Speaker replacement considerations

[Lloyd Cimprich]

I have an older (1970 s) Akai speakers:

1 Pair SW 137 40 watt 8 ohm 3 way with dead tweeters and mid range.

1 Pair SW 157 60 watt 8 ohm 3 way with dying mid range

I would like to replace the bad speakers in these units but am not sure what
are the main criteria for compatibility other than impedance (8 ohms) and
physical size. For instance does power capability (watts) make much
difference?

I am not to fussy about the result as these are to be used in rec room.

Any advice would be appreciated.

TIA

[Mikie]

What matters here is the frequency response of the replacements, as
the original crossover would have been designed to cross them at the
particular frequencies, and your replacement may not be able to handle
to low crossover point, and it will overheat and die again. Try to
find midrange that goes lower and higher than most, also tweeter that
goes quite low, or is rated at quite high power. This is only to keep
you on the safe side. This will probably cost you a bit, too, and you
may have a problem with different sensitivities, too. For example,
your old midrange may have had 90dB sensitivity, and new one is 93dB.
This means TWICE as loud as the old one, with bass the same. You will
throw them out the window after fifteen minutes. Your best bet would
be to find original specs for your boxes and drivers, and follow that
in search for replacements. Or, buy whatever you like, and redesign
the crossover from scratch. This means major surgery, as decent
crossover design is not piece of cake. Try visiting some big library
and look for books by Vance Dickason and David Weems, you'll see what
I mean.

[Kalman Rubinson]

On Sat, 8 Feb 2003 21:52:07 -0600, "Lloyd Cimprich"
<haff...@echo-on.net> wrote:

I second the advice from the first responder about reading one of the
books to inform yourself about the relevant parameters and help you
find useful replacements. OTOH, I question whether these speakers are
worth anyone's repair efforts today.

Kal

[Lloyd Cimprich]

Thanks, for the excellent info. Any suggestions as to where to start looking
for the original specs or guess at speaker sensitivity.

TIA
"Mikie" <mi...@bigpond.com.au> wrote in message
news:3e4650f9...@news.syd.ihug.com.au...

[Lloyd Cimprich]

Thanks so much for the insight. I was able to find some Mid-Range/Tweeters
( $35 Can / $23 US for two pair) at a local audio supply and I am quite
pleased with the outcome. In fact I think it is better than new (1974)
sound.

I plan to get another set for my larger pair of speakers.

Thanks again, very helpful.

"Mikie" <mi...@bigpond.com.au> wrote in message
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