from being right in front.

Over time, the kids don't even notice the speakers. They are just part of the overall room and furniture.

Now if I could keep them from jumping and standing on the back of the furniture, that I haven't solved yet. They are children and brain damaged by definition. They have bounced toys off the projection screen tv. Even an umbrella. But it still is working fine (dang!).

 

[Hocky]

And I'm sure that when he was younger and crawling around, grabbing everything, there wouldn't be any real recourse apart of a fence of some sort.

You've got some time before your new baby will be able to do much moving around. But you will have a time where the physical ability to some damage isn't offset with the comprehension of boundaries. During that time you've got to either block them off, or watch the kid all the time (and rely on whomever else may be watching him/her to care as much as you do about protecting your speakers).

The combo in my sig is in the same room as where the kids play most of the time and is very exposed - the speakers are 6' from the walls. Even at the crawling, touching, grabbing everything stage, it didn't take very long at all before his fascination with the gear went away and he stopped darting to it. And I don't have the luxury of covering up drivers. haha. It is doable, just pay attention and make the kid understand.

Congrats, by the way. It really will change your outlook on everything.

 

[gokou777]

Thank you all for your kind response. I definitely wants to teach my son about the audio system and like many of you said in his earlier years, he might not treat it precious like I did.

hahah....

I appreciate all of your comments!!! Keep them coming!!!

 

[GO-NAD!]

My daughter never touched any of my audio/video equipment from day 1 - she is now 9 years old. However, I have an 18 month old nephew who absolutely cannot resist anything with lights and buttons. So, when he's visiting, we have to keep a close eye on him and keep him away from my components. And the plug-in carbon monoxide detectors as well...he likes to push the "test" buttons...the noise doesn't bother him...

 

[its phillip]

Congrats on your upcoming baby

 

[gholt]

Congrats on the new baby. I have a 2 yr old and some expensive speakers. I aways have the grills on. I had to take one of them off to get the grill repaired, and while it was off the 2 yr old was pretty intrigued with the drivers.

She even once while walking by, slapped one of the drivers. Fortunatly, the dust caps on my drivers are all recessed. so there wasn't any damage. I quickly got the replacement grill and she does not bother it.

But, I would keep the grills on and train your kid.

 

[lsiberian]

My daughter never touched any of my audio/video equipment from day 1 - she is now 9 years old. However, I have an 18 month old nephew who absolutely cannot resist anything with lights and buttons. So, when he's visiting, we have to keep a close eye on him and keep him away from my components. And the plug-in carbon monoxide detectors as well...he likes to push the "test" buttons...the noise doesn't bother him...

A future audiophile perhaps.