Robert Harley's Cheap Tweak Tip: Priceless!
JLeeMD -- Mon, 06/13/2011 - 11:45
Several TAS isssues ago, RH listed several cheap tweaks and among them he recommended periodically tightening the screws mounting the drivers to the front baffle. Since my Usher Audio Mini Two Diamonds were only 6-9 months old, I assumed this was a tweak I would consider after several years of use. Wrong! Last night, I was shocked to discover that almost all the screws on every driver were loose! So I tightened them. Then I listened..........WOW!!! The entire sonic picture snapped into focus. Midrange transparency, which I had previously thought was a step down from my previous speakers (Dynaudio Confidence C1s), improved substantially. Bass developed more slam and agility! Isn't this hobby fun?
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Jeff Dorgay of ToneAudio commented that he does this routinely as he finds the shipping process loosens the bolts. I hope all reviewers do this because I found the difference surprisingly significant.
Thanks for the note. You should check the bolts again in a few months. The open-cell foam that manufacturers sometimes use to decouple the driver from the baffle compresses over time, requiring periodic re-tightening.
Glad you liked the tweak. It's the best kind---simple, effective, and free.
This shouldn't be considered just a tweak. It should be considered mandatory maintenance for any obsessive, er, dedicated audiophile. Kidding aside, I hope this thread prompts other to do the same. I, for one, feel like I just upgraded my speakers. Thank you! Now I need to find that issue and take another look at your other suggestions.
Alon Wolf doesn't lie! =)