2. speakers
  3. 191863-197398

Burn Twetter Speaker

This is the second time that the tweeter of one of my Rega RX Five speakers, bought used in a physical store, has burned out.



System Specifications:


 
  • Cabinet Construction: 18mm MDF Real wood veneer
  • Cabinet Design: Band pass enclosure
  • Dimensions (cm) H x W x D: 83.5 x 18.2 x 34.2
  • Weight (each): 16.6Kg
  • Reflex Port: Front ported
  • Impedance: Nominal 6Ω
  • Sensitivity: 89 dB
  • Power Handling: 110w per channel
  • High Frequency unit: Rega ZRR
  • Mid /bass driver (Doped cone): Rega DX-125
  • Side Bass Driver: Rega RR 7.8
  • Type: 2.5 way
I'm using (or was using) them with the Rega Brio-R:

Rega Brio-R Power Output:

Input sensitivities for rated output level:
Input 1 (Phono) input sensitivity = 2.1mV at 47KΩ In p a ra lle l w ith 2 2 0p F .
Maximum Input 1 (Phono) input level = 100mV.
Input 2 to 5 (Line) input sensitivity = 210mV at 47K.
Maximum Input 2 to 5 (Line) input level = 10.25V
Power outputs at 230/115V supply voltage:
50Watts RMS both channels driven into the rated load of 8Ω .
58Watts RMS one channel driven into the rated load of 8Ω .
73Watts RMS both channels driven into the rated load of 4Ω .
93Watts RMS one channel driven into the rated load of 4Ω .
Continued high level use into 4Ω may cause the case to exceed 40° C above the ambient
temperature.



I don't understand if this issue is due to a mismatch with the amplifier since the previous tweeter had already been replaced. i also read in a brochure that "The Rega RX Five speakers, with a power handling of 110W per channel and nominal impedance of 6 ohms, seem to be usable with an amplifier ranging from 30W to 500W, according to the instructions"



However, after reading a couple of articles like this one: Gear4Music Blog and Axiom Audio Blog, it seems that the minimum power of my amplifier may be too low to properly support the speakers.



Since I usually listen at high volumes, though never at maximum volume, I'm wondering if the problem might be due to some sort of clipping or excessive overheating of my Brio amplifier, which then damages the tweeter. I also don't understand why the issue only affects the same speaker each time, and not both.



Maybe an amplifier capable of delivering 100/150/200 watts would be more suitable to support the 110W at 6-ohm impedance of my speakers?



I look forward to your kind response
gio_992
gio_992 OP
2 posts
 

To be a bit more specific, would an amplifier that reaches at least 150/200 watts be more effective with my Rega speakers, helping to avoid clipping? Rega rx five : Impedance: Nominal 6Ω

  • Sensitivity: 89 dB

  • Power Handling: 110w per channel

simplystereo's avatar
simplystereo
18 posts
 

Every response so far is pretty much spot on.

You absolutely need a more powerful amp, and I wouldn't be surprised if you ALSO need speakers that can handle playing as loud at you probably play.  How big is the room you are playing in? 

joshua43214
49 posts
 

To put things another way, you need sensitive speakers for low power amps, or powerful amps for insensitive speakers.

 

For a decent sized room, I start thinking in terms of 200watts for an 89db speaker if I want it loud.
Remember, it takes twice the power to raise SPL by 3dB. If you are trying to listen to something with lots of bass at high volume, you will clip the amp very easily.

 

Here is a nice white paper on the subject from Crown

https://www.crownaudio.com/how-much-amplifier-power

 

bigkidz
3,383 posts
 

2 things  send the tweeter to Bill,. Legal at Miller Sound in PA to see if he can repair and maybe tell you why it keeps burning out

Second thing WPC does not have anything to do with clipping an amplifier.

 

Happy Listening.

elliottbnewcombjr
5,406 posts
 

not saying it isn’t your amp, however some tweeters burn out too easily.

The beloved Dynaudio D21 was OEM Tweeter for the JSE Infinite Slope Model II’s. I got mine used with burnt tweeters, replaced them with Dynaudio 21’s.

Every party my teenage son had cost him $60. when I found a burnt tweeter the morning after. They would have the wrong input, jack the volume up, then finally find the source button with the volume way up: snap, crack, sizzle.

I read about a pair of Focals, ...... with ferro fluid, got them, they sounded awesome, never burnt out, same system, same crazy teenagers.

My friend has some SEAS tweeters in one pair of his Model II’s, and a Morel Tweeter in the other pair he has. They both sound terrific.

There may be recommendations for alternate tweeters for your speakers. I got advice from Madisound in the past, he got advice from John Sollecito (the JS in JSE), and Parts Express.

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