subs are great, but are replacement subs better?

[Ben325e]

Ok... so I picked up a Velodyne VA 1215XII sub today, and the surround on the driver isn't in the best condition. The passive radiator (15 inch downfiring) is in great shape, but the previous owner has a wife who watches kids, and the kids just couldn't keep their fingers out of the surrounds. There is a guy here at Audio Visions here in Wilmington NC who replaces speakers surrounds and gives a 3 year warranty, so that is pretty appealing. I guess that my real question is, should I just go with a replacement surround, a replacement factory speaker, or get an aftermarket speaker? I don't really care as to what would be cheaper, so whatever would yield the best sound would be great. The sub in original condition sounded great, and coupled with my Polk PSW505, I should be rockin'!
Any experience with aftermarket subs? (Dayton from Partsexpress.com?)

As a side note, it would be helpful for you to know that the sub has a 250 watt RMS 750 watt max amp.... Enclosure is kinda big with a 15" radiator....
Thanks for your help,

Ben

 

[warnerwh]

A new surround is the least expensive and works fine. You can't just throw in another replacement driver unless you get an exact replacement for Velodyne and that's a waste of money. Refoaming surrounds is actually fairly easy and surrounds are sold to diyer's. They will work as good as new with a fresh surround.