Hey guys, a friend's RM2 Neo got damaged in shipping...a binding post cracked off and the tweeter on one of the speakers no longer works...I'm not sure if the tweeter is damaged (looks fine) or if a wire came loose. DIY is not an option; is there a reputable repair shop or an experienced owner in the area that's willing to do the repair work for a reasonable fee? If there's going to be a lot of labor he's also willing to consider upgrades while the speakers are open. He has no problems dropping off and picking up in a +75 mile radius of the city.
Thanks,
Hi JP,
Doesn't look like there are too many
DIY type
VMPS'ers out there in your area.
From your description it sounds like a rather easy "fix" of the binding posts.
Likely the lower posts (which run the tweeter and Neopanels) were mechanically impacted and one of them broke. This is easy to fix and requires the following:
Philips Screwdriver to remove the screws holding the woofer.
A
small pair of pliars to unscrew the nut on the broken binding post.
A
soldering iron and a bit of
solder to "re-solder" whatever wire has broken loose.
So you would simply:
1) Uscrew all the screws holding the woofer in
2) Gently remove the Woofer and either "unclip" or unsolder it (
MAKE NOTE OF THE CONNECTIONS AND MARK THEM!!!)
3) Remove the FiberFill until you can clearly see the BOTTOM (damaged) binding posts (the top posts are to the woofer)
4) unsolder the wires to the posts (again NOTE which wire connects where)
5) remove the nut holding the binding post in place and remove the post.
6) Insert the NEW posts through the same hole, and tighten the nut securely
7) resolder the wiring and BEFORE reconnecting the woofer, check the tweeter see if it is operating.
If so, replace the Fiberfill, resolder or reclip the woofer leads, screw the woofer back into place and enjoy.
While this can be a bit daunting initally, it is not difficult if you have the tools and are not in a hurry.
You should actually replace the binding post
PAIR.
Maybe there are some other Audio Hobbiests in the area who can assist. You don't have to do anything "specific" that involves a VMPS tech or owner.
This job is
FAR EASIER if you can put the speaker up on a
work bench that has
LOTS of lighting that can be moved. The 12" woofer when removed makes a large enough hole to allow you to work easily (the RM30's are a bear)
I would also suggest you try a couple other things before attempting said repair.
Firstly it would be unusual that the binding post damage would affect the tweeter and NOT the neopanels, so you might even want to ask B, what might be the best way to handle such a case.
He may suggest removing the tweeter and sending it in also.
