Introduction
This manual provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for successfully repairing the foam surround edge of your 10-inch Paradigm speaker using the Springfield Speaker Foam Surround Edge Repair Kit. Following these instructions carefully will ensure a proper and lasting repair. This kit is compatible with Paradigm PDR-10, PS1000, PS-1000, PS-1000 v.3, and many other 10-inch Paradigm speaker models.
Image: A new foam surround, ready for installation.
Kit Contents
Your Springfield Speaker Foam Surround Edge Repair Kit includes the following components:
- 1 Premium American-made Foam Surround (for 1 speaker)
- 1 Bottle of premium professional-grade adhesive (Solvent-based)
- 1 Adhesive application brush
- Detailed step-by-step installation instructions (also provided in this manual)
- Free shims available on request (not included in standard kit, but can be requested from manufacturer)
Image: The complete repair kit contents.
Important Safety Information
Please observe the following safety precautions during the repair process:
- Work in a well-ventilated area, especially when using the adhesive.
- Keep adhesive away from skin and eyes. In case of contact, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- Use sharp tools (razor knife, chisel) with extreme caution to prevent injury.
- Keep all components out of reach of children and pets.
Preparation
Tools and Materials Needed (Not Included)
- Box cutter or razor knife
- Chisel (Optional)
- Sharpie (or similar shape/size object for pressing)
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton swabs
- Paper towel or soft rag
Initial Steps
- Step 1: You MUST remove the speaker from its cabinet before beginning the repair process.
Setup: Foam Surround Replacement Procedure
Follow these steps carefully to replace the foam surround on your speaker. Refer to the accompanying images for visual guidance.
Image: Instruction Sheet Page 1 (Steps 1-8)
- Step 2: Using your razor knife, carefully slice down the middle of the damaged surround all the way around the speaker. (Refer to Figure 1 on the instruction sheet)
- Step 3: Slowly and carefully peel the damaged surround from the cone. Exercise caution to avoid damaging the cone. (Refer to Figure 2 on the instruction sheet)
- Step 4: Slip the point of your razor knife between the gasket and the speaker frame. Apply pressure and slowly turn the speaker to cut the gasket away from the frame. You must be very careful to salvage the gasket for reuse. NEVER pull the blade toward you. Carefully remove the gasket and set it aside. (Refer to Figure 3 on the instruction sheet)
- Step 5: Using a chisel or your razor knife, remove any and all foam residue from the speaker frame. It is not necessary to remove all glue residue, but you MUST remove ALL of the foam residue. (Refer to Figure 4 on the instruction sheet)
- Step 6: Using a cotton swab, apply rubbing alcohol to the foam and glue residue around the edge of the cone. Do not be afraid to saturate the cone edge if it is made of poly; be more careful with a paper cone. Allow to soak for 1-2 minutes. (Refer to Figure 5 on the instruction sheet)
- Step 7: Using your thumbnail or a razor blade held perpendicular to the surface, scrape away all foam residue. Be VERY careful not to damage the cone, especially if you saturated it in the previous step. While scraping, use your other hand to gently provide additional support from underneath the edge of the cone. (Refer to Figure 6 on the instruction sheet)
- Step 8: Use a paper towel or a soft cotton rag dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently perform a finishing wipe-down of the cone edge and speaker frame. Allow the cone and frame to dry completely. (Refer to Figure 7 on the instruction sheet)
Image: Instruction Sheet Page 2 (Steps 9-14)
- Step 9: Place the new foam surround in place upside down to test fit. Use your fingers to move the cone into place and make a visual note of how the new surround will lie in relation to the cone. (Refer to Figure 8 on the instruction sheet) ++Read ahead before continuing because once you hit the next step there is no turning back.++
- Step 10: Read the instructions included with your adhesive, and move to a well-ventilated area prior to continuing. With the surround still in place upside down, carefully apply a small bead of adhesive to the innermost flange/lip of the surround. Use the bottle tip to evenly spread the adhesive around the inner flange/lip as it is applied. Allow the adhesive to breathe for a few seconds. (Refer to Figure 9 on the instruction sheet)
- Step 11: After allowing your adhesive to breathe, carefully pick up your surround, flip it right side up, and carefully lay it in place. Be sure to lay it in place correctly the first time, as it will begin to stick immediately. (Refer to Figure 10 on the instruction sheet)
- Step 12: With the new surround properly placed, use your finger, the butt end of a Sharpie, or something similar to gently press the surround into place. Slowly trace your way around the edge to help the adhesive bond. Carefully repeat this step 3-4 times over the next 10 minutes. (Refer to Figure 11 on the instruction sheet)
- Step 13: Use a paper towel lightly dampened with warm water or nail polish remover to clean up any extra glue residue before it dries. Then, Take a 45-60 minute break...
- Step 14: Now that your first adhesive application has cured a little bit, use the butt end of your Sharpie to gently hold the outer edge of the surround away from the frame while you apply adhesive to the surface of the speaker frame where the surround will attach. Apply adhesive all the way around the frame. Allow the surround to fall into place on the frame. (Refer to Figure 12 on the instruction sheet)
Image: Instruction Sheet Page 3 (Steps 15-18 and Final Notes)
- Step 15: Use your fingers to apply pressure evenly to the center of the cone. Listen for any rubbing or scratching sounds from the voice coil as the cone flexes in and out. Adjust the cone side to side until the cone can be manipulated all the way in and out without any rubbing. (Refer to Figure 13 on the instruction sheet)
- Step 16: As you did in Step 12, use your Sharpie to press the surround gently into place on the frame. REPEAT STEP 15!! (Refer to Figure 14 on the instruction sheet)
- Step 17: Apply adhesive to the underside of your original gasket, or a replacement if you purchased one. Align the holes in the gasket with the mounting holes in the frame, and set the gasket in place. Press the gasket firmly into place. (Refer to Figure 15 on the instruction sheet)
- Step 18: Pick the speaker up and place it face down on a hard, level surface. This will allow the weight of the speaker to press the gasket permanently into place while the adhesive cures. (Refer to Figure 16 on the instruction sheet)
Completion of Repair
YOU'RE DONE!!!
Image: Example of a completed speaker repair.
Operating (Post-Repair)
After completing the foam surround replacement, it is crucial to allow adequate time for the adhesive to fully cure before using the speaker. Allow 24-36 hours for the adhesive to fully cure before applying a full load to your newly repaired speaker. Premature use may compromise the integrity of the repair and lead to premature failure of the new surround.
Once the curing period is complete, your speaker is ready for normal operation. Enjoy the improved sound quality!
Maintenance
Once the repair is complete and the adhesive has fully cured, no special maintenance is typically required for the foam surround itself. To ensure the longevity of your speaker and its new surround:
- Avoid exposing the speaker to extreme temperatures or humidity.
- Protect the speaker cone and surround from physical damage, such as punctures or tears.
- Keep the speaker clean by gently dusting it with a soft, dry cloth.
Troubleshooting
Voice Coil Rub
If you hear rubbing or scratching sounds from the voice coil after reassembly, it indicates that the cone is not perfectly centered within the voice coil gap. This issue must be resolved before full operation to prevent damage.
- During Step 15 of the installation, it is critical to gently adjust the cone side to side until it moves freely without any rubbing or scratching sounds.
- For precise centering, some experienced users utilize a sound wave generator app on a smartphone connected to the speaker. By playing a low-frequency tone, you can listen for any extraneous noises and make micro-adjustments to the cone's position until it moves silently.
Adhesive Not Holding
If the new foam surround does not adhere properly, consider the following:
- Ensure all old foam and glue residue is thoroughly removed from both the cone and frame before applying new adhesive (Steps 5-8). Any remaining residue can prevent proper bonding.
- Work in a well-ventilated area and allow the adhesive to 'breathe' for a few seconds as instructed (Step 10) before placement.
- Apply sufficient and even pressure during the bonding steps (Steps 12, 14, 16, 18) to ensure good contact between the surround and the speaker components.
- Allow the full 24-36 hour curing time before testing the speaker at high volumes.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Foam |
| Model Name | A10 |
| Speaker Type | Passive Speakers |
| Recommended Uses | Replacing and repairing speaker foam surrounds |
| Subwoofer Diameter (Outer) | 9.75 Inches (248mm) |
| Speaker Size (Nominal) | 10 Inches |
| Woofer Diameter (Cone) | 7.75 Inches (197mm) |
| Included Components | 1 Premium American-made Foam Surround, 1 Bottle of professional-grade adhesive, 1 Adhesive application brush |
| Item Weight | 1 Pound |
| Manufacturer | Springfield Speaker |
| UPC | 810694027616 |
| Item Model Number | 1A10-Paradigm |
Warranty Information
This Springfield Speaker product comes with a Limited Warranty. For specific details regarding the terms, conditions, and duration of the warranty, please contact Springfield Speaker customer support directly. It is recommended to retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Support
For further assistance, questions regarding the repair process, or additional product support, please contact Springfield Speaker using the information below:
- Phone: 1-800-397-9575
- Website: www.SpringfieldSpeakerRepair.com
Customer support is typically available Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 6 PM Central U.S. time.