Tips on removing JBL Studio 590 waveguide

[jgs5607]

@fieldcar

Saw your old post about replacing the CD on your 590 and have a question on the process of removing the waveguide.

From the blow up view in the tech manual, it looks like 4 pins locate it and 2 screws secure it.

I figured there was some mastic or adhesive around the perimeter based on what I saw on a video on disassembling the 305 and 308 powered monitors. There was some black sealant of some kind holding the entire baffle on. If I recall, they used heat to soften it and gently pried around the perimeter to take it off.

My concern with the 590 is that heat to soften the mastic may also loosen the vynil wrap in the process.

Any guidance you can give me on the process would be greatly appreciated.

In my case, I am thinking about a CD upgrade since JBL crosses over 400Hz below the recommended minimum for the 2414. One of the 3 notch filters in the crossover is to try to reduce the resonance near the crossover.

I built a Center to go with my 590’s ( since the 520 is a bad joke) using a B&C CD and Faital Pro midbass drivers. Frankly, it is much cleaner and resolving than the 590, and has significantly more output capability, so a CD change to something more capable should help, if done right.

Thanks for any tips you can pass on.

Joe

 

[fieldcar]

Hello,

it looks like 4 pins locate it and 2 screws secure it.

That's correct. Look at the attached photo.

I figured there was some mastic or adhesive around the perimeter based on what I saw on a video on disassembling the 305 and 308 powered monitors. There was some black sealant of some kind holding the entire baffle on. If I recall, they used heat to soften it and gently pried around the perimeter to take it off.

It's some sort of mastic compound or double sided tape. I had to use a heat gun, and from what I recall, I heated the perimeter and shimmed and pried the bottom center of the wave guide slowly until the adhesive released. Taking it slow and having a ton of patience made it so that the vinyl didn't get wrecked. I did ding up a little bit trying to pry from one of t he top corners, but I gave up on that method.

My concern with the 590 is that heat to soften the mastic may also loosen the vynil wrap in the process.

I don't think you'll have any issues with the vinyl if you take it slow. If it does lift off, you could just re-apply it with heat. I don't remember it being too unforgiving by lifting from the square edge.

In my case, I am thinking about a CD upgrade since JBL crosses over 400Hz below the recommended minimum for the 2414. One of the 3 notch filters in the crossover is to try to reduce the resonance near the crossover.

I built a Center to go with my 590’s ( since the 520 is a bad joke) using a B&C CD and Faital Pro midbass drivers. Frankly, it is much cleaner and resolving than the 590, and has significantly more output capability, so a CD change to something more capable should help, if done right.

I love your idea of the DIY center. It sounds awesome. I wouldn't mind seeing a few pics. I ended up going from the 520C, to the 530, then to a monolith 365C. I know what you mean about the 520 being pretty lacking compared to the 590's.

Best of luck with the teardown!

 

[jgs5607]

Hello,

That's correct. Look at the attached photo.

View attachment 428299




It's some sort of mastic compound or double sided tape. I had to use a heat gun, and from what I recall, I heated the perimeter and shimmed and pried the bottom center of the wave guide slowly until the adhesive released. Taking it slow and having a ton of patience made it so that the vinyl didn't get wrecked. I did ding up a little bit trying to pry from one of t he top corners, but I gave up on that method.


I don't think you'll have any issues with the vinyl if you take it slow. If it does lift off, you could just re-apply it with heat. I don't remember it being too unforgiving by lifting from the square edge.


I love your idea of the DIY center. It sounds awesome. I wouldn't mind seeing a few pics. I ended up going from the 520C, to the 530, then to a monolith 365C. I know what you mean about the 520 being pretty lacking compared to the 590's.

Best of luck with the teardown!

The picture of the Center is attached, it is a modified version of Toids Cinema 6. I used a different waveguide and did some crossover component upgrades and mods to match the voicing of the 590's.

The cabinet was built using my old laminate kitchen countertop ( kept it when we went to granite) Since this picture was taken, I stained the plywood edges to finish the appearance.

This 40 lb beast sits above the TV, inverted with the waveguide on the bottom and angled down to aim at the MLP. This keeps the tweeters of the front stage within 1.5' height wise.

A pair of 580's are used for surrounds.

 

[jgs5607]

I finished modifying one of my 590's and it turned out great. Now waiting on a few backorder parts to do the second one.

If you are interested in the modification process and results, it is posted here

https://www.avsforum.com/threads/jbl-studio-590-upgrade-project.3322673/?post_id=63917461#post-63917461