I have a question for TREF and T1.r owners: Has anyone removed the socks on the front and sides?

Context: Long-time triton two owner, and as I’ve replaced the amps four times so far - I’m pretty comfortable working on these speakers (kudos to GE service & parts though). At one point I fully removed the socks and decided that I preferred the look, even if the shell is unfinished.

Enter the recent closeout pricing on T1.r’s - so I bought a pair (delivery TBD). I’m pretty sure they have steel grills on the front & sides, and sans sock would look similar to the T66 and super-sub series. Disclaimer: yes, I understand they are voiced with the intention of having the sock in place, no this stipulation doesn’t bother me.

So, has anyone removed the socks but continued to run their TREFs or T1.r’s with grills?

Hi Timecop, You can certainly remove the grilles used on the Triton Reference and Triton One.Rs without any issues. Please contact GoldenEar's customer service group. They can email you a copy of the instructions for how to do this. You can reach them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 1-949-800-1805 (M-F 9-5:30 Eastern Time). Happy Listening!

Thanks - I did as you suggested, and the procedure was simple to follow.

Time Cop: did they sound better or worse with the grill removed?

Chet sent me an email on how to remove the grilles on the TRefs...way to much work. Going through Chemo right now and have lost 20 lbs in 25 days. Physically...No. I've lived with with the TRefs since August 2017 with the grilles on...on they will stay. Great sounding speakers.

anthem wrote:

Chet sent me an email on how to remove the grilles on the TRefs...way to much work. Going through Chemo right now and have lost 20 lbs in 25 days. Physically...No. I've lived with with the TRefs since August 2017 with the grilles on...on they will stay. Great sounding speakers.

I had to remove the TRef grill on both speakers at one point to replace blown tweeters. It's doable. Would have been a better design though had the front grills been magnetically affixed, like the side passive radiator covers. That would also have made it easier to tweak the sound (to your preference whether you like it better on or off while listening) and also protect them when needed (by leaving the grills on).