Kappa Polydome Repair Part Update

My Kappa Polydome replacement part project is progressing. Received prototype Rev 2, and successfully built up into driver. Testing begins this week. FYI, when available I’m going to offer both Raw Domes, and complete New Coil/Done assemblies, and they will be reasonable. Final product will have a matte finish similar to originals.

 

Thank you for your efforts.

Mark K.

 

They look great

 

They look nice!

 

I can’t wait to test, and compare to some oem polydomes I have. First I have to build a Test plate/Jig for my Anechoic chamber. Hope to have some results by the end of the week.

 

I'm watching with great interest. I have a couple sets of Polydomes that need some work. I have been leaning Millersound, but these look great!

 

Love them Polydomes!
They really bring out the mids nice and your repairs look great.
Keep em running another 30 years dude!
You do Arnie Nudell and the boys at Infinity proud.

 

I think Arnie would get a kick out of the idea a former Bose Guy is helping to keep some of his best speakers from being Salvaged for parts... Instead they can continue to be enjoyed! I wonder if Dr. Bose and he ever met?

 

I can offer another set of OEM Polydomes for testing if you want a bigger data set.

I'll pull them from my Kappa 7.1 Series II.

I will want them back when you're done...

 

That’s a great offer, thanks. But I have Kappa 9’s, and 2 pairs of Kappa 7’s with good dome’s. I’ll be pulling from both to use as a baseline reference. FYI, Once I get a few prototypes, I’m considering sending out some loaners to Infinity Owners to evaluate and do some reviews. It would have to be on a volunteer basis, as any form of compensation wouldn’t be cool. I want completely unbiased reviews. I’ve been working on these for 9 months, I’m psyched!
Thanks again,
Bob

 

I just destroyed a pair of polydomes that I have had since new. I am beyond pissed at myself. I am very interested to see the results of your testing!

 

That’s a bummer, sorry!
I enjoy doing restorations to more than just Audio gear, and I saw all these (to me) inferior and expensive attempts at repairing, restoring, or replacing these and thought there’s got to be a better way? It should be as close to the original as possible in my mind. In both performance and appearance. So I started by having the orig material analyzed, which is key, and we’re getting close.
Thanks,
Bob

 

Hi Bob,

I am very appreciative you have taken on this endeavor and am very much looking forward to your offerings! With the dome offering minus the voice coil and ring is there any way to provide a jig of some kind so we can rebuild our originals.

My intention is to buy some complete drop in dome assemblies but also buy domes to rebuild my originals for spares.

Thank you again for what you are doing here,

Mark K.

 

The new domes look just awesome. Thanks for taking on this project.

 

Bobby, when selling raw domes, any idea what sort of a jig will be required to attach them to the old hardware? Is it something that a casual DIYer like myself would be able to do, or is strictly for the hardcore (e.g. who wind their own voice coils ) folks?

 

Hi Mark, unfortunately an alignment Jig for these cost more than the speakers they go in. It needs to be machined, therefore very high cost. That’s why I’m going the route of supplying the entire assembly. I’ve personally assembled one of these and it was very slow and tedious. But hey, the guy on eBay who sells the (crappy) Silicone Domes will sell you a Jig for $800 LOL!

 

Thank you for the reply! Will you still offer the diaphragms without the rest of the assembly too or not?

I might like to still try my hand at some rebuilding.

Thanks,

Mark K.

 

Absolutely and they will be affordable.

 

Could a less expensive jig be 3D printed?

 

I suppose it could, but first needs to be designed in CAD, then printed, of which I have experience in neither... old school drafting only, more experience in electronics and acoustics. Somebody wants to take that on, I could supply details. But GREAT Idea! Thanks!