Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Mellotronists
Subject: Re: [Mellotronists] Re: MK2 Spkr.Magnet Question
From: kenmerb@...
Date: 2003-10-15
In a message dated 10/14/2003 8:16:02 PM Eastern Daylight Time, charel196@... writes:
Just how far does a magnetic field extend from the speaker magnets?
Not sure, but we know the tapes can live pretty close to the speaker magnet without causing damage. During the tape exchange, I was working under the assumption that the tapes wouldn't be damaged unless they actually landed on the magnet, that's why I used the precautions.
Wouldn't it pass thru a platic bowl?
Yes, not the best choice, but it was what I had available at the time. I used that in addition to a towel when I realized there was still a strong field going through the towel. The shape of the bowl would keep the tape at a greater distance if one spilled out in that area, and it wouldn't be sucked onto the magnet. Obviously, Jerry's suggestion to remove the speakers is the better solution, but I was willing to take the risk and be careful, using what I had, and it worked.
Nowadays since there are
magnetically shielded speaker setups available I would think that
would be a significant upgrade...
Probably, but the tapes are at risk mainly during tape change, which isn't an everyday event on a MKII. I suppose you'd have a problem if a tape near the magnet broke while playing, but then that tape would be gone anyway (and I haven't lost one yet on my MKII). I like the original Wharfedales, so I'm not really interested in replacing the speakers. These issues just come with the territory. Owning a MKII is a Religious experience. Every time you turn it on you hold your breath and pray ;-).
Ken M.