Drop-in replacement speaker terminals for Klipsch Promedia 2.1 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / repair

author: Hogwild
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2020, 12:03:02 am
content: Hi everyone:The speaker terminals on my Klipsch Promedia 2.1 (original version) just broke. I need a new one, but I can't find anything that is a drop-in replacement except for this ebay Seller:NEW Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 Speaker Satellite TERMINAL BLOCK module Plug 3 Typeshttps://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Klipsch-ProMedia-2-1-Speaker-Satellite-TERMINAL-BLOCK-module-Plug-3-Types/332802368332?hash=item4d7c91234c:m:ma6-jhJeM_VE460JmWo8rTAThe problem is, with conversion to $CAD and shipping and etc. that would come to close to $50.00 in total for me.Does anyone else know of another source of terminals that will just fit right in without having to modify the BASH amp on the back of the sub?Thanks

author: senso
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2020, 12:21:54 am
content: Search for speaker spring terminal,tons of offers, heck you should be able to find them in local eletronic stores..Just re-solder the wires from the current one into the new one.https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-4-pin-Plastic-Speaker-Spring-Terminal-Block-Clips-2p-4p-Wire/233154971120?hash=item36491e85f0:m:ml6Y3pwtsJZYp_R9fBi6BWQ

author: Hogwild
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2020, 12:34:24 am
content: I don't think you read my post. I said "drop-in replacement", as in, one that you're sure will fit without modification.Do you know of such a model?Anyone can type a search term into Google.

author: JKKDev
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2020, 04:59:06 am
content: First off don't be a dick to people trying to help you and secondly you might want to add a few measurements of the original block if you want any help with searching for replacements. You should also notify us of your ability to desolder and resolder the cables (to reuse the internal connector).

author: andy3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2020, 05:22:16 am
content: Have you at least Googled for "speaker terminals" ? There are tons of different types available and what you have referenced is such a common type.There is no such thing as "drop in" in this case. You have to be able to solder the wires as mentioned by others.

author: Hogwild
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2020, 02:42:56 pm
content: Is it being a dick to expect someone to read the full original post?By "drop-in replacment", I meant something that will fit with no necessary cutting/drilling to fit the hole, not that it should literally drop in. I think that is the standard meaning of the expression:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drop-in_replacementYes, speaker terminals are standard, but I'm looking for something to fit this specific size hole in this amp/speaker.I'm reluctant to open it just to measure the opening, just because that has repercussions (air seal, don't know if screws will re-fasten tightly etc.) I'd prefer to find out if there are known replacement terminals that fit at a reasonable price. If there aren't, I'd prefer to hack together some other solution, and I'd want to figure out that solution before opening the unit.My soldering skills are quite good, at least for non-tiny items.Thanks.

author: andy3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 21, 2020, 05:07:08 pm
content: Unless the screws are going in to some material that is just one time only kind of thing like mud/pottery, there will be no damage. There is also no air seal as such because you are not opening a hermetic seal of some kind.Unless you are prepared to do your own ground work and take measurements, note down the physical appearance compared to what you have etc., and compare to what is on offer at various sites, you will not be able to proceed further.As for being a dick, it is your own decision. You can be one or try to be humble when asking for help from total strangers in a public forum. I think you have enough info to to do what you wish. Have a great day.

author: adauphin
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 22, 2020, 07:22:07 am
content: I purchased the replacement terminals for mine from the ebay link in post #1, worked out perfect. My plan was to get 4 binding posts and cut a piece of thick plastic then join the wires and grounding points. I ended up scratching that idea and went with the replacement ebay parts.I can see that with shipping your choice is different, but the 2.1 works great for and IMO you'll likely not find a better replacement set of speakers for your $50 decision. You may try to DIY four binding posts from Parts Express and find a 1/8" thick piece of plastic like something from a switch box outlet cover. Save the old wire harness and re-solder the ends to the binding posts.

author: Hogwild
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2020, 01:35:26 pm
content: I apologize if I offended anyone. That was not what I intended.$CAD 50.00 hardly seems reasonable in my eyes for a part that normally sells for ~ $USD 3.00 or so.Also, my Promedia 2.1s are now about 14 years old. I'm loathe to spend that much when the caps might also go soon due to age.IF anyone finds out the correct model, or even has photos, I'd appreciate that info.

author: andy3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2020, 03:53:41 pm
content: Try Parts Express. They specialize in all parts related to speakers.https://www.parts-express.com/cat/terminal-plates-cups/321

author: Hogwild
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2020, 07:05:59 pm
content: Thanks. I haven't checked myself, but acc. to a technical support rep. with whom I spoke at PE said he wasn't aware of their having a unit that fit without modifications.

author: Hogwild
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2020, 05:05:02 pm
content: Well, the dimensions appear to be the same, or are at least very close to the Uxcell wp4-7 terminals.Using Google, I can't find anything sor far in North America. Does anyone know where I can get those in the US or Canada? I don't feel like waiting weeks for shipping from Asia right now, and that time could be further delayed due to the pandemic. They're listed on Amazon, but shipped from China.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2020, 05:09:11 pm
content: Quote from: Hogwild on March 22, 2020, 01:35:26 pmWhat capacitors? Those in speaker crossover? DO NOT change them.They don't go bad.. It's not food...

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2020, 05:15:49 pm
content: They're generic, every day crappy speaker terminals. They're about $2 each. Buy some and see if they fit or not. They're all basically the same size.https://www.ebay.com/itm/2Pcs-4-Positions-Push-In-Jack-Spring-Load-Audio-Speaker-Terminal-Panel-Connector/153687703463https://www.ebay.com/itm/2PCS-4-Position-Push-In-Jack-Spring-Load-Audio-Speaker-Terminals-Panel-Connector/202816158694https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Position-Push-Release-Spring-Loaded-Audio-Jack-Speaker-Terminal-USA-SELLER/122291976852https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-4-Position-Push-Release-Spring-Loaded-Audio-Jack-Speaker-Terminal-USA-SELLER/302017524698And on, and on, and on the results go.

author: Hogwild
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2020, 10:18:48 pm
content: Sorry? Capacitors never wear out, you say.Electrolytic capacitors pretty much all wear out evenutally.The electrolytic fluid in them dries out. This is especially true of today's cheap electronics.If you have authoritative evidence otherwise, please post it.

author: 2N3055
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2020, 11:00:50 pm
content: Don't repeat crap you read on Internet without understanding what are you doing.Electrolytic capacitors can last for decades, without major degradation.If you keep them at room temperature, at right voltage, with low ripple current trough them to minimize dissipation etc etc..All bad elko lore is coming from equipment that runs too hot (valve amps 30 years old, or high density power supplies, or stuff that has problematic engineering) running low quality capacitors. None of that crap exists inside speaker cabinet.Second part is that speaker crossovers shouldn't use standard electrolytic capacitors. They should be bipolar elkos or some type of block or film capacitors and those don't go bad unless they were damaged otherwise (electrically or mechanical), but in that case speaker drivers are usually damaged too..

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2020, 11:25:18 pm
content: Anything can wear out, if they really are electrolytic then they may fail at some point but as of yet I've never had to replace a capacitor in a crossover. I've had speaker surrounds deteriorate or come unglued, spiders, voicecoil formers and magnets come unglued on multiple occasions but the crossovers have never caused me trouble.As far as terminals, there are so many small variations that there is no substitute for removing one and measuring it unless you can buy replacements from the manufacture. Get something close and any modification you do have to do should be minor.

author: Hogwild
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2020, 01:38:40 am
content: Thanks everyone. I ordered a set of terminals, and am waiting for them. Because of the pandemic, shipping is extremely slow.

author: Hogwild
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 18, 2020, 04:04:06 am
content: I haven't posted back for a long time, but thought I'd give an update. I ended up using the WP4-7 terminals. However, the solder terminals for those were too wide to fit into the existing Klipsch PCB holes. So I just removed the PCB, put on some silicone caulk and used some machine screws and nuts to hold things down. This seems to be working fine.I wrote up a brief ifixit guide on how I did it here, in case it helps anyone:https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Klipsch+Promedia+2.1+(ORIG.+VERSION)+Speaker+Terminal+Replacement/136313Thanks everyone for you advice.