Sunn 215 Speaker Replacement Recommendations

[deckard]

I have a 1976 215 cabinet that pretty much came out of a dumpster. The cab itself is actually in very good shape aside from some Tolex rips. I haven't checked the brand/model of the drivers yet, but I believe one is original because it has the little fabric/mesh vent hole in the dust cap which I have seen on other Sunn speakers of this vintage (please correct me if I'm wrong).

Regardless, they both probably need to be reconed as I hear some buzzing. I'd rather not have to deal with that, so I would like to replace the drivers. I have seen people recommending JBL D140's and other vintage or hard-to-find drivers. Is there anything out there that would be a suitable and durable replacement which is still made and won't break the bank?

Thanks!

[djc]

http://www.warehouseguitarspeakers.com/index.php

JoeArthur recomended these.  they are $50 and sound awesome.  I bought 2 15", and had them shipped to me up in Northern Canada for about $160.  great deal considering anything around here costs that per speaker and they aren't even as good.
 
thanks for the recomend JoeArthur.

[deckard]

Thanks! So what's the original impedance of the 215? The online manual for the last Fender made model says 8 ohms. Does that mean I need 2 16 ohm drivers in parallel? Or should I do 2 8 ohm drivers for a more efficient 4 ohm load? My cabinet is actually from 1975, not 76 as I originally stated.

[tabasco]

Try this also http://www.mcminone.com/search.asp?catalog%5Fname=MCMProducts&restrict=1000207&keyword=&MODE=1 

Also, I have found that both of the 2x15 cabs I have needed to be re-glued on ALL inside joints and the grill cloth needed to be screwed on to get rid of most of the buzz. I replaced 1 cab speakers with the Carvin 400 watt speakers which my son is now using with his punk band. The other cab didn't need new speakers after I re-glued everything and put 6 screws in the grill.The buzz was the cab, not the speakers.

[n!k]

Can you describe what "re-glueing" entails and what to look for if you need to do it? My 6x12 has a couple separations in the middle of the folded cabinet design and I was wondering about this.

[tabasco]

Ok, What I did is ... carefully remove the speakers. Then carefully remove any insulation exposing the wood inside. Also remember how your speakers were wired so you don't panic when you put it all back together. Now get a good wood glue from your local hardware store. Get a big bottle!!! This process takes a little while but it works. Use whatever you have to lean the cab so the joints you are filling with glue are at the bottom, (Gravity) then apply the glue in the intersections of all the joints down in that position. This will allow the glue to seep into the cracks and build up in the corners. You can see this can take a little wile do to dry time and multiple flips of the cab to get all the angles filled. Check all your wiring and clean or replace your 1/4 inch jack. Good time to replace everything. after you are sure you have glued everything you can get to and the glue is dry, use some good spray adhesive to re install the insulation. Note: I left out the insulation on the last cab I did cause I thought it might be buzzing due to the fact that it had a hard backing surface that wasn't totally glued to all the wood surfaces. Then re install your speakers carefully. A slip of the screw driver can be costly. After a day or so, making sure the glue is set hard, plug in and try your cab without the grill on. If there is no buzz, try again with the grill on. If the grill buzz's  get a few small wood screws and put one in each corner and in the middle of both sides. (6) total. If the heads are small they will disappear beneath the grill cloth. Some people don't like putting holes in there grill cloth and I understand so if you can do something else to stop the buzz I am all for it. My cabs are used every day and are not in collector shape. Thing is now they don't buzz and that was what I was looking for. Good luck and take your time.

[basiklybass]

There are lots of good speakers out there...you get what you pay for. Look for large heavy magnets. 3" or 4" voice coils. Cast frames over stamped.

Altec 421's can be had for less than $60.00 each on Ebay if you keep an eye out. Some of us think these are every bit as good as the JBL D-140's. They are really noticible at the upper frequencies. They sound great for guitars and bass.

Regarding re-gluing; if you are going to let the glue seep into the joints, you may want to mix a bit of water into it to make it thinner. Not a lot. A tablespoon per ounce or less, just a bit thinner so it seep into the joint. Elmers is a great glue for this.