Foam kit for apogee speakers

[lartisth]

Hi, i bought yesterday a pair of apogee duetta and one of the bass ribbon buzz at highter dB level.
As the bass ribbon doesn't seem to have problem,
I saw on the forum that it was a problem of foam and that you sold ribbon foam kit.
Could I fix the problem myself with the kit or should I send the speaker to an installer?

Cordially, Pierre

[lartisth]

Doesn't any one have an answer?
up

[Graz]

Hello

I have received an email from you but feel it would better serve all curious about the foam on Apogee's from the past if the answer was posted here.

There are several places where foam is used on an original Apogee - when somebody removes the case front to look inside (something usually prompted by buzz) you will immediately see foam around the bass panels, and along the edge of the top face of the MRTW magnets. This foam damps the vibrations a little from being transferred to the case fronts. Over time this foam starts to degrade, eventually turning to powder, but the carrier adhesive remains. This foam is easy to replace, with a soft 3mm thick foam, no worries. BUT if the top foam is rotten, the layers of foam that contact the bass ribbon UNDER and OVER the ribbon will likely be compromised and ineffectual.

When the foam in contact with the ribbon fails due to age, the only available course is to replace the bass ribbon. Why? The ribbon is bound on the sides in a silicone adhesive sandwich - stuck firm under and over the ribbon. Access to the foam on the edge of these clamps is only possible when the bass ribbon is out - when in the foam is actually under compression.

Horizontal clamps. These should be tight enough that the foam is under slight, even compression, loose enough that it allows for (under compression) movement/flexing of 1.5mm. When the foam fails on these replacement is possible - however - the foam UNDER the ribbon is not accessible on the lower horizontal clamps.

I realise this is not going to be welcome news for people with Apogee's that are buzzing, but the truth is important!


Take care - Graz

[rastanearian]

What is the width and thickness of the foam that is trapped? Is it 3mm thick as well?