Help I think I blew a tweeter.


A couple of days ago I noticed the solo folk singer was coming out of the left speaker instead of the TV. After turning off the "Pure Direct," I put all the signal to one speaker and then the next. Sure enough the right speaker sounded all muddled with no treble. I've been experimenting with bi-wiring, so I disconected everything and reconnected. I opened up the speaker to see if any wires were hanging, there were none. I also switched speakers. The same speaker stayed muddled. I'm afraid I've blown a tweeter. I've never had the amp (80 wpc) up even to a third of the volume. The B&W 601's should have handled that OK. However, I do have a 17 yr. old son who uses the stereo before I get home in the afternoon. He's a drummer in a rock band.

Can you tell from my description what is wrong? If it's a blown tweeter, is that something that can be fixed, and would it be cost effective? Fortunately, I bought this first system on the cheap so I could experiment. I can afford a lot better if I have to. What do you think?
baileyje
In my experience, B&W tweeters seem to "pop" more often than those found in other reputable brands. As such, your tweeter probably is "kaput". As you surmise, it probably was your son but no way to know for sure. Have mercy on him though as i remember being in a similar situation when my Dad had his system and i used to use it : )

With most of the earlier B&W's, one could simply swap diaphragms and be done with it. This is not difficult so long as you aren't a complete "fumble fingers" type of person. If you contact B&W and the speakers are still under warranty, they might even cover this.

My suggestion is to replace both tweeters at the same time. This will maintain a balance between speakers. Should you ever blow another tweeter, you'll have a spare that is already "broken in" similar to other that was left operational. Sean

PS... Sounds like your son needs a system of his own. My first "system" was probably the best gift i ever received. Then again, you can see where that led, so be careful... : )
Thanks Sean,

My plan is to tell my son if he can fix it (I'll buy the parts) he can have it. I wouldn't give him grief about it. I remember my days playing in a rock band in the 60's. He's no different, and he's a better musician to boot. It'll be a win/win situation. He'll get a stereo and I'll get to upgrade.
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Sean, you really think B&W is going to give him a matched pair? Unless they STRONGLY allude to this possibility I'd just replace the one tweeter. Its surround will break-in eventually to match the opposite side. Sensitivity matching is more about # turns in the coil and gapping, no?