Isobarik cabinets
Posted by: Steve Smith on 11 April 2004
Has anyone out there refurbished the cabinets of Isobarik speakers? Mine are circa 1980 and sound rather nice with my CD3, Nac62, HiCap and Nap250, but they have been a little battered over the years, and the veneer has worn from various edged. I presume sanding is a dangerous course given the thinness of the veneer. Re-veneeering would be very costly. One of the labels on the top is damaged as well and Linn cannot supply these any more.
I would welcome any thoughts on this.
Posted on: 11 April 2004 by Jez Quigley
Hi Steve,
Restoration would probably cost more than buying another pair. A cheaper option would be to learn to love them as they are
ps. welcome to the forum.
Posted on: 11 April 2004 by trickytree
The biggest hurdle in restoring bricks properly is removing the drivers. This is not a task that should be undertaken lightly.
I'm presuming there afromosia finish? If there laquered or varnished in any way there is very little that can be done without removing the said laquer or varnish, as above, learn to live with 'em!
If there a oiled or waxed finish, (I have no idea how Linn finished these speakers, i'm speaking with my carpenters hat on), then the best you can do is to give them a good clean with a little white spirit and apply some coloured wax. Use some dark teak on the bare bits and then finish the whole cabinet with light teak.
Be VERY carefull not to get anything on the drive units as these are not available any more.
Paul.
Posted on: 11 April 2004 by Ron The Mon
quote:
I would welcome any thoughts on this.
Two or three cans of black spray paint would solve the problem.
Ron The Mon,
Needle-Freak
Posted on: 11 April 2004 by Mick P
Obviously you cannot live with a crappy finish and I for one do not blame you.
If you have the wood veneeer finish, you must do the following.
1. Rub down the varnish on the veneer with wire wool, starting coarse and as soon as you come to the wood go to very fine. Do not do the bits which are normally hidden by the foam.
2. Stain the wood in a colour of your choice, this will give you uniformity of finish.
3. Oil finish with tung oil. This oil is easy to apply.
This will give you a good natural wood finish.
You should re oil only once a year.
Regards
Mick
Posted on: 12 April 2004 by Jez Quigley
quote:
have been a little battered over the years, and the veneer has worn from various edged
It reads to me that they need a bit more than a clean and oiling. Whatever the course of action, I hope this is not another pair of briks that will be lost to the world.
Posted on: 12 April 2004 by Steve Smith
Thank you Mr Parry - your advice is very useful indeed.
