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Gear / Technical Help => Playback Forum => Topic started by: rigpimp on June 04, 2018, 01:01:13 PM

Title: Von Schweikert Repair?
Post by: rigpimp on June 04, 2018, 01:01:13 PM
Well, my wife was away so the stereo was cranking this weekend.  I messed up one of my Von Schweikert VR-4jr's playing a Matisyahu show I recorded back in November.

Anyone have any insight on repair?  I really don't want to empty lead, or ship. 

I am also in the market to have the veneer redone as they came kind of beat up when I bought them.  I imagine that I can have this done anywhere?

Thanks for any insight.


Title: Re: Von Schweikert Repair?
Post by: raymonda on June 05, 2018, 03:08:57 PM
Usually the speaker manufacturer will send you a replacement driver and you can replace it yourself. Also, it probably is an OEM, that you can buy from the manufacturer off the shelf, obtain cheaper and, again, replace yourself.
Title: Re: Von Schweikert Repair?
Post by: rigpimp on June 05, 2018, 04:25:22 PM
Usually the speaker manufacturer will send you a replacement driver and you can replace it yourself. Also, it probably is an OEM, that you can buy from the manufacturer off the shelf, obtain cheaper and, again, replace yourself.

I pulled it out last night as I know the "upgrades" are made by scanspeak in Denmark.  (Not cheaply I might add).  The driver was completely unlabeled other than a VSA and a serial number on the sticker.  I'll call VSA today.
Title: Re: Von Schweikert Repair?
Post by: rigpimp on June 05, 2018, 05:09:09 PM
So I called VSA and spoke to Leif.  He wants me to ship him all four bass module drivers.  They cost $250 each to replace and they don't have very many left as the VR 4JR was discontinued in 2005.  I told him how much I paid for mine pair and the only thing he said was "You have to be shitting me!"

I am going though a troubleshooting process tonight.  I am going to pull the offending left, lower driver and swap it out with one of the good ones from the right side.  I need to make sure that it isn't just a errant piece of lead shot or something.



Title: Re: Von Schweikert Repair?
Post by: Chilly Brioschi on June 06, 2018, 09:06:14 PM

I need to make sure that it isn't just a errant piece of lead shot or something.


A wise move
Bright flashlight, a small mirror, and some careful inspection.
I also have a very soft horsehair paint brush, but be sure to not leave bristles behind.
Sadly, warpage from coil heat is the #1 cause.
Title: Re: Von Schweikert Repair?
Post by: rigpimp on June 07, 2018, 12:15:27 AM
I swapped the offending driver with the lower one in the other bass cabinet and the rattle followed.  VSA is sending me a replacement. Not cheap, but I also only paid $1500 for these in the 1st place.  I'm still ahead.
Title: Re: Von Schweikert Repair?
Post by: kindms on June 07, 2018, 07:56:04 AM
I swapped the offending driver with the lower one in the other bass cabinet and the rattle followed.  VSA is sending me a replacement. Not cheap, but I also only paid $1500 for these in the 1st place.  I'm still ahead.

no wonder he couldnt believe what you paid. damn. i think my vr2s were a little less than that
Title: Re: Von Schweikert Repair?
Post by: Nick's Picks on June 07, 2018, 09:37:49 AM
if it's not too late, I have a pair of 8" drivers from my old VR4's.    I have no use for them.   I dont even recall why I had to replace them in the first place.   But I do know they work.   Happy to set you up.
Title: Re: Von Schweikert Repair?
Post by: rigpimp on June 07, 2018, 10:15:22 AM
Thanks NIck but the Jr's only fit 7". 
Title: Re: Von Schweikert Repair?
Post by: raymonda on June 08, 2018, 10:32:12 PM
You can also have the speaker re-coned, when replacements are no longer become available.
Title: Re: Von Schweikert Repair?
Post by: nickgregory on June 22, 2018, 10:19:30 AM
VS also does a full upgrade that isn't cheap ($4k) where they basically upgrade all electrical components to current technology.  I have that in my pocket as a plan if my Jrs ever have an issue.  A buddy got his done and was floored by the difference.

And yes, you got a steal.  I got mine for $2300 a couple of years ago and thought I robbed the guy I bought them from.
Title: Re: Von Schweikert Repair?
Post by: rigpimp on June 22, 2018, 04:48:22 PM
You can also have the speaker re-coned, when replacements are no longer become available.

No reconing as parts are no longer available according to VS.  they only have a few drivers left.  It basically cost me $300 to replace one bass driver.

If I was gonna drop 4k+ I would've bought the endeavors he offered me for $5k.  They are brand new and retail at$8k
Title: Re: Von Schweikert Repair?
Post by: raymonda on June 23, 2018, 06:51:26 PM
Keith,

Reconing is something that many third parties do. You do not have to use the actual manufacturer. As a matter of fact I would think that 99.99% of speaker manufacturers do not recone. They simply send you a replacement. Further, 90% do not make their own drivers and do not have the skills or ability to recone.

Ray
Title: Re: Von Schweikert Repair?
Post by: raymonda on June 23, 2018, 07:13:07 PM
Keith,

The voice coil can be rewound by most folks who recone. You keep asking VS and they are the wrong folks to ask. The beauty of a using a third party is that they do not need parts. They have the skills and tool to do it. Try speakerexchange.

Ray
Title: Re: Von Schweikert Repair?
Post by: rigpimp on June 23, 2018, 07:23:32 PM
Thank you Ray!
Title: Re: Von Schweikert Repair?
Post by: raymonda on June 23, 2018, 07:32:50 PM
Montebellospeaker repair might also be worth checking out. Orange County speaker, too.
Title: Re: Von Schweikert Repair?
Post by: raymonda on June 23, 2018, 07:39:26 PM
Speaker Repair Pro I'd a great bet. As well as Miller Sound.