Created to allow transfer of existing thread
hello, I came across one of your earlier posts regarding Wharfedale 708 speakers and I wanted some advice. To replace the cross-over components would require removal of the lower speaker. Was that difficult?
Hi yes I bi wired my 708’s and relayed out the crossover and hard wired it - I did not change the components. It was worthwhile, nice gains…slightly more dynamic and better behaved…top,mid and bottom. I took it to a dealer…who removed the bass units…then when done they re installed. Looking back I wish I had used really good components….as the 708 is hugely capable… I think some basic engineering would allow you to fabricate a key for the bass unit. If I were you I would contact somebody like GR Research and replace what I remember as being very cheap components…I would use air core inductors. Let me know how you get on….in my opinion these are amazing speakers.
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Many thanks for your reply. I bought some 708s new in the 1980s and really liked them. I moved onto Quad ESLs but always had a soft spot for the Wharfedales. I found some 708s more recently. To my ears have a similar character to the ESLs, open and natural. I’d like to upgrade the crossovers but I know the drive units will have to be removed. Did you ever see the special tool? Also do GR Research supply components?
Hi yes…the 708’s are amazing…somewhere between SL600 and SL700….very holographic and neutral. I saw the tool it was very simple…it was a sturdy circular ring with lugs sticking out that engaged into woofer…it then had a 2 foot handle sticking out. The woofers came out easily…the dealer did it infant of me. I have no doubt that a full proper crossover built from GR Research parts would be a massive upgrade….I would remove the crossover and send it off to Danny….he is a great guy. He personally respond to emails….
I think it would be quite simple to replicate the tool….make a mockup in wood…then take it to your local friendly blacksmith…
These speakers are strange….once the woofer is removed the cabinet interior is jambed solid with acoustic foam to the point of exerting pressure on the cabinet walls. This is important as it provides high frequency damping to the cabinet walls without adding significant mass. The trade off is restricting and overdamping the woofer. I cut my foam back just a little around the woofer….to let it breath…
That’s very interesting especially the tool description. I’ve emailed the shop I bought my first pair from in the 80s and they’re going to take a look at the job. Failing that I might have a go at making the tool as you suggest. Looking at the GR Research site I see they’re based in the US. I live in the UK so will have to use a local supplier.
If I were doing the job I would order from Danny at GR he has access to all the parts you will need…..also from memory there is a horrid electrolitic capacitor in the circuit….that needs removing you will get the right advice from Danny. When I removed the crossover it was a horrid very compact thing….so setting out a new one correctly with top components is the way to go…..and should improve the imaging and depth/clarity….I appreciate GR is in the states….I have imported other things from states it’s not an issue….just time really and some extra cost…keep us updated with your journey exciting….
By the way these speakers need high mass extremly dead stands….hollow tube stands are useless…. The cabinet transmits huge amounts of high frequency vibration into the stands….
Dear @Steadyon and @Richieroo
It is lovely to receive the post notifications - into my email inbox - from this thread. In many ways, it’s a pleasure to read about a classic speaker, just like the Epos ES14, etc.
After nine posts, thinking that probably constitutes sufficient to be its own dedicated thread for W708. Maybe others can join in, or it becomes a resource for forum members into the future.
@Richard.Dane What do you think - is it best to take this conversation into its own thread, perhaps “My Wharfedale 708’s renovations”, or some other approporiate phrase ?
Best wishes
R
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By all means ratrat, be my guest if you wish to start a new thread.
that’s interesting too. any particular stands that occur to you?
sounds good to me.
yes I’ll contact Danny after I get the drive units out. I bought some valves recently from a company in the States and got caught for some extra import duties. Ouch.
Sure.
To be clear, are you suggesting I open the new thread - for you to move the ongoing conversation over ? Actually, I was suggesting @Steadyon or @Richieroo may prefer to do that, that way, the post notification will go to this best forum member / author.
BW
R
Sure.
So @Steadyon just go ahead and open a new thread topic. I’m sure @Richard.Dane will be a gent and move your conversation over if you let him know you’ve started elsewhere.
Lots of advantages, including others - with knowledge or experience - joining in because they see the correct thread title. Also, a record is left for forum members to read and enjoy into the future.
Good luck
R
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Hi, I’m new to this site and yes I can see the advantages of starting a new thread. So I have.
I’ve moved all the Wharfedale 708 posts over to the new thread you have started.
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Cheers Richard, many thanks.
Alan