DCM TF-350 Speakers, worth $100?

[Eric H]

A place near me has a pair of these, I like the looks of them and they seem to be well reviewed, however the fabric covering (which covers the entire speaker except top and bottom) has some Cat claw type damage, no way to tell if the drivers need refoamed or not since the covering doesn't come off but I'd bet they do.

Are they worth the $99 they are asking, is it hard/impossible to replace the covering?

 

[chicks]

They will need refoaming. They're asking way too much in that condition, IMO. Paid $20 for mine IIRC, with good fabric, rotted foam.

 

[Wolverine]

The TF-350's are a nice introduction to the Time Frame series but not up to the level of some of the other higher level TF's. Still they will provide the excellent imaging that classic DCM speakers are known for. If listening to Classical, Jazz or Acoustic music you will enjoy their sound. I would not go higher than $50 and think $40 is more in line given their condition. The two pair I owned did not have a rubber surround like some of the higher TF models so a refoam may be needed. You can usually shine a flashlight on the grill where the woofer is located and get an idea on the condition of the surrounds. Even if they are intact a refoam will probably be in your future.

The cover or "sock" can be replaced by using cloth found at a local fabric store or even ordering some grill material from some place like Parts Express. There are a few threads here on restoring a pair of those so I am sure a search can give you an idea of what might be needed and where it can be found.

 

[hjames]

That's way too much money if they are not perfect.
There are too many pairs of TF speakers hitting the market with not much demand ...
wait for a better pair.

 

[Eric H]

Thanks all, I doubt they will drop the price far enough to make it worthwhile so I'll pass on them.

 

[baco99]

I recently sold a pair for $120 with good cloth and new foams.

 

[janikphoto]

The higher models don't need reform and will provide a more impressive sound. I've run across some 600's for $150 in fine condition and had a pair of 1000's in my house that were very nice - just too big for my tiny home. Traded the 1000's to a fellow AK'er for some a/d/s/ L-810's...

 

[icenine]

Go back and point out the cat claw damage to the manager and ask if he or she will cut some off the price....I got a Nakamichi BX-300 that way once when I showed them that the cassette would not play forward or back. They gave it to me for $10 bucks. Just be nice about it....who cares what their policy is about price haggling.