08-04-2011, 10:53 PM
The problem is that the material of the surround is only part of the story. On the one hand it's simply there to keep the edge of the cone centred in the chassis, so you could use anything that's flexible. However, it's also part of the cone suspension - the 'Spring and Weight' analogy - along with the centre spider, and also forms part of the cone damping. Reputable Manufacturers will have tested the cone suspension to produce a particular response. Unfortunately, changing the suspension will change the speaker's response, and amateurs - us - simply don't have the equipment to carry out the necessary tests - typically an anechoic chamber and an expensive kit of Test Equipment. Another problem is age. In the '70s doped fabric surrounds were very popular, and successful, untill the plasticisers evaporated. Equally, moulded rubber surrounds were often used on cheaper units, but they disintegrate with age.
I fear that there is no universal solution, apart from replacing the suspension and listening to it.
Alan
I fear that there is no universal solution, apart from replacing the suspension and listening to it.
Alan
