Is this pic rockwool or not? AR-2AX thanks

[Vttj]

New to vintage audio so appreciate any direction to other useful info. Into a set of AR-2AX due to pots. These appear to be aprox 1969-71 speakers with cloth subs. Is the backing in these speakers rockwool or fiberglass? I have attached photos.

They have been into before as capacitors updated so maybe this has been replaced but don't think so as some is rather matted. I like to keep the original intended sound so ok to keep the same backing? I understand some issues with pots corrosion and rockwool. Honestly a bit more concern if asbestos risk. Any help appreciated thanks.

 

[swechsler]

That looks like old fiberglass to me.

 

[RVT1K]

I just looked it up...no need to worry about asbestos. "Rockwool" is a brand name but mineral wools in general are made from stone and slag left over from smelting in a process similar to making cotton candy.

I can't say how it may work in speakers but it looks like a better product for homes.

And I agree, it looks like fiberglass in the pics.

 

[jgsone]

You can reuse the material when your done cleaning the pots.
When dealing with Rockwool/fiberglass from these cabinets it's always best to wear sleeves, gloves, and a mask, and work outdoors (or in a garage like you've done).
Another thing you can try when you have intermittent pots is to put the speaker face down and spray a bit of DeOxit D5 on the pot stems and let it seep into the pot for a few minutes. That may improve their operation enough so that you don't have to go into the cabinet.

 

[Gigantic]

That looks like old fiberglass to me.

a euphemism that we used for Rockwool in the trades is "rotten cotton." give it a whiff and you'll know if its Rw.

 

[krautmaster]

I would replace that nasty Rockwool with the newer "acoustic felt"- I used 2" thick stuff in my Infinity RS4b speakers:

 

[Dave1027]

I would replace that nasty Rockwool with the newer "acoustic felt"- I used 2" thick stuff in my Infinity RS4b speakers:
View attachment 3705856View attachment 3705861

Where do you get that in 2 inch? How do you think it compares to fiberglass and No Rez?

 

[Vttj]

You can reuse the material when your done cleaning the pots.
When dealing with Rockwool/fiberglass from these cabinets it's always best to wear sleeves, gloves, and a mask, and work outdoors (or in a garage like you've done).
Another thing you can try when you have intermittent pots is to put the speaker face down and spray a bit of DeOxit D5 on the pot stems and let it seep into the pot for a few minutes. That may improve their operation enough so that you don't have to go into the cabinet.

Ordered some DeOxit D5.

 

[krautmaster]

Where do you get that in 2 inch? How do you think it compares to fiberglass and No Rez?

My insulin comes wrapped in it to keep it cool, but you can buy it here (they call it celluzorbe)

CelluZorbe™ Cellulose Acoustic Panels

CelluZorbe cellulose fiber panels combine recycled and renewable fibers for a cost-effective, eco-friendly sound absorption solution.

www.secondskinaudio.com

 

[Vttj]

Looking at the AR rebuild guide this looks like Rock Wool to me. If so seems fiberglass is way i must go. Need to figure out how much?