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Refoaming Paradigm Atom Bookshelf Speakers

S

Sobsey

Member
Hi all,
Found a pair of these (the original models, I think, not the v2s or later) at a local thrift for $6. Hooked them up, can tell they're very good-sounding speakers -- I have a pair of 5se's I really like -- but one's got either a bad woofer or needs to be refoamed. I suspect the latter based on reading through some threads. Removed screws from back but it doesn't seem obvious how the panel comes off. Thick particle board back there, and wiggling a blade around resulted only in a handsome cut on my finger and some chipped veneer (which I can superglue back on). Anyone have experience working on these little guys? I've never done a refoam before but these seem like a worthy first attempt if I can get the back off the damn things. Assuming I can, recommendations for a refoam video tutorial for newbs?
Thx!
 
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The back has a very tight fit into the cabinet. My Titans were the same way when I recapped them. I was able to use the rear port and speaker terminals to pull the back out of the cabinet. Pull with your fingers and apply pressure back and forth because the back must slide straight out about an inch from what I recall.

If you are truly adventuresome, you could apply heat to the cabinet so it expands slightly. This may loosen the joint enough where you can slide the back out. I would use a hair dryer, not a heat gun. Get the cabinet warm to the touch, not hot. And keep the back cool.
 
Thanks, that worked (without resorting to heat). Surround indeed torn. Recs on refoam kits? Or would you buy an aftermarket woofer? There's this from Simply Speakers, which they confirm will fit the Vifa driver. Good?
 
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I always, ALWAYS stick with what the designers used.

But, that's just me. Refoams are easy, and it will be a fine learning experience, as this won't likely be the first time you find speakers in the wild needing a refoam.

Check the caps.....if they are electrolytic, replace with decent poly caps. I use Daytons, but Audyns, or any quality cap should do.

One last thing, might hit up looneytunes for surrounds, tho that price at Simply Speakers is fair enough. I've used looneytunes, never once been disappointed. He's on that auction site.
 
Sobsey said:
Thanks, that worked (without resorting to heat). Surround indeed torn. Recs on refoam kits? Or would you buy an aftermarket woofer? There's this from Simply Speakers, which they confirm will fit the Vifa driver. Good?
Click to expand...

Never buy an aftermarket woofer if all you need is to refoam. I've bought foams from Simply Speakers (they have full kits) and Springfield Speaker Repair (you can buy the foam by itself and use Aileen's glue). Lots of YouTube videos on refoaming. I prefer to use a 30 Hz tone from a smartphone app to center the cone. No need to remove the dustcap.
 
I've used the surrounds from Simply Speakers that you linked to. Fit is fine. I agree with the last two posts, don't replace the bass driver. Agree with onwardjames about recapping while you're in there, not difficult with these speakers and plenty of room for physically larger caps.
 
Sobsey said:
Thanks y'all, all of this is much appreciated. Re: Aileen's glue: this stuff?
Click to expand...

Yet, that stuff. I have trouble remembering how to spell it. I use the Original Tacky Glue. It sets up slow enough that you have time to ensure the surround is positioned correctly, but you do not have to wait too long. Five to 10 minutes for it to tack up. A half hour or one full hour before you do the other half of the surround. Wait overnight before playing loud.
 
I had never refoamed speakers before and I did the pair of Atoms that sit on my desk doing computer duty through a Pioneer SX 680. It's pretty straight forward to do, I think it took a lot more time cleaning off the old foam and glue than it did to do the actual refoam. ;) Real good sounding pair of little speakers, good luck with it.
 
55Redneck said:
I had never refoamed speakers before and I did the pair of Atoms that sit on my desk doing computer duty through a Pioneer SX 680. It's pretty straight forward to do, I think it took a lot more time cleaning off the old foam and glue than it did to do the actual refoam. ;) Real good sounding pair of little speakers, good luck with it.
Click to expand...

What did you use for cleaning. Rubbing alcohol? Something else?
 
Further question: I didn't take a good picture of the inside and now can't tell which post is positive and which negative on the VIFA bass driver. Can anyone help with this? And if I hook it up wrong will I kill it?
 
They punch out an amazing amount of sound for such little guys, and it's very spacious, too. Running them with my Marantz 2215B. Small Faces!
 
Is it the 5se's that one has a bad woofer ? And the Atoms needed refoaming ? Just trying to get it straight. There is a replacement for the woofers in the 5's that is cost effective without degrading the sound.
 
I re-foamed those very speakers. Used a putty knife to remove the backs (carefully). Took a picture of the wiring, ordered a re-foaming kit from Simply Speakers, which came with glue. As mentioned, the removal of the old glue is the most laborious task - and I did completely.

My first re-foaming job and it went well. Nice sounding little speakers.
 
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