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Looking for advice on how to upgrade my DQ-10s, since in have them apart to be re-something or other (suspension on the cones). They've been great speakers, but lately, even those Polk satellites my friends have sound better, so I presume I've just been unaware of their fading performance. Now, the woofers are buzzing at low power levels so I took them apart and noticed that the cone suspension was shredded.Everything is original and they're about 30 years old. Foam seems to be in excellent shape, but the crossover looks shabby and the tape/wrapping is coming off those large coils. I've been reading here about Solen Caps, Scan-Speak Drivers, foil inductors, Sequerra ribbon tweeters, and the like, but I don't know why or how on the drivers and for the caps and coils, I don't know which (volts, farads, part numbers, etc). I've also heard that replacing the wires might be good.
I'm an audiophile, but not a purist. If I won't likely hear a difference, I don't want to do it.
Any advice would be well appreciated. I use a Hafler 500 and an Apt-Holman (miss my old PAS-3x).
Follow Ups:
I have the complete Dahlquist system and I love them (DQ-10s, DQ-1W sub, DQ-LP1 crossover, DQ ST10 stands). I'm sure there are better speakers out there, but they sound so good to me that I am not moved to seek out better (especially since getting better would cost many thousands). Their strong points are well discussed - wide soundstage, accurate sound, and open, airy sound (not a boxy sound). Their weak points are also well known - power hungry and lacking low end.Yes, the foam in the woofers deteriates in time. I've had to refoam mine 2 times in the last 30 years. No big deal, relatively cheap. My speaker guy says to keep using the foam rather than changing to a rubber.
Mods worth doing:
1. Upgrade crossover network capacitors (inductors also but less noticable impact)- clearer, cleaner sound
2. Mirror image them - improves soundstage
3. Elevate the speakers on stands - puts the mid and high drivers at ear level (assuming you sit when listening).
4. Add the DQ-1W sub. Will need a DQ-LP1 crossover and 2nd amp. This is the biggest change you can make and really makes them perform as Jon Dahlquist designed them to perform.The other mods such as binding posts and wire upgrades I haven't done and I'm skeptical that you will notice any change in sound with them. Changing drivers is more involved than I am willing to pursue because it impacts the crossover design (impedance considerations). The DQ-10s are so highly regarded in stock form, why change the drivers?
The Dahlquist yahoo group mentioned in another post is a good source of information for all these things I mentioned.
There's a Dahlquist Yahoo! Group populated by a group who are quite knowledgeable about the DQ-10s and their various upgrades. Maybe you can receive some good suggestions there.- JP
Glad to see you got the schematics I sent you!Good luck with whatever it is that you are proposing!
It almost seems that after all this time, my DQ-10s are sitting in my basement doing nothing now (no room in the house and certainly none it he new place I'm moving to now!).
If you need parts or advice, email me (as you've done already).
"David! You can KILL a man with a chopstick!" -Keith Charles, Six Feet Under
These are the old Dahlquist people now selling parts and doing repairs.
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