Simply Speakers Bose 901 & 802 Foam Speaker Repair Kit (FSK-4.5B) Review: Breathe New Life into Your Speakers
Do you own a pair of classic Bose 901 or 802 speakers? Are the foam surrounds around your speaker cones deteriorating, cracking, or even crumbling? This is a common problem with older speakers, leading to distorted sound and reduced performance. Fortunately, there's a cost-effective solution: replacing the foam surrounds. The Simply Speakers Bose 901, 802 Foam Speaker Repair Kit FSK-4.5B (20-Pack) offers a comprehensive and relatively simple way to restore your beloved speakers to their former glory. This kit is designed specifically for Bose 901 and 802 speakers, providing all the necessary materials to replace the foam surrounds on all the drivers.
This repair kit is aimed at DIY enthusiasts, vintage audio lovers, and anyone looking to save money by repairing their speakers instead of replacing them. It's a great project for those who enjoy hands-on work and have a basic understanding of electronics and audio equipment. While it requires patience and attention to detail, the process is generally straightforward, and the results can be incredibly rewarding, bringing new life to your cherished audio equipment.
In this review, we'll take a closer look at the Simply Speakers Bose 901 & 802 Foam Speaker Repair Kit (FSK-4.5B), examining its features, benefits, and potential drawbacks to help you decide if it's the right choice for your speaker repair needs.
Key Features
- • Specifically Designed for Bose 901 and 802: The kit is precisely engineered to fit Bose 901 and 802 speaker drivers, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance.
- • Complete 20-Pack: Contains 20 foam surrounds, enough to repair both speakers fully (Bose 901 speakers have nine drivers each and the 802 speakers have 8 drivers, so this kit will completely refoam them).
- • High-Quality Foam Material: The foam surrounds are made from durable and flexible materials designed to withstand years of use and provide excellent acoustic performance.
- • Detailed Instructions Included: The kit comes with step-by-step instructions, making the repair process manageable even for beginners. Many users also find helpful video tutorials online.
- • Cost-Effective Solution: Repairing your speakers with this kit is significantly cheaper than buying new speakers, especially high-end models like the Bose 901.
Pros
- • Restores Original Sound Quality: Replacing deteriorated foam surrounds with this kit can dramatically improve the sound quality of your Bose speakers, bringing back clarity and bass response.
- • Saves Money: Repairing your speakers is considerably more affordable than purchasing a new set, making it an economically sound decision for audio enthusiasts.
- • Extends the Lifespan of Your Speakers: By replacing the worn-out foam, you can prevent further damage to the speaker components and extend the life of your valuable audio equipment.
- • DIY Project Satisfaction: Successfully completing the repair provides a sense of accomplishment and allows you to maintain and appreciate your vintage audio gear.
- • Complete Kit with Necessary Components: The kit provides all the foam surrounds required for a full refoam, ensuring you don't need to purchase additional parts.
Cons
- • Requires Patience and Dexterity: The repair process can be time-consuming and requires a steady hand, especially when aligning the new foam surrounds. It is not a rushed task.
- • Potential for Mess: Working with adhesive can be messy, so it's essential to take precautions to protect your work surface and use appropriate tools.
- • Not for Completely Damaged Speakers: If your speaker cones or other internal components are severely damaged, replacing the foam surrounds alone may not be sufficient to restore functionality.
Who Should Buy
This Simply Speakers foam repair kit is ideal for several types of users:
- • Owners of Bose 901 or 802 Speakers: If you own these classic speakers and their foam surrounds are deteriorating, this kit is a perfect solution to restore their performance.
- • DIY Audio Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy hands-on projects and have a basic understanding of speaker repair will find this kit a rewarding and cost-effective way to maintain their audio equipment.
- • Vintage Audio Collectors: If you collect or appreciate vintage audio gear, this kit allows you to preserve and restore the original sound quality of your classic speakers.
However, if you are uncomfortable with DIY projects or if your speakers have extensive damage beyond the foam surrounds, you may want to consider professional speaker repair services or purchasing new speakers. Also, consider if you have the time needed to complete the repair. While a single driver can be completed relatively quickly, refoaming all drivers in a pair of 901s or 802s can take a considerable amount of time, so factor this in to your decision.
Conclusion
The Simply Speakers Bose 901, 802 Foam Speaker Repair Kit FSK-4.5B (20-Pack) offers an excellent value for money. Priced at $49.00, it provides a cost-effective and practical solution for restoring the sound quality and extending the lifespan of your cherished Bose speakers. While the repair process requires patience and some manual dexterity, the detailed instructions and high-quality materials make it an accessible project for DIY enthusiasts. Compared to the cost of new speakers, this kit provides a significant savings and allows you to continue enjoying your vintage audio equipment.
Ultimately, if you own Bose 901 or 802 speakers with damaged foam surrounds and you're comfortable with a DIY project, this repair kit is a worthwhile investment. Consider watching a YouTube tutorial before ordering, just to get a feel for the difficulty.
Call to Action: Ready to restore your vintage Bose speakers? Order your Simply Speakers Foam Repair Kit today and experience the difference!
FAQ
Q: Will this kit work for other speaker models besides Bose 901 and 802?
A: No, this kit is specifically designed for Bose 901 and 802 speaker drivers. Using it on other models may result in improper fit and performance. Consider looking into speaker repair kits tailored to your specific models.
Q: What tools do I need for the repair?
A: You'll typically need a hobby knife or blade, glue (often included in the kit), a small brush or applicator for the glue, and possibly some shims to center the voice coil. The Simply Speakers kit includes glue, but you will need to provide the rest.
Q: How long does it take to complete the repair?
A: The time required varies depending on your experience and the number of speakers you're repairing. Typically, it takes several hours to refoam all speakers in a pair of Bose 901s or 802s.
Q: Can I use any type of glue for the repair?
A: It's important to use a glue that is specifically designed for speaker repair, as it needs to be flexible and durable. Avoid using strong adhesives that could damage the speaker cone. The glue provided in the kit is ideal.
Competitor Comparison
While Simply Speakers is a reputable brand, other companies like Springfield Speaker also offer similar foam repair kits. It's worth comparing prices and reviews to ensure you're getting the best value and quality. However, Simply Speakers is known for its high-quality foam and detailed instructions, making it a solid choice for most users. If you are on a tight budget, researching alternatives might save a few dollars, but Simply Speakers generally offers the best balance of quality and value.
