How Do I Open BA150 Speakers

[pmillsoh]

Hello,

I have a pair of old Boston Acoustic A150 speakers. The spring loaded audio connectors on them have gone bad.

The back of the speakers appears sealed (although there is a square head screw in the middle of the back panel).

Does anyone know how you open these speakers to service the rear panel (it has the connectors and two fuses). I am guessing the crossover components are also located there.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum, Paul!

I just took a look at pictures online. If no one else has a better idea, I would remove the woofer from the front (looks like there are four screws), which should give you access to that rear panel from the inside. Taking the woofer out might also show you if removing that center screw on the back panel would remove the panel, or if there is a component on the inside held on by it.

Just be careful when you unscrew the woofer, as it might be heavy on the back side because of the magnet.

 

[zieglj01]

Where the small black terminal connector is - are there screws on either side of it?
If so, then try un-screwing it, to see if it will pull out - there may only be 2 wires
connected to it from the crossover board - you can buy replacements from Radio
Shack and maybe Parts Express.

It is possible, that the center screw may be used as some type of brace, and is
someway connected to the back of the midrange.

 

[pmillsoh]

Thanks, this forum is great.

The terminal block has both spring connectors on it, and it is secured to the recessed panel with a fastener on each side. Unfortunately the fastener has not slot, or way to unscrew it, just an oval head that looks resembles the top of a rivet.

I thought about removing the woofer. I just thought that there might be a lot of stuff between the speaker and the connectors since I hear there can be a lot of insulation, etc in the cabinet.

The back panel, which is mitered, and very thick looks like it is well recessed into the cabinet and perhaps cemented into place. I am doubtful that the single screw in the middle of the panel secures it in place in any way - but more likely it supports something inside.

Thanks!

Paul

 

[zieglj01]

There should be some fiberglass or some type of batten inside, not hard to
remove or put back - put some vinyl gloves on your hand - if you desire to
pop open the woofer.

 

[zieglj01]

The crossover looks like it is glued on inside
http://www.classicspeakerpages.net/IP.Board/index.php?showtopic=4984

 

[Swerd]

Does the back of your speakers look like this?

If yes, remove those 4 screws and pry the terminal cup out. It probably has a rubber gasket behind it.

There will be two connections behind the cup, hopefully a red and black wire, but it may be more directly connected to the crossover board. Note the color of the wires, or exactly where the connections are made to the board. (If you want a look at these connections from the other side, remove the woofer. It will also have two wires connecting it to the crossover board.)

Measure the diameter of the hole in the back of the cabinet, and order an new terminal cup of the same size from Parts Express (there are 3 pages of choices):

Terminal Plates & Cups in the Speaker Components Department at Parts Express | 321

Guessing by eyeball, this replacement might fit:
Round Speaker Terminal 2-7/8" Gold Binding Post | 260-283

If no rubber gasket is behind the new cup, you can easily make a seal with 100% silicone adhesive or caulk

 

[zieglj01]

I think that this is it

 

[Adam]

I think that this is it

That was my guess, too.

 

[Swerd]

I think that this is it

Woops .

If it looks like that, then he will have to remove the woofer, disconnecting the wires to it.

Then he can disconnect the crossover board from the backside of the terminals, remove that small terminal plate, and install a replacement from Parts Express.

 

[Swerd]

I found another photo that may show the terminals better. Maybe this would work as a replacement: Gold Plated Banana 5-Way Speaker Terminal | 260-302