The possible KEF 104aB project - thoughts, and info needed

[FONSguy]

So I have 2 pairs of KEF 104's. One pair is pretty scruffy. Does anyone know if plans or diagrams are available, and if their is a slightly better cabinet design. All crossovers, speakers and such are OK. Recapped even! So, can replacement cabinets be built? What would happen if the cabinet had a little more internal volume, perhaps taking advantage of the passive radiator? I live outside DC so I'm sure I can find a cabinet maker, or perhaps a KEF expert who can build the cabinets. I plan on having 4 cabinets built *IF* it won't break the bank. Could something be extrapolated out to put all components into one cabinet? Perhaps I should have tried to acquire a pair of KEF Cantada's.

 

[Bob]

i'd blueprint one set, bringing it back up to date sonically/electrically/mechanically -
checking out the crossover and especially any ecaps in there, woofers should
be in good shape (the Brits didn't use foam surrounds that crumpled with age),
and listen to it, after break/burn-in and compare to the other set.

you could run stacked. like old advents.

 

[FONSguy]

Actually I DO run them stacked! I use a Crown PSA-2 in 4 ohm configuration.

 

[sax6]

What would happen if the cabinet had a little more internal volume, perhaps taking advantage of the passive radiator? .

From my point of view getting a cabinet larger has the same effect as diminshing it. Drivers were desighed for an xcabinet volume.
Changing it would change the design, not necessirly in a good way.

My 2 cents.

 

[homebrew]

The KEFs have a fairly complicated cabinet. Without plans it might be a better alternative to try to save the originals. In the long run, that would be the easiest.

 

[rogerfederer]

here is a good thread:
http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/kef-104-ab.204403/

 

[Nat]

The 104aB is a passive radiator design. Changing cabinet volume will destroy the correct alignment. Changing the proportions of the box might not be a problem, but it would be lot of work for very little benefit.
I do think it would be worth checking the butyl surrounds - they don't decompose like foam, but they can get stiff and even crack.