Re-foam Infinity SM112's

[purple1]

I picked up a set of Infinity SM112's at a thrift store for 12 bucks. They wanted 20 for the set but after I showed the guy they needed new foams he marked them down. My son and I tested them out yesterday and they seem to work fine. Any thing I should look out for re-foaming the woofers on them?

This will be only the fourth set of speakers I have done. The past sets I have done totaly by hand without any tone or battery to help center the VC. So far I have not had a problem doing it this way. Just better to ask first then have to do the job twice.

Also any opinions of the Infinity SM112's? Thanks.

 

[Stuart Pedaso]

I've refoamed a pair of very similar SM-122 reclaimed from the curbside. A couple of things worth noting:

Be careful if using any chemicals for removing the old foam. I've found the shiny cone surface turns gummy and mars easily -- even with 70% isopropyl alcohol.

I usually use a test tone with good results for VC alignment. One of the SM-122 woofers refused to line up, no matter which direction I pulled at it. Ended up using shims, which worked. Never had that happen before or since.

Infinity's SM series is not ideally suited to my listening preferences, which is only a matter of personal taste. It's often suggested they would benefit from adding internal bracing, and some absorbent wall lining to tame standing waves. These would be fairly easy mods and I think worth exploring.

As for design strengths: they are easy to drive and are efficient enough to make a big sound with only modest power.

 

[purple1]

I've refoamed a pair of very similar SM-122 reclaimed from the curbside. A couple of things worth noting:

Be careful if using any chemicals for removing the old foam. I've found the shiny cone surface turns gummy and mars easily -- even with 70% isopropyl alcohol.

I usually use a test tone with good results for VC alignment. One of the SM-122 woofers refused to line up, no matter which direction I pulled at it. Ended up using shims, which worked. Never had that happen before or since.

Infinity's SM series is not ideally suited to my listening preferences, which is only a matter of personal taste. It's often suggested they would benefit from adding internal bracing, and some absorbent wall lining to tame standing waves. These would be fairly easy mods and I think worth exploring.

As for design strengths: they are easy to drive and are efficient enough to make a big sound with only modest power.

Thanks. I like the advice on the added bracing and adding padding to the cabs. I may do just that when I get them open for the re-foam. Good to know about the cone surface as well. I will use some extra care cleaning the old foams up.

I'm hoping I don't need to shim them for VC alignment, but also good to know in advance. One again thank you.

Any other replies are welcome here as well.