Infinity Reference Two??

[JamVal]

Picked these Infinity Reference Two's up in a thift store for $17.
8 inch woofers, cabinets are 18 inches high, 10 1/2 inches wide, 9 1/2 inches deep. I suspect they are 20 plus years old?

After clean up and testing; they sound great to me; I realized that the woofer surrounds are starting to tear. They looked good in the store but they are ready to disintegrate.

I have a few questions if someone would be so kind to answer:
1. Would it be worth it to invest another $25 to put new foam surrounds on them?

2. I haven't done this before and the dust caps on these speakers are concave. Is it necessary to remove the dust caps and shim the voice coil to get everything centered when replacing the foam surrounds?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[96cobra10101]

Don't know about the fixing part, but I remember seeing those in the PX when I was in the Army in the early '90's, they were about $105-$120 a piece. Had a much tighter bass than the Bose 201's. I had the 10" version of those, wish I had kept them.

 

[darien87]

Sorry I can't help you with repair advice but I'd say if it's feasible to fix those speakers, do it! Old Infinity gear is awesome!

 

[j_garcia]

Yes, it would be totally worth it to get a refoam kit. I actually check local yard sales for these with the intent of refoaming them. I come across them every once in a while for dirt cheap with torn surrounds. Those ones you have look to be in very good condition too.

 

[JamVal]

Don't know about the fixing part, but I remember seeing those in the PX when I was in the Army in the early '90's, they were about $105-$120 a piece. Had a much tighter bass than the Bose 201's. I had the 10" version of those, wish I had kept them.

Strange you mentioned the Bose 201's. The same day I bought these Infinity's I came across a set of 201 Series IV in a GW thrift store. They were asking $30 - I was tempted but passed on them.

I got the old foam surrounds off the Infinity's and cleaned up the edge of the cones and metal rings so I'm off to get a refoam kit now.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[JamVal]

Sorry I can't help you with repair advice but I'd say if it's feasible to fix those speakers, do it! Old Infinity gear is awesome!

Will do, thanks.

 

[JamVal]

Yes, it would be totally worth it to get a refoam kit. I actually check local yard sales for these with the intent of refoaming them. I come across them every once in a while for dirt cheap with torn surrounds. Those ones you have look to be in very good condition too.

Thanks for the reply.
I've never done a refoam before. I got the old surrounds off, tedious and messy; I've got this black tar like substance under my finger nails. Any advice on keeping the voice coil centered when I glue on the new surrounds?