• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

EPI 100s to refoam

malanga

malanga

Well-Known Member
Hello folks!

I just picked up a pair of EPI 100 speakers this weekend which were still in their original boxes for many years. The cabinets are in superb condition, but the foam has rotted away of course. Can anyone suggest a foam supplier to replace t hem with? Should I do anything with the crossover or leave it as-is. Thanks!
 
Register to hide this ad
The crossover is just a single 10uf capacitor and would benefit from being replaced. As to the foam surrounds i would contact reedger here on AK for the surrounds you need.
 
You can also buy an 8" foam kit from Parts Express which will give you everything you will need as well as detailed instructions if you are new to the refoaming game. The caps can also be purchased from PE at the same time.
 
Reedger is here no longer. I think GordonW sells surround but I am not sure.
 
I once bought a pair of surrounds from reedger, but his e-mails came back as undeliverable. Is there a specific set from parts express, or will any 8" woofer set do?
 
Hello
I bought a few refoam kits off epay from a guy in Florida, geoali or something.
Full kit for reasonable price, good quality foam.
In epay, do a search for epi and you should be able to find him easy enough.
Full kit with fast shipping, great glue and directions.

Replacing the caps (use good caps, at least some Solens) as well as putting in some decent speaker binding posts will bring these right up to date. Replacing the wire with some OFC with make a difference too. After a wee break in period they will compete with anything under $500 and maybe more.
More information at humanspeakers.com
Hope they work out for you.
:banana:
 
Thanks karzyknuc, I will take a look. I was really excited to find these EPI 100s this weekend. They were in the box and look like new. The original owner had stored them away after using them for a year when she got married, and they have sat in her attic ever since. She sold them for 5 bucks because the woofers were bad (rotted foam) and I also got a Sansui R-50 still in its box for ten bucks more. A sweet deal , provided I can refoam these speakers!
 
Great Score! I thought mine were a steal at basically $20 but you got me beat.
I think we would all love to see pics when you get the chance.
I just scored a pair recently myself anf i think you will be very happy with the sound once you get them fixed up.
 
Any standard 8" foam works fine for those woofers. I used the MAT Electronics foams, but they have a minimum order fee. By all means, repace the cap on the crossover. I did that on my Genesis 2+ and was astonished at the difference. Really amazing. I used Solen caps and am pleased with them. I've also had good luck with the Dayton 10%s from Parts Express. Use the link on AK so they get the referal.
 
EPIs are very easy to refoam. Lots of testimonies here. You don't need a whole kit, just the surrounds. RS Sound Systems is a good source (again): http://rssound.com/

Get some Aileen's Tacky Glue, some clothespins, a D-cell battery and case with leads (to center the voice coil), and you can leave the dust cap alone.

Love me dem' ol' EPI 100s! Pictures, please!
 
Okay, here are a couple of pictures. The case look like new! I even have the original paperwork. The grills have virtually no wear, and the binding posts look like they have never been used. I will post a picture or two after I refoam them.
 

Attachments

  • P0001909.jpg
    P0001909.jpg
    36.7 KB · Views: 58
  • P0001910.jpg
    P0001910.jpg
    46.4 KB · Views: 92
Nice speakers!
Based on these pics I think the 100M's I picked up a couple of weeks ago are a little earlier. I don't think I will be able to get to mine for a while so I am looking forward to seeing the results of your re-foam.
 
Do my eyes deceive me or are the surrounds inverted? I know I have seen some early Advents done that way but neither pair of the 100V's I had were inverted. Interesting or perhaps an optical illusion.

Jay
 
When you compare prices, note whether you are getting only the foam surrounds, or a complete kit. With the Parts Express kit you get the foam surrounds, glue, swabs, replacement dustcaps, centering wedges, and some very good instructions.

This is the Parts Express kit you would want to order:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=260-920

If you order from anyone else, make sure you are clear as to exactly what you do and don't get. If you order just surrounds, the Aleene's glue suggested above is excellent. It think it is the same glue as in the PE kit.

I always cut out the dust cap and use the centering wedges, but others have just used the battery for centering with good success. If you go that method, all you will need is surrounds and glue. You can use Q-tip for swabs.

Either way, this is a difficult project to mess up. Most have success the very first time.

An aside, my brother has a pair of EPI 100's, but they have a rubber surround. I know the 100's came both ways. He has had his 100's since his college days, and that was some time ago. They still sound great.

And YES, I agree with the suggestion to replace the capacitor. You will have the woofer removed from the cabinet anyway. Yes, it is 10 uf. Here is a very good replacement:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&PartNumber=027-428
 
Glassman said:
Do my eyes deceive me or are the surrounds inverted? I know I have seen some early Advents done that way but neither pair of the 100V's I had were inverted. Interesting or perhaps an optical illusion.

Jay
Click to expand...

I'm not seeing that Jay. I think they are in the more "typical" orientation.
 
Replace the crossover cap with a good quality electrolytic, makes a big difference
and dont worry about shims for the voice coil, heaps of play in these woofers
 
I replace EPI caps with polyfilm. The factory caps are 20%. Even a 5% poly is way more accurate than the OEMs. And, they will last indefinitely. Electrolytics have a life span. Do it once and be done with it.
 
BrocLuno said:
I replace EPI caps with polyfilm. The factory caps are 20%. Even a 5% poly is way more accurate than the OEMs. And, they will last indefinitely. Electrolytics have a like span. Do it once and be done with it.
Click to expand...

Thats what I meant :thmbsp:
 
I picked up a pair of EPI 100s and it was my first foam job. Dead easy, looks and sounds great.

Beware though, the bug to refoam more speakers will bite you in the butt. I just did a pair of RSLs and am now looking for a third pair of speakers to refoam. :thmbsp:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom