Anybody re-cap there vintage speakers?

[e_just]

  I am going to recap my KLH 17s in a day or two, it will be my first recap. There is a lot of info on Audio Karma about doing this and it seems as simple as following directions. Any insights or words of wisdom before I begin?
 On a side note, I ordered the caps and new binding post from Parts Express. These guys are great and because they are so close, orders from the 412 usually arrive the next day!

[thuffman03]

Good luck in the recaping of the KLH's.  OCCD most likely has done something like that.  I am sure he will chime in.

[OCCD]

It is a fairly easy task on most speakers. Just take your time and make sure all the solder joints are solid.

[bmwr75]

Yep, have recapped many a set of speakers.  Helped AKer Tiga recap his KLH 20s on Saturday.

[OCCD]

And don't drink BEER!!!

[e_just]

And don't drink BEER!!!

 I'll save the beer till the job is done. (I have some Sierra Nevada Celebrator in the fridge!)
Good to hear that it should be easy. I ordered a new soldering iron to replace my $10 radio shack one, that should help. I'm also going to replace the binding post. I'll post pics:)

[treitz3]

Just don't listen to them critically as soon as you are done with the upgrade. Give them time to settle in a bit and smooth out.

[paden501]

I'm currently working on it with my SDA-1Cs.

I've done a ton of research on it (different caps, etc) so let me know if you have any questions.

[e_just]

Just don't listen to them critically as soon as you are done with the upgrade. Give them time to settle in a bit and smooth out.

How long should they take to settle?
Go Pens!

[thuffman03]

And don't drink BEER!!!

 I'll save the beer till the job is done. (I have some Sierra Nevada Celebrator in the fridge!)
Good to hear that it should be easy. I ordered a new soldering iron to replace my $10 radio shack one, that should help. I'm also going to replace the binding post. I'll post pics:)

Celebration is the bomb!

[paden501]

Just don't listen to them critically as soon as you are done with the upgrade. Give them time to settle in a bit and smooth out.

How long should they take to settle?
Go Pens!

I've seen a lot of sources that say it takes 100+ hours for the caps to break in fully.

[bmwr75]

Just don't listen to them critically as soon as you are done with the upgrade. Give them time to settle in a bit and smooth out.

How long should they take to settle?
Go Pens!

Controversial issue......but I believe it takes only a few seconds for the new caps to form.

When you replace the binding posts, be sure to insulate them from the aluminum plate they go through.  I wrap the posts with electrical tape and use fiber washers bought from PE.  Will mail you some if you send me an address.

[treitz3]

Controversial issue......but I believe it takes only a few seconds for the new caps to form.

Saturation and stability under demanding loads is what makes the time differential. End result to the listener is better sound and performance.

[e_just]

 Well the recap is done! Everything was pretty easy. Thanks to bmwr75 for sending me washers for the binding post, but unfortunately the post that I bought are a little to big so this upgrade is on hold.
 The 17s sound very good after the recap. I don't think the old caps were really bad but now I know they will be good for years to come.

[bmwr75]

When you say they are too big, do you mean in length or diameter?  Here's the posts I use from Parts Express:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=091-1245

OK, my bad.....just checked those fiber washers I sent you and the ID is too small for the binding posts above.  So, my memory must be failing me.  Wonder what I bought all those fiber washers for....... :'(

If you go to Home Depot or Lowe's you will probably find an insulative washer in the hardware section that will work to insulate the binding posts from the aluminum plate in the KLH 17s.