Von Schweikert Repair?

[rigpimp]

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.

[raymonda]

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.

[rigpimp]

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.

[rigpimp]

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.

[Pinky Herman]

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.

[rigpimp]

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.

[kindms]

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

[Nick's Picks]

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.

[rigpimp]

Thanks NIck but the Jr's only fit 7". 

[raymonda]

You can also have the speaker re-coned, when replacements are no longer become available.

[nickgregory]

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.

[rigpimp]

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

[raymonda]

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

[raymonda]

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

[rigpimp]

Thank you Ray!