Help with some Vandersteen 2Ci's

[goldswimmerb]

Hey guys, so my uncle recently put his old Vandersteen 2cis into my possession. I'm enjoying the a lot.

However, Im noticing that on the left one that whenever it plays low frequencies at a higher volume that the low-frequency driver rattles. Im at a loss at what it could be as these speakers have been properly taken care of and using a flashlight to see through the speaker sleeves there's nothing visibly wrong with the surround, thoughts?

 

[mike j]

I have read here that sometimes the rubber surround comes partially un-glued.
Lookin through the sock, you likely wouldn't notice it.
Mike
P.S. I'm working on a pair of 2CE's myself! Can't wait to get them going!!

 

[swechsler]

Not personally familiar with those speakers, but what you've described indeed sounds like a partially unglued surround. If most of it is still attached, you should be able to fix with contact cement.

 

[soulsurfing]

Most likely the rear driver surround has come loose as others have said. If one has come loose the other will be soon.

Flip the speakers over.
take the 4 screws out that are holding the bottom board on.
The bottom board is being held on by some black goop.
Carefully, using a flathead screw driver or similar, pry around the board until it comes loose.
You'll see 50 million (give or take) staples holding the sock in place. - take all of those staples out.
(I took a razor and trimmed around the edge of them leaving them in place and setting the sock free- either way works)
Roll the sock down until you can see the woofer on the rear of the speaker.
Check and glue as needed.
Let it dry over night.
Test before recovering. Make sure the rattle is gone.

Pull the sock back over the bottom stapling the center of each side first and work your way toward the corners. Use even tension. The more you stretch the sock the more transparent it becomes. Only pull it enough to staple it. Use 50 million staples if you want.
I didn't regoop but you can.
replace board and screws.