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B&W Matrix 3 Series 2 - To mod or not to mod?

Hi, I have a pair of very nice Matrix 3 Series 2 with one major flaw. The dustcap on one of the midrange drivers has come off and was subsequently stepped on and destroyed.

I contacted B&W and ordered a replacement along with an extra in case it happened again. The ones they sent were not the same. When I called back they said that those were the only rubber ones they had available.

I've been trying to convince myself to sell them, even though I don't want to, due to the downsizing of my living arrangements and financial issues. So, my questions are, would I be better off selling them "as is"? With the new, incorrect, larger rubber dustcaps from B&W on all four drivers? Or another option I've been thinking about which would be if I'm going to replace them with incorrect replacement parts to use a stiffer plastic piece instead of the soft rubber ones. I like the idea of adding more ridgidity to the cones with the stiffer replacements but I also feel I would question somebody elses "modification" to a nice pair of speakers.

Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated...
bmanz420
6 responses Add your response
timlub
2,039 posts
 
Hi Bmanz420,
Those dustcaps should be fine. The harder the cap the further out in the midrange the speaker is capable of playing (typically) As long as the weight is very similar to the old cap and the crossover point is below where the dustcap affects the sound, you won't know the difference.
If the weight of the dustcap is significanly different, you will then slightly change the sensitivity & final QTS of the woofer. My guess is that you won't know the difference. Good Luck, Tim
steveaudio
331 posts
 
"I've been trying to convince myself to sell them, even though I don't want to, due to the downsizing of my living arrangements and financial issues. So, my questions are, would I be better off selling them "as is"?"

Uuuummmmm.......I don't know the tech issues about the dustcap question. But is the sound drastically affected? Also, if you want to sell, sell, "as is" (usually). And, there are a ton of other speakers out there (inc. non-b&w's); don't get too hung up on keeping a component w/issues. just my 2 cents.....
bmanz420 OP
3 posts
 
The missing dust cap has almost no affect on the sound it's more a matter of aesthetics. I have another system for HT with Paradigm Monitor 11s as the mains which I am now using for music as well. I prefer the B&Ws for music but I'm forced to consolidate and it doesn't make sense to mix the B&Ws with a Paradigm surround system.

I kind of figured going to the hard plastic dustcaps would make some small difference in the sound but I didnt think it would be measureable. And certainly no more difference than my other "repair" option the rubber dustcaps from B&W that are twice the size of the original.

But ultimately, I feel I must sell them. And I believe you are right Steveaudio, original is better.

Thanks for the input guys.
timlub
2,039 posts
 
Even if you sell, I would still replace at least 2. The bad one and the one in the same position on your other speaker. People will wonder what else might be wrong with the dust cap off.
Bmanz420, I've been building speakers for 31 years. If your crossover point is @ 3k or below, I can't imagine you hearing a difference, if it is below 2.5K, I know you won't tell any differnce. Don't throw those away or take a crazy hit in price over these dust caps. Replace two, if you don't like the looks, replace all 4, take a listen, then decide.
bmanz420 OP
3 posts
 
I had thoughy about that. Just replacing two. But that would look terrible. I'm going to check with some other companies to see if they have something similar available to buy. If I can find a suitable replacement I may go ahead and do it.

Thanks for your help Timlub.
timlub
2,039 posts
 
www.zalytron.com
www.partsexpress.com
www.madisound.com
If these guys don't have a good dustcap match, post it and I'll give you more people to call.
Tim
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