Acoustic Energy AE1 Speaker Repair?

[mjhn]

Running a pair of AE1 with Quicksilver KT88 mono blocks. A couple of years ago the surrounds (foam) deteriorated and had them "repaired" but was disappointed in the work. They didn't have quite the right size of foam rings so their solution was to cut and glue one together to fit, and replaced the iconic AE1 dust cap with a "hemp" cap, for reasons I didn't understand why! We got into it a little and they were pretty defensive and got a bit abusive, so I paid and took the speakers home but never really used them since. Recently pulled them out and hooked them up, replacing BW DM110. Obviously I was missing some of the lower extension but those mids and highs brought back the reason I loved these speakers. However.... I don't know if it's a psychological effect of having them altered that's left me wondering if I'm missing something. I can get replacements directly from Acoustic Energy which I'm considering, but wondering if this "repair" and switching of the dust cover cone has any real affect.. Thoughts?

 

[Al ears]

Running a pair of AE1 with Quicksilver KT88 mono blocks. A couple of years ago the surrounds (foam) deteriorated and had them "repaired" but was disappointed in the work. They didn't have quite the right size of foam rings so their solution was to cut and glue one together to fit, and replaced the iconic AE1 dust cap with a "hemp" cap, for reasons I didn't understand why! We got into it a little and they were pretty defensive and got a bit abusive, so I paid and took the speakers home but never really used them since. Recently pulled them out and hooked them up, replacing BW DM110. Obviously I was missing some of the lower extension but those mids and highs brought back the reason I loved these speakers. However.... I don't know if it's a psychological effect of having them altered that's left me wondering if I'm missing something. I can get replacements directly from Acoustic Energy which I'm considering, but wondering if this "repair" and switching of the dust cover cone has any real affect.. Thoughts?

Only you can answer that and it doesn't seem like it has.....

 

[Gray]

I'm guessing the bodged surround might have more effect than the dustcap.......if there's any effect at all.

If you can get new drivers from AE, for an acceptable price - and you can fit them yourself - why not? 👍
(You don't want that 'repair' forever giving you doubts).