Speaker Asylum

General speaker questions for audio and home theater.

Return to Speaker Asylum

Message Sort: Post Order or Asylum Reverse Threaded

Snell Type A restoration - - insulation against baffle

107.77.83.56
Posted on February 22, 2017 at 11:52:16
montaldo
Audiophile

Posts: 46
Location: Midwest
Joined: November 6, 2013
 I recently repurchased a pair of original Snell Type A's that had been cosmetically restored and I had the woofers rebuilt and the mids re-surrounded. I now have one of the nicest pairs I have ever owned. They sound wonderful.

However, one of the owners in the interim messed with the fabric that covers the lower part of the top module baffle and now it is just tacked to the baffle without any insulation. I know AIIs had thick insulation underneath this fabric, I believe to reduce floor-bounce cancellation and thereby make the midrange richer.

Does anyone have a picture of the Type A (original not AII) top module, with grille removed? I want to restore the insulation the way it is supposed to be, and also confirm if there was any felt near the tweeter on original A's.

Also: Assuming insulation WAS part of the original A design, can anyone recommend what type and thickness I should use?

Thanks very much
Stu

 

Hide full thread outline!
    ...
RE: Snell Type A restoration - - insulation against baffle, posted on February 22, 2017 at 19:50:59
MikeCh
Audiophile

Posts: 1113
Joined: November 16, 2002
 Here's one of the A/III. Though not quite what you're looking for, maybe you've already seen it.



Looks like standard R-13 in-wall insulation.

 

RE: Snell Type A restoration - - insulation against baffle, posted on February 22, 2017 at 20:12:16
montaldo
Audiophile

Posts: 46
Location: Midwest
Joined: November 6, 2013
 Yes I recall more insulation-type material, not felt. However maybe the original A used felt as the other gentleman indicated. Or maybe it is a terminology thing...

I am a bit of a Type A groupie... I have owned five pairs including A, A2 and A3. While I admire the A3 ability to be hugely dynamic, have prodigous bass and blow away any room I think it has too much treble balance and is known as ski games the rich, real midrange of the A and Aii. The A2 has all the magic of the original in the mids but can be a bit bright depending on the system. The original A is my favorite. Unfailingly musical and convincing. So real. What an accomplishment.

Stu

 

RE: Snell Type A restoration - - insulation against baffle, posted on February 23, 2017 at 09:23:39
MikeCh
Audiophile

Posts: 1113
Joined: November 16, 2002
 I have fond memories of the original Type A and Model 1. Worked for a Snell dealer in the early days when those two speakers were quite popular.

 

RE: Snell Type A restoration - - insulation against baffle, posted on February 23, 2017 at 09:52:38
mcgjohn@yahoo.com
Industry Professional

Posts: 501
Location: Midwest
Joined: February 5, 2008
 would agree with the other comments. You may not be ale to get the insulation identical to what it was, but if you are close, should be insignificant.

I owned the original As, A2 and A3is. also had a pair of the type Ones for a while.

With any of the models, plenty of power was always a key important factor for sound quality. 250 watts per channel or more always helped, even at lower volume levels.

Also room placement is very key, close to the wall is better for bass, but not so good for imaging. If you have a large enough room, 3 feet out from the back wall seemed to work best for me.

Am sorry, but do not have any photos of the Snell A showing the insulation.

You have a classic speaker, enjoy it.

best

 

RE: Snell Type A restoration - - insulation against baffle, posted on February 23, 2017 at 13:29:58
hahax@verizon.net
Audiophile

Posts: 4306
Location: New Jersey
Joined: March 22, 2006
 A minor aside. My speaker system uses the drivers from the last speaker with the designation Snell A. But honestly this was a Snell A in name only. The design was now 4 boxes with an 18" woofer in about a 7 cubic foot reflex box and the other drivers were in tall slim towers. My boxes are smaller and designed for low Q rather than deepest bass. And it is a heck of a good driver for sub woofers only(it won't cross over much above 85 Hz due to high voice coil inductance).

 

RE: Snell Type A restoration - - insulation against baffle, posted on February 24, 2017 at 07:02:49
David Yost
Audiophile

Posts: 959
Location: Atlanta
Joined: May 12, 2006

Here is an early A

 

RE: Snell Type A restoration - - insulation against baffle, posted on February 24, 2017 at 07:30:14
montaldo
Audiophile

Posts: 46
Location: Midwest
Joined: November 6, 2013
 Thanks! It looks from this vantage point and this is how I recall it from other A's I have owned, that it uses insulation that is fairly thick... Maybe 4-6" thick.

Can anyone verify this, and whether it is cellulose type stuff, or fiberglass? Asbestos? Haha
Stu

 

Page processed in 0.022 seconds.

[ Top Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]