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Boston Acoustics A40 series I woofer question

audioholic2

audioholic2

Active Member
I just picked up a pair of Boston Acoustics A40 series I, to pair with either a Sherwood S-7310 or Kenwood KR2600, for my daughters bedroom. They have Seas tweeters dated February 9, 1981 so I am guessing one of the earlier pairs. Do these look like original woofers that came with these? I removed them and not much written on them. (the numbers 12 22107, and below these numbers 137 69320). Thanks

 
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I had a pair, but don't remember the trim rings being that colour. Great little speakers. Don't let 'em get away. Simple enough to haul out one of the woofers and take a look.
 
No. 137 is the EIA code for CTS. Someone probably dropped those in when the surrounds crumbled, rather than fixing the existing woofers. My early A40s used a different tweeter, too, but with a similar date range. What are the serial numbers? My A40s are consecutive numbered in the 8xx range.
 
The serial numbers are F 066527 and F 066530. The poor little woofers feel very light. I was in a hurry when I grabbed them and did not pay much attention until I got home. Not worth returning for the $10. I have another pair of series II in great shape that need foam. I am too cheap to order foams at $20. A buddy and I usually get foams in bulk, but we have no 1/2 sizes. Now if someone in the Seattle area wants to trade a couple 6 1/2 foams for a couple other sizes (?). Just trying to get speakers that will fit my 3 years olds room and both look and sound OK. Had some A60 and A70's but they were too large for her room.
 
$20? I think I got some from an eBay seller for about $12. BA surrounds are a bit different than most, it's worthwhile to get the specific foams.

Just checked mine - no "A40" band at the top, a little dome tweeter with a three-prong "grille" across the dome, SNs F 000834 and F000835. One tweeter was blown, I bought an identical replacement from an A40 that was several years newer. With the CTS woofers and SEAS tweeters, I think you have some sort of homebrews in A40 cabinets.
 
The tweeters are Seas H241L so they are in fact what Boston used back then. I think I will just pull the tweeters and donate the rest.
 
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Not in the A40.

The early A40s look like this (not mine):
BostonAcousticsA40%2Bblog1.jpg


From this site (note the incorrect 1985 date, they were introduced in 1981): http://stereonomono.blogspot.com/2011/09/boston-acoustics-a40-1985.html

Later examples got the "A40" logo band at the top:
e.jpg


Site: http://www.hifido.co.jp/KWb/G0201/E/30-10/C10-55952-84976-00/

A40 Series II used a similar tweeter with a rectangular surround:
b4.jpg


Site: http://www.wiredstate.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=20941&start=20
 
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Definitely from the large BAs. Every A40 I've run across uses that little 3/4" dome, which was also used in some later EPIs. How do the big SEAS tweeters sound with that 6.5" woofer?
 
The cabinets pictured are absolutely the original BA A40 boxes (actually the second version of the first generation). They've just had all of the drivers replaced.
 
I came across a Triad Design "Powered Woofer" with dual Vifa P17WH-00 mid/woofers (has issues with the amp). Pulled them and dropped them into these speakers. Sound nice enough for the meantime, for what they and what they are being used for. I am using the Kenwood 2600 in my daughters room. Does anyone know how full these boxes were stuffed? There isn't much in there, and it appears that someone might have removed some. They would likely improve if they were filled a bit more. Thanks.
 
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