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Scanspeak 10" driver replacement - blown woofer

Hi, I have to replace 2 10" drivers on a pair of Vandersteen 3a's. The drivers are 25w aluminum cone, and the voice coils are fried. Vandersteen will rebuild for 289 each.

Question: Is there a comparable replacement on the market that would be cheaper then the rebuild, and close in performance? I found a company, Madisound speaker components, which sells many 10" drivers from 37.00 - 355.00

I have hooked the speakers back up and have found the bass to be insane with the big 10" hole in the back, apparently in the design the 10" drivers act as acoustic couplers, part passive radiator and part driver. I placed a large book over the holes and the bass is instantly tighter, but not as deep as they used to be.

How important is the quality of these acoustic couplers?
Would a SEAS presitige aluminum woofer be as good at 165.00?
Would I hear the difference?

I know it's impossible for you guys to answer all these questions, I am just trying to paint a picture of where my head is at. Have any of you had to replace your woofers with aftermarket products? What brand did you choose? and how did it work out?

Thanks again,
Mike
hanaleimike

Showing 1 response by marakanetz

marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
1. as per your previous post and the fact that you're still able to use your speakers, your crossovers are OK for sure and you don't have to send an entire pair of speakers so that's a good news.
2. the bad news that even if you manage to buy cheap new scanspeak driver, you won't be able to achieve the same performance and your speakers will be worth as they're with no driver. you will most-likely have to get rid of your original crossovers and properly setup an active crossover which is again to stretch your budget.
3. basing on 1,2 I guess, reconing your originals would be the best key even vs. buying available used 3A's and even vs. buying a single or a pair of powered subs. you will also bring back the value of your speakers.
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