ADS 1230 or ESS 1a

essNeff · Feb 21, 2015

Squirrely said:
I need to replace the diaphragm in my Heil tweeter. Can anyone give me info about rebuilding these? How do they come apart? What should I look out for?

Replacing diaphragm couldn't be any easier. The old one pulls right out and the new one slides back in. Just go slowly so that the netting covering the pleats on the Diaphragm don't catch on the magnet structure while sliding it in. Replace the putty gasket and you are good to go. It can be installed either way.

Squirrely · Feb 21, 2015

Thanks EssNeff,

I removed one of the transformers from the Elite cabinet and set it aside to try to figure out how the crossover came out. When I looked at the transformer again the magnets had pushed apart and formed a gap. I think the diaphragm was stretched and due to age it may have been damaged. I am a little apprehensive to touch them again, but something should be done to restore the Elites. I will likely have someone else repair the cabinets and maybe rebuild the crossover. I don’t know how the crossover comes out of the cab. It is possible they installed the crossover and then finished the cabinet by gluing the top panel on. I could save money by replacing the diaphragm and then turning the rest of the work over to someone in Seattle.

I have heard there are different diaphragms for different years. Does it matter if I get a new diaphragm that fits the Great Heil? Or should I look for something specific to the early years of production?

SleeperSupra · Feb 21, 2015

If you replace one be sure to replace the other at the same time to ensure matched output.

Squirrely · Feb 21, 2015

Will do Sleeper. Thanks for the input.

c-atle-79bay · Feb 22, 2015

I've read parts express stocks a diaphragm.

Squirrely · Feb 22, 2015

Thanks C, I will take a look

Squirrely · Feb 22, 2015

It looks like Parts Express has #1008. Simply Speakers has the same one and they also sell #1107. I think I need #1107 but will have to give them a call. The prices at Parts Express are better but if it is not right it is not right.

c-atle-79bay · Feb 24, 2015

Here is a thread I'd read about the diaphragm. Perhaps it's also helpful.

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/planars-exotics/93047-ess-elite.html

c-atle-79bay · Feb 24, 2015

I've listened for a few days now, really liking these, but I'm finding that prudence is key, can't add too much. I've got them on the 5k and level down all the way, even this adds an audible difference, mainly depth and air, to the sound stage, without damaging the imaging. I was finding the 1k was too much with the IMF super tweeter, felt like they were conflicting with each other. Granted the IMF super tweeter is 40 years old and likely way off spec, it still sounds and images great.

essNeff · Feb 24, 2015

c-atle-79bay said:
Here is a thread I'd read about the diaphragm. Perhaps it's also helpful.

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/planars-exotics/93047-ess-elite.html

Interesting Thread!
Thanks for the link!
From reading the responses it appears that the Elites are a Great Heil in a cabinet.
I assume the XO is a High Pass Filter to protect the Heil?:saywhat:

Squirrely · Feb 24, 2015

Thanks C-attle. That DIY article nailed it! Part #689-1107 is the proper diaphragm and it is at Simply Speakers. Shout out to matt28sr at DIY. What a great and detailed article. Most helpful!

c-atle-79bay · Feb 24, 2015

Squirrely said:
Thanks C-attle. That DIY article nailed it! Part #689-1107 is the proper diaphragm and it is at Simply Speakers. Shout out to matt28sr at DIY. What a great and detailed article. Most helpful!

Ok, lots of documentation, please. Think one side of mine is a bit weak.

automojo · Feb 24, 2015

If the diaphragm is a bit wavy I would not fret too much.
If both have the same output you should be fine.
Buy some spares while they are cheap and available
Some like the sounds of the old new and newer diaphragms buts it's apples and oranges IMHO
The oldest have no netting
The only ones that were significantly different were the 17 pleat AMT 3 original diaphragms
I would not recommend taking them out unless your having a issue as the leads are fragile on all types
Break one off and they are usually done
Not sure how the crossover is mounted etc but given the nature of their duties and if they sound fine I would be tempted to leave them as is and enjoy
Or have someone like Midwest Speaker Simply Speaker or Orange County handle a recap if you can't figure it out and are dead set on it

Squirrely · Feb 25, 2015

Thanks Automojo. I agree with your advice about leaving the crossovers alone. The diaphragms need to be replaced so I will go forward with that when I can get around to it. Right now, buying 2 diaphragms is a financial pinch and there are other pieces needing attention and investment.

The AMT 1a’s are back in the rotation again and I continue to be amazed by them. Life is good with ESS!

c-atle-79bay · Feb 27, 2015

Squirrely, I thought might have mentioned you contacted ESS? Found this post, 2006, that said that ESS sold them directly to the public, much cheaper.

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=14461

I guess only news to me.

ESS parts store exists and links you to, drum roll, simply speakers and others.

gonzomeep · Feb 27, 2015

Ever thought about a "Econowave" type 2way hybrid? I always wanted to try a 3 way too. Love them Heils! I think a JBL LE14H or A crossed at somewhere between 800hz and 1000hz would be cool. The LE14 can be crossed even higher than that with good results. 1khz would be my target. The big AMT's crossover @ 800hz. A 2-3.5 cf ported enclosure would do the trick for the bottom. Just a thought.... Anyways, nice thread. Very informative and interesting. I love to read about other audio guys moving up a level in understanding by putting in some sweat equity. So cool. Best regards, Steve G-

essNeff · Feb 27, 2015

I just finished a few "improvements on the 1b's.
Refinished the exteriors. Uppers in Black Lacquer
Lower section 2 coats of Tung oil.
New Audyn capacitors with Theta bypass caps.
New Mills resistors (Thanks StanMan)
They now sound excellent !
I just need to apply damping material (brush on)
and inline 1/2 amp fuses (Thanks Automojo)
Plus new "Ear Muffs" for Heir Heil for the "Frankies and the 1b's.

gonzomeep · Feb 27, 2015

Most excellent !

Bad to death dude :banana:

:yes:

. Ever thought about applying Dynamat to the interior enclosure? Quick and very efficient . I have been a fan of the ESS systems for decades. You did a wonderful job. Very impressive. Hey, I had a pair of AMT1am's and biAmped them, crossed them over @ the stock 800hz point and noodled around with it until I found that 1khz was about the right point to get the best sound. Answers may vary..... Enjoy what you have done. You can only do so much with pure electronically derived data. Don't get me wrong, it's all good but,.... Trust what what you hear in the end. I don't need some RTA to tell my ears what they hear:yes:

. Right on. Good sound to you! Best regards, Steve G- :thmbsp::tresbon:

Stan man · Feb 27, 2015

Nice Neff,
Muffs are cool. Maybe you can tweak em a bit shaving them to keep with the pyramid shape. Please report back after you apply the brush on damping.

Squirrely · Feb 28, 2015

Nice ear muffs Neff! They look like they can be dropped on and removed easily. I still wonder how the soundstage is influenced by the foam. Do the Heils still spread the soundstage the same way with the ear muffs? Beautiful work!

ADS 1230 or ESS 1a

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