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Any treatment to rubber surround ?

K

kl122002

Member
Hi,
I was thinking about to apply something to the rubber surround for protection. My speakers are Tannoy's Autograph mini and they sound really great.
The rubber surround looks ok but I afraid it might get "dry" or oxidized later, especially when there is no original replacement from the factory in the future.
Could I apply something to the rubber surround for protection?
Thanks a lot
 
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You could probably find "something".... but its not advisable as the wrong applicant could destroy the material or cause it to degrade prematurely.

"If its not broke.. don't fix it"... :dunno:is my suggestion.
 
I do understand "If its not broke.. don't fix it" this first rule of thumb, However in view of my Bose speaker has its rubber replaced twice over 10 years, I really wish something for preventive measure for my Autograph mini .
 
If the speaker is not subjected to direct sunlight or other source of UV, and also is not subjected to smoke, the surrounds should last several decades.

Some people say that this type of surround never needs replacing. I bought my EPI speakers nearly 50 years ago, and the surrounds did eventually fail, after more than 40 years. I consider surround replacement as maintenance. I don't expect that I will have to do them again, since I am now 61 years of age. Speakers will probably still be going strong when I shuffle off this mortal coil.
 
As I recall, those small Bose drivers have very thin surrounds. They might be more susceptible to early failure from environmental factors.
 
kl122002 said:
I do understand "If its not broke.. don't fix it" this first rule of thumb, However in view of my Bose speaker has its rubber replaced twice over 10 years, I really wish something for preventive measure for my Autograph mini .
Click to expand...

Not saying this to minimize your concern... just from experience, and having used solutions that claimed this or that, to have my original intention destroyed. Just was not worth the risk. In retrospect, I wished I had left it alone... and that old school rule, comes to mind.
 
luvvinvinyl said:
If the speaker is not subjected to direct sunlight or other source of UV, and also is not subjected to smoke, the surrounds should last several decades.

Some people say that this type of surround never needs replacing. I bought my EPI speakers nearly 50 years ago, and the surrounds did eventually fail, after more than 40 years. I consider surround replacement as maintenance. I don't expect that I will have to do them again, since I am now 61 years of age. Speakers will probably still be going strong when I shuffle off this mortal coil.
Click to expand...

Another thing to potentially avoid is negative ion generators, such as are found in some air purification systems.
 
luvvinvinyl said:
As I recall, those small Bose drivers have very thin surrounds. They might be more susceptible to early failure from environmental factors.
Click to expand...
The Bose is having really think rubber surround. Definitely I could feel it is rather weak when I touch it
The second replacement was done after warranty expired. It was still done by Bose and charged me with a reasonable price. But the technician warned me that they didnot have the same rubber stock any more.

In contrast Tannoy's rubber seems seems stronger than that of Bose. :idea:
However the direct sun light still can reach the speakers. My listening area is very close to windows. I have kept the units covered by its original grille, Would it help ?
 
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Keeping the grilles on will definitely help. As well, is the grille being struck by direct sunlight? Or is the light falling on the sides and back? If the back of the speaker cabinet is facing the window, then that is the best. If the speaker is to one side of the window, and light falls on the front, you might wish to consider relocating the speaker.
 
luvvinvinyl said:
Keeping the grilles on will definitely help. As well, is the grille being struck by direct sunlight? Or is the light falling on the sides and back? If the back of the speaker cabinet is facing the window, then that is the best. If the speaker is to one side of the window, and light falls on the front, you might wish to consider relocating the speaker.
Click to expand...

I am living in a small flat, there is very limited space for speaker relocation. You can see the map here

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The Right speaker should be ok, but the left one is I mostly concerned. Each morning (around 8 to 10 am) has more sun light struck to the Left speaker . Not from the front directly but almost there . After noon time everything are safe.
I can use the curtain to block some light but my family prefers more sun light during day time . It is stressfully conflict. :(
 
I used silicone lube on my Wharfedale surrounds, but only as a last resort. I lucked out and it did good job restoring some elasticity to the rubber. A word of caution... not all "rubber" is created equally. What worked on mine might not work on others. I'd use extreme caution and test anything on a very small area first.
 
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