Will blown woofer work as radiator?

[unfun75]

Would a blown woofer work as a passive radiator assuming the cone and surround is intact? New radiators are kind of expensive! I was given some vintage home stereo speakers and they need new 10" radiators. Thanks in advance.

[JohnnyB]

Do the cones move freely back and forth? Many times blown speakers have burnt out voice coils, which may have welded the voice coil to the pole piece.

On a more perfectionist level, when properly tuning a cabinet, a passive radiator should be matched to the rest of the speaker system. For example, for a ported speaker the port should be of a specific length and diameter to achieve the desired results. By the same token, a passive radiator should match the cabinet design in compliance (how easily internal pressure deflects the diaphragm), diaphragm weight, maximum excursion, and radiating area.

[Thundersteel]

I just installed new passives in my old set of speakers. $26.50 each from Parts Express.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=295-494

[Joe G]

They sould be ok to use if you can either remove the magnets, coil former and/or pole pieces from the blown woofers. Otherwise, the blown speakers will make noise if used as is, and if the magnets are big, they will also reduce the internal volume of the speaker cabinet, affecting bass response.

Edited to add that you may be able to purchase new surrounds and inexpensively repair the existing passive radiators.

[JohnnyB]

I just installed new passives in my old set of speakers. $26.50 each from Parts Express.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=295-494

Good suggestion. Plenty to choose from, too.

[unfun75]

I just installed new passives in my old set of speakers. $26.50 each from Parts Express.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=295-494

Those are the least expensive I've found. How did they work out for you?