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Re: The Docs 'ex-B&W' Doc Modded speakers

Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2017 9:03 pm
by _D_S_J_R_
Is it really nearly a year since I last had these here?

After the cap update recently, I was keen to try them again. They look 'well-travelled' now, but the sound....... Crystal clear, changes tonality with the music played, no 'nagging' now and so pleased to have 'em back, at least for a while :D

Re: The Docs 'ex-B&W' Doc Modded speakers

Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2017 7:20 am
by karatestu
Congratulations Dave, hope you have lots of fun :dance:

I am currently waiting for another layer of dope to go off on my MS902S. On the 3rd layer now, it just wish it dried quicker as i am impatient to hear them again. Last time i listened they were starting to get there and starting to sound sublime. I have 8mm plate and angle steel in mine - seriously heavy ! I was concerned about the bass after blocking the port and reducing the internal volume but the more i dope the mid bass the more it is evident that i shouldn't have worried so much. The bass level is starting to come up relative to the mid. I can see a padding resistor is going to be needed as bass driver sensetivity drops off and the original did not have one. Doping the inside of the tweeter was a hair raising exercise but glad i did it.

Stu

Re: The Docs 'ex-B&W' Doc Modded speakers

Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2017 8:25 am
by _D_S_J_R_
Hm... The one thing the doping does is make the speaker less efficient and the difference in volume control settings is very noticeable compared to the old antique IMF Compacts, which incidentally have 'crackle finish' doped cones of their own. Not a problem for me though, but maybe this reduced sensitivity is why a simple inductor is used commercially instead, making for an easy quick build?

Anyway, they ARE fun to listen to music through :dance:

By the way, I sought a quote from B&W for DM303 grilles if they were still available twenty odd years on. They still have them and want SIXTY effin' QUID for a set! Bloody hell, the original speakers weren't much more than £300 the pair new I think :( I'd have paid up to half this price for a pair, but not what they're asking :angry-fire:

Re: The Docs 'ex-B&W' Doc Modded speakers

Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2017 8:53 am
by karatestu
Yes, the doping does drop sensitivity but at the low to moderate levels I play music it will never be a problem, especially in the average sized rooms I have. I have really enjoyed pouring the bison kit on the drivers (its satisfying in a strange way) and I think I am getting addicted to its smell :geek:

Manufacturers making it easy and less costly for themselves? Surely you must be joking right ???? :lol: I suppose drivers are not as attractive after doping and a spray with plastidip, and we all know how speakers are currently made for how they look not how they sound :snooty:

I think the more adventurous doc modders (who like the semi Omni sound) ought to consider blocking the mid or mid/bass driver hole and moving it to the top panel of the cab. Simples, as long as the cab has enough depth to accommodate the driver.

B&W can shove those grilles up their arse. Can't you make your own ? Not too hard I should think or are they a funny shape ?

stu.