Finally got my NHT 2.5I speakers rebuilt;

[Happy Joe]

Switched them in place of the Klipsch R26 F speakers that I was using for rears.
https://www.klipsch.com/products/r-26f



The NHTs have an angled front and work better in the rear since they line up better with my main listening position.
https://www.audioexcite.com/?page_id=5386



The biggest issue is that since the cabinets are very picky as far as the mid-range drivers that will fit; I need to severely limit the level. to keep them from blowing. I have some Current production Peerless Mid-ranges that I can make fit (kind of) but will loose the phase timing somewhat as they will extend lightly beyond the front of the speaker box. Most modern 6.5 " mid-ranges or mid/woofers have larger magnets that interfere with fitment.

The tweeters were replaced with current production SEAS tweeters (matched as closely as I could to the original response; then were cut down to fit the cabinet's tweeter holes. The original NHT/SEAS tweeters had a custom/undersized mounting plate.

While this is not an exact restoration it/they sound better than the Klipsch speakers.
(I do not care for the sound of horn tweeters).

Enjoy!

 

[MrBoat]

Switched them in place of the Klipsch R26 F speakers that I was using for rears.
https://www.klipsch.com/products/r-26f

View attachment 73851

The NHTs have an angled front and work better in the rear since they line up better with my main listening position.
https://www.audioexcite.com/?page_id=5386

View attachment 73850

The biggest issue is that since the cabinets are very picky as far as the mid-range drivers that will fit; I need to severely limit the level. to keep them from blowing. I have some Current production Peerless Mid-ranges that I can make fit (kind of) but will loose the phase timing somewhat as they will extend lightly beyond the front of the speaker box. Most modern 6.5 " mid-ranges or mid/woofers have larger magnets that interfere with fitment.

The tweeters were replaced with current production SEAS tweeters (matched as closely as I could to the original response; then were cut down to fit the cabinet's tweeter holes. The original NHT/SEAS tweeters had a custom/undersized mounting plate.

While this is not an exact restoration it/they sound better than the Klipsch speakers.
(I do not care for the sound of horn tweeters).

Enjoy!

With so many good used speakers available now, I don't see the point in bastardizing or patching old designs anymore like we used to. It used to be a thing when speaker design quality of the consumer lines was questionable to begin with with and perhaps less quality to lose. Now there are excellent speakers everywhere. I scored two pair of JBL in excellent condition for $75/pr.

Often times, you can find the exact speaker you are repairing for less than the replacement parts. A friend of mine set out to repair a pair of Infinity towers he has had since the '90s. He found the exact pair in pristine condition for $200 on FB marketplace. He kept what was still good from his old ones for parts for the better ones.

The only problem I have buying used is I keep finding more of the same ones on marketplace and it's hard not to buy them for parts for when the audio apocalypse hits or because I feel sorry for them.

 

[Happy Joe]

...I have to confess that I am old and resistant to change; so I find it difficult to scrap excellent speakers due to a couple of blown 6.5 inch drivers (and one tweeter, apparently, intermittently defective from the factory- minor Mystery-SOLVED).

Replacing the Existing NHT/Seas tweeters with (slightly physically modified) current production was relatively easy. Mostly involving several hours comparing specs and response curves; then a couple of more hours with a file to reduce their mounting plate diameters. (as a backup plan I also ordered a couple of current production Peerless 3/4 inch dome tweeters that have better fitting mounting plates; as a tertiary plan I ordered some parts express titanium tweeters (which if used will also need the mounting plate diameters modified). I may try these later.

The best replacement for the blown mid-ranges, so far, are a pair of, highly rated, 'though unnamed 30 watt drivers.
I did rough in a set of current production, somewhat higher power rated Peerless mid ranges and they also sounded good... but have some fitment issues.
I do have a couple of sets of these unnamed drivers (from Parts Express; I planned on blowing a couple).
However, since these speakers are being used as relatively low power rear speakers; so far, they work well.
and they have the advantage of the slanted fronts that mean they do not need to be turned/toed in as far to integrate into the listening space. (room width and a doorway are concerns).

My biggest problem with used speakers is; they are not in current use for a reason, ...And why should I risk poor sound and undetermined problems when I am so close to a good rebuild solution?

Note; while I had the NHT speakers apart I checked out the caps in the crossovers and they seem to be good (no leakage or shorts and still meet their marked values).

I could also design and build some speakers from scratch, however I have found, in the past, that by the time they are fully debugged that I would usually have been ahead by purchasing new speakers.

Personally, I don't mind the effort involved; and the costs of drivers is not , usually that great.
It's really basket weaving compared to the tasks of modifying Four Wheel drive vehicles for highway and off road use; which I am becoming too decrepit (and now have a pacemaker that means I am forbidden from welding) to do any more.

Enjoy!

(edit) I now note that the Klipsch speakers have 6.5 inch drivers ; and may become useful.as replacements; more research is indicated...

Enjoy