Quick & Easy Guide to Replacing Your PA Speaker

Are your PA speakers sounding less crisp and responsive? It might be time for a replacement or upgrade — and the good news is, it only takes 10 minutes! Here’s a simple five-step guide to swapping out your PA speaker:

How to Replace or Upgrade Your PA Speaker:

1. Remove the grille and unscrew the eight or ten speaker retainers.
2. Lift the speaker out carefully and disconnect the red (positive) and black (negative) wires.
3. Connect the new speaker by attaching the red (+) and black (–) wires while holding the speaker frame.
4. Align the driver with the fittings and secure it diagonally to ensure even pressure.
5. Replace the grille and test the speaker at a low volume to check for proper sound.

Why Do PA Speakers Fail?

Understanding why PA speakers wear out can help you extend their lifespan and avoid unexpected failures. Here are some key insights:

1. Aging cones: PA speaker cones are typically made of paper, which deteriorates over time — especially for touring bands or mobile DJs exposed to extreme temperature changes and physical wear.
2. Plastic vs. Plywood: Plastic speaker baffles can twist, causing the steel basket to shift out of alignment, leading to driver failure. Plywood baffles are more rigid and reliable.
3. Overloading: Pushing a PA speaker beyond its capacity is the most common cause of failure. Speakers need time to acclimate — much like breaking in a car engine — so “running in” your speakers improves their performance and durability.
4. Breaking them in: The longer you “run in” your new speakers, the better they’ll perform over time, ensuring smoother sound and longer life.
5. Power ratings explained: Know the difference between RMS, Programme, and Peak Power ratings. For example, a 500W RMS speaker equals 1000W Program Power or 2000W Peak Power. Understanding these numbers prevents overloading.

Need a Replacement Speaker?

Many plastic speaker drivers are underpowered and prone to failure — often due to cost-cutting by factories in the Far East. If you’re noticing poor sound quality or speaker damage, it might be time for an upgrade.

At BishopSound, we stock high-quality replacement speakers for all brands and models of plastic PA speaker cabinets. Whether you’re a touring band or a mobile DJ, we have the right fit for your setup.

Have questions or need help choosing the perfect replacement speaker? Give me a call — I’m happy to guide you through the process.