DB840 sub in LSI15's replace the stock 8"driver!!!!!

[TouchOfEvil]

Well i bought a single DB840 sub to try out this swap.
"only bought one in case this was a bust and did not improve the sound/work out."

Important thing to note if you plan to do this at any time you must remove the rubber seal around the DB840 in order for it to fit in the pre fabbed spot for the 8"driver. If you do not it will not fit.
This of course means you need to make your own gasket so get some mortite ready.
I have not done that step yet but will tomorrow.

Also if you plan to do this get new screws the old ones sheer off really easy trying to get the new sub to seal all the way. They are easy to snap like a twig trust me.
On to the speaker/seal, i currently do not have a seal to finish up the job. I will do this tomorrow but i had to listen to what the new driver had to offer even if it didn't have a true perfect seal. It isn't horrid but you can feel a little air leaking out at the moment so i will correct this once i get to the hardware store and get the good stuff.

Overall with the new driver the 15's can handle more volume/power instantly. Most likely due to the power handling of the new unit.
To me the stock unit did not go deep enough was kinda slow about things overall sloppy in general and i had to have a sub going to make me happy with them.
Note that my 15's have upgraded crossovers done by Ben with sonicaps already as well and this is how i feel about the stock bass driver even still.
If pushed to hard the stock sub would reach it's limit bottom out sometimes and always kinda had a resonant sound to it. Just not good.

The GOOD.
The DB840 has a vast improvement in bass reproduction. It is quite a bit faster plays much deeper without going out of control no longer has the same resonant sound the old driver seemed to produce and cleaned up the sloppy sound greatly!!
I am only running one atm because like i said i didn't want two of them in case it did not work out but, even with the single sub i can tell i will not be running a sub for 2 channel any longer.
With the new driver sitting in my chair i could feel the bass beating in my chest and feel the vibrations thru the floor in my feet as if a sub was running.

With two i would imagine the output would be very nice and " I placed an order for the second one before making this thread."
If you feel your 8" driver is your main displeasure in your LSI15's i suggest you try swapping them out with the DB840 single voice coil 4 ohm subs.
The difference is greatly noticed and a massive improvement to my ears.
The subs do not cost alot of money and they will tighten up the bass big time.

Using a test CD to sample bass notes for a hz vs hz comparison stock vs DB sub.
The DB sub was able to reproduce very livable bass down to 40hz and really comes alive 45hz and up with some intense spl for a 8inch driver.
The stock unit was able to reproduce livable bass down to 53hz and had average spl output at around 58hz.
This is of course being nice about livable for the stock unit as it falls short all over the board vs the DB sub. Also note the spl output for the stock is down across the entire board of HZ ranges and it is very noticeable for the entirety of a 120-20hz drop.

Doro told me about this swap so a BIG THANKS goes out to Doro for filling me in on this cost effective very worth while mod!!!!!

[McLoki]

You have a "The Good" section, but no "The Bad" section.....

Any down side to the swap in your opinion? (other than the annoying gasket and screw issue that you mention).

Congrats on the upgrade. Wish you were closer so I could hear before the swap....

[TouchOfEvil]

You have a "The Good" section, but no "The Bad" section.....

Any down side to the swap in your opinion? (other than the annoying gasket and screw issue that you mention).

Congrats on the upgrade. Wish you were closer so I could hear before the swap....

I guess i could have labeled the screw/gasket issue as THE BAD but i didn't think about it honestly.
Really as for performance there is no downside to the swap, it plays lower,deeper,louder,faster,lost the annoying resonant sound. It just really fills in the missing links in the low end for the 15's. I have about 20hours on the sub now "let it play all night" and it outperforms the stock by a huge margin.

If your not sure about the swap i would recommend getting a single sub from ebay like i did. I found it for 59.00 shipped. To me 59.00bucks isn't a big deal and worth the risk. Plus i already know how much better it sounds.:D

[xcapri79]

Considering the price of the LSi15, this mod is relatively inexpensive.
Sounds like a winner.

[TouchOfEvil]

Has anyone else gave the DB subs a go yet? Anybody plan too?
Personally i am in love with the 15's now that i have the new drivers in there.:D

[Face]

I've been leaning on a local Polkie to try this. He already has upgraded crossovers, so this mod would make them even more impressive.

[Face]

They're ordered.

I hope he doesn't bring them here for the upgrade, my ugly speakers are a little worried. :D

[TouchOfEvil]

They're ordered.

I hope he doesn't bring them here for the upgrade, my ugly speakers are a little worried. :D

Lol, well i'm sure they will give some good impressions with the new drivers.
I have not used my sub since i got em swapped out and before i used the sub all the time.

[vmaxer]

Lol, well i'm sure they will give some good impressions with the new drivers.
I have not used my sub since i got em swapped out and before i used the sub all the time.

Have you upgraded both speakers now?? If so, how do they sound and compare?? I still have a set that have no mods at all and am trying to decide if I want to play with them or sell them. I haven't used them much at all due to getting the 1.2tl's shortly after getting the LSi's...

This is tempting.

[Face]

A modded pair of LSi15's are more coherent and have more resolution than SDA's, but they'll never have the SDA soundstage.

[TouchOfEvil]

Have you upgraded both speakers now?? If so, how do they sound and compare?? I still have a set that have no mods at all and am trying to decide if I want to play with them or sell them. I haven't used them much at all due to getting the 1.2tl's shortly after getting the LSi's...

This is tempting.

Yes, i have had the two drivers replaced for a good while now.I also have them running on a Adcom 555 atm as i got one for a nice price a little while back and wanted to see how it sounds vs the Rotel unit.
The 15's have really come alive compared to stock, everything in the low range is fuller,faster and they can play alot deeper not to mention they are louder as well. To replace both drivers it is not at all expensive once you find em on ebay with free shipping. The cost for this mod is very doable and VERY worth while.

[camtah]

I noticed that your crossovers were modified. Has anyone done this mod on the stock crossover and noticed a significant improvement? I love my LSi15, but do find the bass a bit "reserved" despite all of my efforts on placement and room treatments. Mind you I am not unhappy. I just want to be it to go to "11" :D

[TouchOfEvil]

I noticed that your crossovers were modified. Has anyone done this mod on the stock crossover and noticed a significant improvement? I love my LSi15, but do find the bass a bit "reserved" despite all of my efforts on placement and room treatments. Mind you I am not unhappy. I just want to be it to go to "11" :D

I'm not sure if anyone has done the mod here. I searched a little and noone really mentioned having done it.
Even if you are using the stock crossovers the new subs will still outperform the stockers. They are just way better subs, so even with a stock crossover you should hear some big changes with the new drivers.

[Face]

I'm not sure if anyone has done the mod here. I searched a little and noone really mentioned having done it.
Even if you are using the stock crossovers the new subs will still outperform the stockers. They are just way better subs, so even with a stock crossover you should hear some big changes with the new drivers.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85058

I should be getting my ears on a pair of hot rodded LSi15's with DB woofers soon.

[TouchOfEvil]

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85058

I should be getting my ears on a pair of hot rodded LSi15's with DB woofers soon.

Sweet, when are the woofers arriving? You should notice a pretty big difference right away. I know i did.:)

[Face]

I'm not sure, I have to get in touch with the owner.

[chamont]

Hi there.

I ordered a couple of DB840's the other day. I'm looking around for Mortite, but can't find it. Where would you recommend I look for it? Home Depot, Wal-Mart? Or just online? Thanks... Looking forward to the upgrade.

[Face]

Hi there.

I ordered a couple of DB840's the other day. I'm looking around for Mortite, but can't find it. Where would you recommend I look for it? Home Depot, Wal-Mart? Or just online? Thanks... Looking forward to the upgrade.

HD or Lowes.

[chamont]

Ok. So I replaced the drivers this afternoon.

Immediately, I noticed the extra depth on two channel music. That was nice. But it was really tight. I'm pretty sure it's because of the drivers being new. So I'm running music through them today to break 'em in. The extra depth was obvious, but kick drums felt a little too tight. Bass notes extended nicely, but they felt dry. Maybe it's also partly because I'm used to the old sound. I'm sure that will get better in time. On movies, even this early, the new drivers really come to life. Of course, I have a sub along with the LSi15's, but the entire sound felt fuller and more balanced. Also, it has more punch. I'm watching Taken right now (which I've seen before), and I love the sound.

Incidentally, I do NOT have upgraded capacitors. Well, not YET. I ordered Ninja Master networks the other day from Skiing Ninja. I'm really excited for them to get here. But he says it takes up to a couple of months. So I'm not holding my breath.

Also, I never did find Mortite brand anything locally. HD, Lowes, or Ace. I found some "generic" tape caulk. It's a little too thick. When I pull out the drivers to upgrade the networks, I'll cut it in half before reapplying it. It does make a nice seal though, and I really like it.

So, even early on, before the drivers have really broken in yet, I'd say this upgrade is a no-brainer.

[TouchOfEvil]

I'm glad you are enjoying the upgrade. I did let the driver break in a bit before i really gave it a listen, then when i got the second one in i let them both play for a couple days before i listened again.
In the end i'd say they are finally broken in after a good 100hours on them give or take a few hours.
At this point i do not use my sub for music anymore. I run it for HT and HT alone now. I simply don't need the extra bump as i get plenty with the new drivers.:cool:

On the mortite i tried HD and they didn't have a clue as to what i was talking about. I ended up going to a local mom and pop hardware/automotive store and they had it. Maybe try small hardware stores in your area.

[TouchOfEvil]

I also got a pair of the PNF symphony cables and have let them break in all weekend. Before i was running DH Labs Q-10 cables.
The bass a bit heavier than before so much that i thought i had the sub on and had to look for the little blue light a couple times.
The mids seem more forward and controlled. The highs are not as bright though and seem to be a little bottled up so to speak.
So to remedy this i am using my DH Labs Q-10 jumpers, running the PNF to the mids/bass and the DH Labs jump to the highs. This little bit of wire changed the highs by a large margin. They are not AS bright as before but have a nice sparkle to them and they are no longer bottled up sounding. To me i am loving the setup with the new cables while using my old jumpers.:)


BTW:Face have you swapped out the drivers on your friends 15's yet? Impressions?

[PSOVLSK]

FYI: Crutchfield has these buy one get one 1/2 price. Total is about $120 plus shipping. Maybe not the best price, but my experience with Crutchfield has been positive. They also have them "open box" for about $110. I'm very tempted to pull the trigger on this upgrade.

[TouchOfEvil]

FYI: Crutchfield has these buy one get one 1/2 price. Total is about $120 plus shipping. Maybe not the best price, but my experience with Crutchfield has been positive. They also have them "open box" for about $110. I'm very tempted to pull the trigger on this upgrade.

That is a good price. Best i found on ebay was 59.00 each shipped. With Crutchfield you would have a little more peace of mind for the same price IMO.

[McLoki]

Do you think you would notice much difference in movies even with an 80hz crossover? (or would it not be worthwhile with a crossover set that high?)

[xcapri79]

I did this crossover a couple of weeks ago and was not immediately impressed either way.
More time is needed to let the new woofers break in.

After the conversion, my SPL actually showed a -3dB drop measured several times compared with some base line measurements I previously made.
This was based on listening to some ZZ-Top and not on test tones so it wasn't particularly scientific.
I'm interested in knowing whether others made some measurements.

[TouchOfEvil]

Do you think you would notice much difference in movies even with an 80hz crossover? (or would it not be worthwhile with a crossover set that high?)


Really not sure, you might get some double bass with it that high.

I did this crossover a couple of weeks ago and was not immediately impressed either way.
More time is needed to let the new woofers break in.

After the conversion, my SPL actually showed a -3dB drop measured several times compared with some base line measurements I previously made.
This was based on listening to some ZZ-Top and not on test tones so it wasn't particularly scientific.
I'm interested in knowing whether others made some measurements.

I didn't use a spl meter when testing mine. I used my ears instead, it was a big enough jump to cause some excessive rattle in my room with the new drivers that i had to fix as it was annoying. I never had the rattle before.
It was also very apparent to my GF who could careless about my stereo gear but she instantly said "What did you do?"
I ask what you do you mean and her response was it has so much more bass now, is the sub on?
Of course my response was no the sub is off but i replaced the woofers in the lsi15's, then she rolled her eyes at me lol.

What amp are you using to push the 15's? Also you might want to play with placement. After a few days i ended up moving mine away from the side walls about a half foot to get the sound how i like it.

[Face]

After the conversion, my SPL actually showed a -3dB drop measured several times compared with some base line measurements I previously made.
This was based on listening to some ZZ-Top and not on test tones so it wasn't particularly scientific.
I'm interested in knowing whether others made some measurements.
That's a pretty poor testing method. You know, room EQ Wizard is free right?

[PSOVLSK]

I remembered I had a $50 gift card from Crutchfield, so that made my decision pretty easy. Less than $70 shipped for 2 subs:D:D

[TouchOfEvil]

I remembered I had a $50 gift card from Crutchfield, so that made my decision pretty easy. Less than $70 shipped for 2 subs:D:D

nice.:cool:

[chamont]

I remembered I had a $50 gift card from Crutchfield, so that made my decision pretty easy. Less than $70 shipped for 2 subs:D:D

Excellent! Let us know what you think once you get them installed.

[PSOVLSK]

Important thing to note if you plan to do this at any time you must remove the rubber seal around the DB840 in order for it to fit in the pre fabbed spot for the 8"driver. If you do not it will not fit.

I got mine in on Monday and hooked them up, but I must have done something wrong. I forgot about removing the rubber gasket, but it stills seems to fit just fine. I moved my hand all around each driver and I don't seem to be losing any air. Should I just leave well enough alone, or should I go back in and remove the rubber seal and make my own gasket? Also, did you guys use screw in every hole in the new driver or just use the screw you took out of the old driver?

Haven't had a chance to break it in and really crank it up, but the bass at lower volume levels does seem to be improved. Maybe it's just that way because it's what I want to hear, but it does seem tighter and deeper.

Thanks for your help guys. I'm hopeful that this will be one of my best and least expensive mods.

[chamont]

I'm surprised you even got it in the cabinet with that thick piece of rubber around the speaker. :) It's probably fine as-is. Personally, I'd take the rubber thing off.

I just used the existing four screw holes in the cabinet, and left the other four on the woofer empty. Using all eight seemed total overkill.

[TouchOfEvil]

I got mine in on Monday and hooked them up, but I must have done something wrong. I forgot about removing the rubber gasket, but it stills seems to fit just fine. I moved my hand all around each driver and I don't seem to be losing any air. Should I just leave well enough alone, or should I go back in and remove the rubber seal and make my own gasket? Also, did you guys use screw in every hole in the new driver or just use the screw you took out of the old driver?

Haven't had a chance to break it in and really crank it up, but the bass at lower volume levels does seem to be improved. Maybe it's just that way because it's what I want to hear, but it does seem tighter and deeper.

Thanks for your help guys. I'm hopeful that this will be one of my best and least expensive mods.

If it's not leaking any air i'd leave it alone. I couldn't even get mine to setup with the rubber seal, guess your better at this stuff than i am lol.
Anyway i used 8 screws simply because i had them. If your not leaking any air then i see no reason to worry about it as the 4 screws should do the job.

[PSOVLSK]

If it's not leaking any air i'd leave it alone. I couldn't even get mine to setup with the rubber seal, guess your better at this stuff than i am lol. Not a chance of that:D
Anyway i used 8 screws simply because i had them. If your not leaking any air then i see no reason to worry about it as the 4 screws should do the job.

With me being not very handy and two of you saying you had to take the rubber seal off, I took the rubber seal off.

Doesn't seem to have made a difference, but I certainly feel better about it.

[TouchOfEvil]

With me being not very handy and two of you saying you had to take the rubber seal off, I took the rubber seal off.

Doesn't seem to have made a difference, but I certainly feel better about it.

Did you use mortite when you installed them? If so it could explain it not leaking any air even with it on. Otherwise no idea.

[PSOVLSK]

Did you use mortite when you installed them? If so it could explain it not leaking any air even with it on. Otherwise no idea.

No, I haven't found any yet. I can't tell that I'm leaking any air, but I'm still going to get some and use it just for peace of mind.

Thanks for the heads up on this mod and for your great write up about your experience. I think I'm going to be very happy with the end results once they're broken-in.

[chamont]

Last night I started pulling my drivers out to install No Rez (http://www.gr-research.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=103) to the inside of my case.

Earlier in this thread I mentioned that I couldn't find Mortite, so I got some generic "tape caulk" from Lowes. So last night I unscrewed my new DB840, but that sucker was glued in there so tight that I couldn't get it out!

Holy shit (are we allowed to cuss on this forum?) I thought.

So I let it sit face down overnight, hoping that the weight of the driver would pull it away from the cabinet. Luckily, it did come out some time during the night. But now I have a huge mess of caulk all around the rim of my cabinet. Ugh.

In hindsight now, I think I should have used the thin rubber gasket that was on the old driver. I'm not sure about Mortite, but the stuff I used is pretty much the same as using caulk in a bottle. It's strong.

FYI....

[Face]

Mortite wouldn't do that.

[PSOVLSK]

Last night I started pulling my drivers out to install No Rez (http://www.gr-research.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=103) to the inside of my case.

Earlier in this thread I mentioned that I couldn't find Mortite, so I got some generic "tape caulk" from Lowes. So last night I unscrewed my new DB840, but that sucker was glued in there so tight that I couldn't get it out!

Holy shit (are we allowed to cuss on this forum?) I thought.

So I let it sit face down overnight, hoping that the weight of the driver would pull it away from the cabinet. Luckily, it did come out some time during the night. But now I have a huge mess of caulk all around the rim of my cabinet. Ugh.

In hindsight now, I think I should have used the thin rubber gasket that was on the old driver. I'm not sure about Mortite, but the stuff I used is pretty much the same as using caulk in a bottle. It's strong.

FYI....

This might be reason enough for me to leave well enough alone:p

But based on Face's post, maybe not.

[TouchOfEvil]

Mortite is very easy to work with and nothing like you mentioned in a tube.
It's a solid but workable and does a great job.
Of course if you don't have any air leaks you can always just go with it i guess.
On mine i could feel and hear the leaks so i had to use the mortite on them.

[PSOVLSK]

I've had pretty much the same experience as the others who have posted about this mod. Deeper, tighter bass. Nothing earth shattering, but a very nice improvement...especially for the price I paid.

[dorokusai]

Glad to hear you're having fun TOE. I mentioned this mod a couple years ago but nobody paid attention so I just stayed in my own little world.

[m00npie]

Glad to hear you're having fun TOE. I mentioned this mod a couple years ago but nobody paid attention so I just stayed in my own little world.

I listened... I was just too lazy to do it.

[TouchOfEvil]

Glad to hear you're having fun TOE. I mentioned this mod a couple years ago but nobody paid attention so I just stayed in my own little world.

I'm glad you mentioned it again when you did. This was a nice easy mod and with a low price tag to boot. Very worthwhile IMO. Thanks for the heads up again.

[tcrossma]

I've never opened up my LSi15's (or really any speaker, for that matter). What specifically is involved in changing out these drivers?

[PSOVLSK]

Preface: This answer is coming from a guy who wants to upgrade the XO's in my 15's, but I'm afraid of messing something up. In other words, I'm no handyman, electrician, etc.

This is an EASY mod.
1) Lay the speaker on it's side, woofer side up.
2) Take off the woofer grill, speaker cover, whatever you want to call it. (This was arguably the hardest part for me).
3) Unscrew the 4 screws holding in the woofer
4) Unhook the internal wires connected to the woofer and take the woofer out.
5) Hook the wires you just unplugged to the dB840.
6) Drop the dB840 in the opening. (Don't forget to take off the gasket and add mortite)
7) Screw in the new woofer (Not too tight though or you'll break off the screw)
8) Replace the woofer grill.
9) Set speaker back upright and enjoy. But realize you'll be more impressed in a few weeks when they start to sound even better.

Others who have done this, did I leave anything out?

[mantis]

I'd love to hear a pair after all the upgrades. They are excellent speakers before you crack them open. The bass was always the problem on the 15's. It's not out of control for what you pay for the 15's it's an except able flaw.

[ohskigod]

hmmmm, how the hell did I miss this? I might try this, perhaps a project at Polkfest this year, I have a pair of 15's. I love how they sound so I never think of modding them, but i usually trust Doro's judgement in these audio things (though not for much else :) )

[tcrossma]

Preface: This answer is coming from a guy who wants to upgrade the XO's in my 15's, but I'm afraid of messing something up. In other words, I'm no handyman, electrician, etc.

This is an EASY mod.
1) Lay the speaker on it's side, woofer side up.
2) Take off the woofer grill, speaker cover, whatever you want to call it. (This was arguably the hardest part for me).
3) Unscrew the 4 screws holding in the woofer
4) Unhook the internal wires connected to the woofer and take the woofer out.
5) Hook the wires you just unplugged to the dB840.
6) Drop the dB840 in the opening. (Don't forget to take off the gasket and add mortite)
7) Screw in the new woofer (Not too tight though or you'll break off the screw)
8) Replace the woofer grill.
9) Set speaker back upright and enjoy. But realize you'll be more impressed in a few weeks when they start to sound even better.

Others who have done this, did I leave anything out?

Thanks for the directions. I'm having a heck of a time getting the grills off to even look around, but otherwise it sounds very easy to do. I might give it a shot.

[PSOVLSK]

...I'm having a heck of a time getting the grills off to even look around...

Honestly, it's probably the most difficult part of the whole process.

I'd like to hear how others got the grill off. I hate to admit this, but I used an ice pick...VERY carefully. I worried about snagging the material, but I didn't. The only problem is that I got a couple of very small little scratches on the speaker. Probably only noticable to me, but it still iritates me a little.

[tcrossma]

The only problem is that I got a couple of very small little scratches on the speaker. Probably only noticable to me, but it still iritates me a little.

That's what I'm afraid of doing, which is probably why I'm having a hard time with it. I just can't seem to get any grip on the grill without also touching the wood panel, which risks marking it up. But I'm going to spend some more time on it soon and be a little more patient and see if I can make some progress.

[domflane]

Anyone have pictures of one of these upgrades? I would love to see what the DB's look like in that beautiful LSi cabinet. Also, a friend of mine has 15's and I could encourage him to rtry this upgrade/

[xcapri79]

That's what I'm afraid of doing, which is probably why I'm having a hard time with it. I just can't seem to get any grip on the grill without also touching the wood panel, which risks marking it up. But I'm going to spend some more time on it soon and be a little more patient and see if I can make some progress.

I used the pointed ends of a pair of larger plastic ty-wraps. I slipped them in on the edges and eased out the grille fairlly easily. The plastic won't mark the wood or damage the grille.

[Jason_k]

I just bought a set of LSI 15's for Music and got to say I love them. But as like most I find the bass a little lacking, got my hand on the trigger to do this mod, just wondering about this mortite stuff, any links for this product? pics of this installion floating around?

Thanks

[TouchOfEvil]

Not sure of any links for the mortite, i found mine a my local hardware store. As for pics of the install i did not take any but it's so easy you really do not need them.
If i get some spare time i may take the cover off this weekend and snap a pic of the new driver in there.

[Jason_k]

That would be great TouchEvil if its not too much trouble. Going to take a look in the hardware store tonite, its used for weather stripping right?, thats all google came up with. Also if i didn't I like the mod would it be easy to change back with the mortite on it.

Thanks

Just order the speakers, could't resist!

[PSOVLSK]

Also if i didn't I like the mod would it be easy to change back with the mortite on it.


I don't think you'll have to worry about that. Give it time though. I think if the improvement I have now would have been immediate, I would have considered it significant. I'd love to hear a stock pair vs. a pair that's had the new sub for a while.

[TouchOfEvil]

That would be great TouchEvil if its not too much trouble. Going to take a look in the hardware store tonite, its used for weather stripping right?, thats all google came up with. Also if i didn't I like the mod would it be easy to change back with the mortite on it.

Thanks

Just order the speakers, could't resist!

Yes it would be easy to go back. The woofer would have a tighter seal and a little tougher to get out but you can do. I know because i pulled one after the fact and it was no big deal.
Just remember to give the new woofers some break in time. It makes a big difference as you get more and more hours on them.

[tcrossma]

I used the pointed ends of a pair of larger plastic ty-wraps. I slipped them in on the edges and eased out the grille fairlly easily. The plastic won't mark the wood or damage the grille.

Does anyone have any other suggestions on how to get the grills off? Honestly, I've tried just about everything. There's zero space around the edge of the grill to slide anything in there, and the grill doesn't stick up enough to pry it off. I've tried just about everything short of cutting the cloth, tearing the cover off, and ordering two new ones. These grill covers are just on too damn tight!

[Face]

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/9673/istockphoto7043008squee.jpg (http://img704.imageshack.us/i/istockphoto7043008squee.jpg/)

:D

[hoosier21]

I just bought a set of LSI 15's for Music and got to say I love them. But as like most I find the bass a little lacking, got my hand on the trigger to do this mod, just wondering about this mortite stuff, any links for this product? pics of this installion floating around?

Thanks

http://www.conservationmart.com/p-81-mortite-45-foot-gray-rope-caulk-f-4.aspx

try a little google in your life :)

[PSOVLSK]

Does anyone have any other suggestions on how to get the grills off? Honestly, I've tried just about everything. There's zero space around the edge of the grill to slide anything in there, and the grill doesn't stick up enough to pry it off. I've tried just about everything short of cutting the cloth, tearing the cover off, and ordering two new ones. These grill covers are just on too damn tight!

No other suggestions, but the good news is that if you ever get them off, the hard part is out of the way:p The fact that it's so hard to get off is the main reason I haven't posted any pictures as has been requested.

[dorokusai]

I removed mine with a set of "dental" picks from Home Depot. I've found them multi-useful for many things audio. You just need to grab an edge, start from the bottom, pull lightly and work around.

The frame is plastic so its ok to dig as opposed to using the actual loudspeaker as leverage. It's real easy to damage the speaker and less expensive to replace the grill.

[jacob.simpson]

Photos please, stock vs modded ...

[TouchOfEvil]

Photos please, stock vs modded ...

Honestly, it doesn't even matter that much unless you plan to run with your side covers off once you do the upgrade.
Even then it's as simple as looking at a DB sub from polk in order to know how it will look.

[PSOVLSK]

Photos please, stock vs modded ...

The fact that it's so hard to get off is the main reason I haven't posted any pictures as has been requested.

Honestly, it doesn't even matter that much unless you plan to run with your side covers off once you do the upgrade.
Even then it's as simple as looking at a DB sub from polk in order to know how it will look.

If I thought pictures would help, I would take the time and effort to take them, but as ToE said, all it would show is a LSi15 with a DB sub in it.

[love2listen]

I was wondering if anyone had done this mod using a different brand of sub, such as a JL sub?

[Face]

Please don't pick a random driver to install in a LSi15.

[tcrossma]

Well, I've tried everything I can to remove the damn grills, and no luck. Those things are just stuck in there. I ordered two new drivers and 1 replacement grill thinking that I'd ruin at least one during the process, but in retrospect I should have ordered 2 because I have no choice but to just cut the cloth and yank the covers off. I'll report back once I get the new drivers installed.

[Face]

You tried the aforementioned pick?

[kcoc321]

before you cut, have you tried a plastic putty knife? The grill on my PSW350 was very tight, when I first got it, and I actually thought it didn't come off, until I saw some pictures with it off. That's what worked for me, but then I have never tried on a LSi, but they look the same.

FWIW, the pegs/ tabs 'should' be at the 4 diagonal points, like 10oc, 2oc, 4oc, 8oc. Again, on mine, but that is logical. Good luck.

[tcrossma]

I tried a pick, I tried the zip ties, I tried a very thin screw driver, I tried a nail, I tried tweezers. I haven't tried a putty knife, because I don't see how it would work. I can barely fit the zip ties in around the edges of the grill, and there's so little of the grill sticking up (maybe 1/8") that I can't get anything to grip it. I don't want to damage the wood cabinet, and since the replacement grills are $12, I don't really have a problem with cutting them if that's what's needed.

I've tried using my hands to grip the inside of the grill (stretching the cloth a bit), and while I can get a pretty good hold on the plastic perimeter, I can't pull it out. In other words, it's stuck in there! If after I cut the cloth I found they were glued on, I wouldn't be surprised. I'm sure they're not, but I literally can't make them even budge a little bit.

[xcapri79]

I tried a pick, I tried the zip ties, I tried a very thin screw driver, I tried a nail, I tried tweezers. I haven't tried a putty knife, because I don't see how it would work. I can barely fit the zip ties in around the edges of the grill, and there's so little of the grill sticking up (maybe 1/8") that I can't get anything to grip it. I don't want to damage the wood cabinet, and since the replacement grills are $12, I don't really have a problem with cutting them if that's what's needed.

I've tried using my hands to grip the inside of the grill (stretching the cloth a bit), and while I can get a pretty good hold on the plastic perimeter, I can't pull it out. In other words, it's stuck in there! If after I cut the cloth I found they were glued on, I wouldn't be surprised. I'm sure they're not, but I literally can't make them even budge a little bit.

I believe the issue is new LSi15's vs the older ones. I own 2 pair of the old types and 2 pair of the new LSi15's. It is easy to remove the grills off the old ones, but the grilles are stuck on the new ones. I modified one pair of the old type but left the rubber gasket on the DB840's.

[tcrossma]

Ok, so the new drivers arrived and I'm working on trying to get them installed. I got one of the grill covers off, but I had to poke a couple small holes in the cloth to do it. Let me tell you, those grills were on there TIGHT. No chance I could have removed it without damaging it.

Now, I'm trying to remove the driver. Any tips there? Took the screws out, and it doesn't want to budge. There's nothing to grip onto it in order to pull it up and out, and really nothing to get any leverage on to pry it either. I currently have the speaker lying on the floor, upside down, hoping the weight of the driver will help it fall out.

I tried removing the crossover, but there is no play in the wires so I can't even remove it far enough to reach my hand in and push the driver from the back.

Anyone have any thoughts?

[Face]

I currently have the speaker lying on the floor, upside down, hoping the weight of the driver will help it fall out. Give it some time, it will.

I tried removing the crossover, but there is no play in the wires so I can't even remove it far enough to reach my hand in and push the driver from the back.
IIRC, even if you do remove the crossover, you would need some really small arms and hands to reach the back of the driver.

[tcrossma]

I let it sit for about 30 minutes, and it still wasn't even a little loose. So what I did is take the base off, then insert a stick up the port so I could push the driver from the back. Worked great. One speaker down, one to go.

[Face]

Good thinking!

[dorokusai]

While you have the driver removed, dampen the port with rubber mastic, dynamat or similar material. I popped my driver out when I removed the crossover, also from the rear.

[love2listen]

tcrossma,
Are you using the DB840 as the replacement driver? Do you know if the MM840 is an option for this mod or is there something about it that would not allow it to work well. Has anyone else conidered using the MM840?

[tcrossma]

While you have the driver removed, dampen the port with rubber mastic, dynamat or similar material. I popped my driver out when I removed the crossover, also from the rear.

I had already finished, but could pop them back out at some point once I get some dynamat. What type of improvement is it supposed to make? And where should I apply it, on the driver itself or just stuffed in the port?

Thanks for the help everyone. So far it sounds excellent, and I expect that it will get even better as they break in.

[dorokusai]

I said dampen the port, not stuff it. You wrap it around the port itself since it's just a cardboard tube.

[PSOVLSK]

...I expect that it will get even better as they break in.

Yes. Yes it will.

Sorry to hear you had so much trouble. As xcapri79 said, it must have something to do with older vs. newer model.

love2listen: I don't know about the other driver you mentioned.

[TouchOfEvil]

tcrossma,
Are you using the DB840 as the replacement driver? Do you know if the MM840 is an option for this mod or is there something about it that would not allow it to work well. Has anyone else conidered using the MM840?

I think the MM840 is meant more for a sealed use. The lsi15's are ported.

[McLoki]

tcrossma,
Are you using the DB840 as the replacement driver? Do you know if the MM840 is an option for this mod or is there something about it that would not allow it to work well. Has anyone else conidered using the MM840?

The MM840 is about 5db more efficient than the DB840 (90 vs 85db efficient). I would guess that the MM840 may make the speaker a little to bass heavy.Supposedy the enclosure size and porting in the LSi15 is just about right for the DB840 as well.

The DB840 was not designed to work as a replacement for the LSi15 woofer, but it seems to be a very good environment for it. (from a size, porting and required efficiency standpoint).

I do plan to do this mod to my 15's, and will be using the DB840 when I do. (rather than the potentially less ideal MM840)

Michael

[tcrossma]

I said dampen the port, not stuff it. You wrap it around the port itself since it's just a cardboard tube.

Ah ok, thanks. I think I misunderstood what you meant before. This speaker mod stuff is a bit new to me :)

[Jason_k]

Here are a few pics I took when I done this MOD. I bought the chaulking Tape at the hardware store, couldn't find any of the brand names mentioned here, but it seemed to do a good job.

I'am happy with the Mod so far. Maybe Crossovers next? going to give this a little time first.

[tcrossma]

Interesting. The driver didn't fit that snugly into my LSi15 opening -- it was smaller in diameter than the previous driver. I'd say there was a good 1/4" space around the edge. I put some mortite under the edge of the driver and it seemed to make a nice air tight seal, but it definitely didn't fit as snugly as yours.

[Jason_k]

That is interesting, I bought them off a reputable(if there is such a thing) dealer on flea bay. They say DB840 on the box, I didn't check on the speaker. Once I took off the rubber gasket they came with, they fit very snug. Holes line up perfectly

[TouchOfEvil]

Mine were also a nice snug fit. They would not drop in with the rubber seal on there for me.

[tcrossma]

I didn't have to remove anything on my drivers -- there was nothing to remove, as far as I could tell. I had read about people needing to remove the rubber gasket, but mine either didn't need it removed or it didn't have it in the first place.

Now I'm getting concerned about why mine isn't the same as everyone else's seems to be...

[dorokusai]

Mine was also snug.

Jason, the xover upgrade shouldn't be taken lightly as it's a serious project....not just a matter of snipping a couple leads and popping on new parts like an SDA xover.

[Jason_k]

I appricate the warning, I have looked at what ben62670 has done. I have experience in soldering electronics and such. But this is definitely in a different league all together than the sub change out. To be honest I think the LSI15 sound just great to me, so i'am not sure I'll ever go down that path

[PSOVLSK]

Mine was also snug.

Jason, the xover upgrade shouldn't be taken lightly as it's a serious project....not just a matter of snipping a couple leads and popping on new parts like an SDA xover.

Exactly the reason I haven't gotten up the nerve to try it. I would love to hear a pair of 15's that didn't "suck" though:p:D

[Face]

This disaster is a point to point LSi15 crossover, before I secureed and neatened things up. Fortunately, it sounds a lot better than it looks. :D

http://face.cleanandquiet.com/store/LSi15%20Crossover%20After.jpg

[Jason_k]

Face This disaster is a point to point LSi15 crossover, before I secureed and neatened things up. Fortunately, it sounds a lot better than it looks.


Looks great!