Can sun/ dust damanage your speakers/ electronics?

[crazy]

This is a strange question but can long term exposure to direct sunlight ruin your speakers?

I noticed recently that in the mornings, the sunlight creeps upto my speakers. So for around 3-4 hours, the speakers are in direct sunlight.

Second question - with the nice audio stands that you get these days, electronics are constantly exposed to dust. Is this bad? Should they be kept covered or is the best solution just to dust them from time to time?

[jdhdiggs]

I would guess that direct sunlight can't be good...

On older drivers, it can speed up making the surrounds brittle and worn. I don't know on the newer rubber.

For dusting, use a compressed air cleaner for electronics from time to time...

[audiobliss]

It's amazing how fast my gear gets dusty. My RCD-02 already has a layer on it. And you can write on my Klipsch. :(

[heiney9]

Both can be harmful. Direct sunlight shortens the life of drivers, fades speaker grills and cabinets. Dust is evil and should be kept to a minimum. I open my amp up every couple years and gently blow out the internals with a can of compressed air. If you notice contols starting to crackle or sound fuzzy, it's time to hit those a little De-Oxit. Proper cleaning and dusting is all you can do to keep the dust to a minimum.

H9

[Skynut]

I used compressed air to blow out my components from time to time. I have an air compressor with a moisture trap and at the hose end I add two more air traps.
I did this when I had to open up the back of my rear projection t.v. and sometimes I hit the other electronics while I am at it.

I would think the sun would eventually be bad for the speakers but the windows probably offer some sort of uv protection.

Just close the drapes if possible in the am.

[dorokusai]

I have a 1956 Telefunken, all tube, console stereo that sits in my open carport....if sunlight, temperature or dust made a difference, they certainly didn't let me know.

I'm not saying it doesn't hurt, as vintage Magnepan speakers are notoriously afraid of UV. Sunlight will easily fade wood veneer and finish, but your drivers are much more resistant to enviromental changes.

I'm like the rest of the gang in actual practice...dust is my enemy and I will be victorious.

[heiney9]

I'm just getting ready this weekend to open up my computer and spray out the dust. The fan makes the dust build up like crazy. It's actually quite annoying.

[audiobliss]

I have an air compressor with a moisture trap and at the hose end I add two more air traps.
Tell me more about this moisture trap. We have an air compressor, and I can see the moisture would be a problem, but I've never heard of a moisture trap before.

[Skynut]

There is a water trap that goes on my compressor on the tank. It is a standard water trap for air compressors. I have to drain it whenever it starts to build up water.
Then on the hose right before my air nozle I add 2 very fine moisture traps. They also need to be emptied if they get water in them but they won't in the short period I am using them. The water traps on the air hose are made for paint guns so they do not let any water through.

It is very important to use clean dry air and unplug your equipment or you will end up doing damage.

[Willow]

It is very important to use clean dry air and unplug your equipment or you will end up doing damage.

Don't those compressed cans of Air contain moisture? I remember someone spraying me with one and it was cold and felt wet.

[heiney9]

Don't those compressed cans of Air contain moisture? I remember someone spraying me with one and it was cold and felt wet.

They can if you shake them or move them rapidly while spraying. I try to keep the can level and squeeze in bursts. There is a technique so you don't expel any moisture, if you take care it's not a problem. Always unplug equipment if you are going to open it up!!!:eek:

H9

[dorokusai]

I use an Enviro-Steamer for all my electronics.

[Schris22]

if you turn it upside down and spray someone's ear it hurts.

Chris

[audiobliss]

if you turn it upside down and spray someone's ear it hurts.

Chris
LOL!

I remember I sprayed a friends hand with it upside down once. He wasn't too happy for the next few days. :D

[Zen Dragon]

As to sunlight, I have the original issue LSI-9's. One of them spent a summer next to the window and the cabinet clearly faded on the side that was exposed to the sun. I understand they made some changes to the cabinet and the finish since then, but it is still a good idea to keep a speaker cabinet out of prologed direct sunlight.

[crazy]

Thanks for all the advice - will definitely move my speakers away from the window!

Need to be careful about dust as well. But I guess there's only so much you can do.

[jrlouie]

I for one can for sure tell you the sun can fade speakers ;)

Check this thread out...
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22370


Now they look like this, until I move...
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27613

[noimposse]

Hahaha, I used to have canned air wars with a guy I worked with at a pc repair shop a few years ago. One day he got me in the had so much that it turned dark red and I had a nasty rash for about a week. That thing iched quite a bit.

I think everyone else covered the speaker care though. Keep the dust away and try to avoid extended stretches of direct sunlight.

[wallstreet]

On the Polk LS 70/80/90's in rosewood they had some finishing tape around the front of the speaker. If they sunlight hit the speaker, they tape would pull away from the speaker. I went through a couple of LS 70's one year before Polk figured out what was going on. Their solution was take my beautful rosewoods and upgrade me to black ls 90's. I've never looked back.:)

[jayman_1975]

i recently purchased a black denon reciever to replace my silver panny. And i got some black polk speakers, i really noticed the dust alot more and it was bugging me so i went and bought an air purifier. That thing is sweet. I hardly ever have to dust anymore.

[Tour2ma]

Reading this makes me think that I may not be the only one that thinks dust levels have increased over the past decade or so.

Seems like now I have to dust every other day to keep things clean now whereas before maybe once a week. And that's running 3M high efficiency air filters vs. the old spun glass jobs.

And a decade ago I was smoking inside the house... a lot...

[michael_w]

I never thought of getting an air purifier. I wonder if one of those fancy ionic purifiers would work as well. I just wouldn't be able to stand the constant hum a conventional one would make. Something I really should look into, especially having a small wood shop two rooms over :rollseyes:

[StopherJJ1980]

Looks like lately most people have been focusing on the dust issue but really I think the issue of sunlight is rediculous. Heat is really more an issue than light. Heat will dry out drivers, rubber butyl, etc. Light should have no effect whatsoever. Thats like asking if you leave the house lights on will it affect speakers. As long as you have AC, the speakers arent RIGHT by the window that would heat them up and they are protected from the elements speakers should be fine.

[heiney9]

Looks like lately most people have been focusing on the dust issue but really I think the issue of sunlight is rediculous. Heat is really more an issue than light. Heat will dry out drivers, rubber butyl, etc. Light should have no effect whatsoever. Thats like asking if you leave the house lights on will it affect speakers. As long as you have AC, the speakers arent RIGHT by the window that would heat them up and they are protected from the elements speakers should be fine.

Ever heard of Ultraviolet rays (UV) (and other components) that's what's damaging in sunlight. Your analogy of indoor light to sunlight is completely wrong. If that were the case our skin wouldn't get tan/burned when we went outside in the sun. Heat can be an issue (beyond normal temps/like those in an oven) but humidity will do more damage than heat.

Geez, where do people get this stuff :confused:

H9

[wallstreet]

Ever heard of Ultraviolet rays (UV) (and other components) that's what's damaging in sunlight. Your analogy of indoor light to sunlight is completely wrong. If that were the case our skin wouldn't get tan/burned when we went outside in the sun. Heat can be an issue (beyond normal temps/like those in an oven) but humidity will do more damage than heat.

Geez, where do people get this stuff :confused:

H9

Amen brother!

[crazy]

I've moved my speakers to a safer location now :)

[jayman_1975]

I never thought of getting an air purifier. I wonder if one of those fancy ionic purifiers would work as well. I just wouldn't be able to stand the constant hum a conventional one would make. Something I really should look into, especially having a small wood shop two rooms over :rollseyes:

i have the Heppa filter type. I thought about the Ionic one but which is supposed to work just fine for dust but i have two golden retrievers that are house dogs so i got the Heppa, i don't have any dust or dog hair floating around in the air anymore. I got used to the hum. I don't run it 27/7 either.

[audiobliss]

I don't run it 27/7 either.
Man, I really need to upgrade from these ol' 24 hour days. ;)

[jayman_1975]

Man, I really need to upgrade from these ol' 24 hour days. ;)

Well that one flew right over my head....ummmm...huh?

[Schris22]

24/7

.

I like 24 hour days, maybe 27 would be ok if I could sleep for another 3 hours...


Chris

[Tour2ma]

jayman, try standing on a chair next time...

[Tour2ma]

Amen brother!I can testify... UV... that's why people should use Armour All.... or Coppertone... on their MW's.

Walter, where you been?

[wallstreet]

Y'all aren't playing your speakers loud enough if there is dust collecting on them.

[StopherJJ1980]

Ever heard of Ultraviolet rays (UV) (and other components) that's what's damaging in sunlight. Your analogy of indoor light to sunlight is completely wrong. If that were the case our skin wouldn't get tan/burned when we went outside in the sun. Heat can be an issue (beyond normal temps/like those in an oven) but humidity will do more damage than heat.

Geez, where do people get this stuff :confused:

H9

Yes of course I have. But there is a difference between UV exposure if you leave your speakers outside in direct sunlight or indoors where the sunlight is indirect or filtered. In fact even if indoor direct sunlight would be hitting speakers directly, it would be either in the early morning or late evening so that the sun would be at a low enough angle to get through the side windows (as I believe this is when the poster said this was occuring). And at this time the sun itself is hitting the earth indirectly and is filtered by more of the atmosphere, decreasing UV rays, hence you dont get burned in the morning or evening. And thats why you dont get sunburns sitting on your couch. Unless your couch is outside :)

Thats why I qualified my statement by saying unless the speakers are within a foot or two of a window... I suppose a skylight would be bad though...

Thanks for the belligerent tone in your response though :)

[heiney9]

Thanks for the belligerent tone in your response though :)

Sorry you took the response as belligerent. I stand by my assessment.

H9

[wallstreet]

I think belligerence is free on this board. Advice, however, will cost you.

[Tour2ma]

Damn it, walter, I was gonna say that...

Now all I've got is, "Could have skylights."

[Zen Dragon]

I never thought of getting an air purifier. I wonder if one of those fancy ionic purifiers would work as well.

There are several extensive studies on the Ionic that show it does not do a good job of puifying the air. The Hepa's are much more efficient. Ionic is the largest seller of purifiers due to their superior advertising, kind of like Bose.
Consumer reports tested a whole slew of purifiers and said the Ionic was only removing about 5% of the pollutants the Hepa types were. So Ionic sued them for slandering their product. Consumer reports ran the tests a second time with several proffessionals monitoring the results and got the same results on the tests as before.
When the case got to court it was thrown out due to consumer reports meticulous documentation.
If you want to go with an air purifier go with the hepa style. When you get into some of the better ones they have done a decent job of quieting them. I use a Kenmore (there are better) and it is just a soft white noise that you quickly forget you are hearing.
Lots of info out there if you look for it.