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How bad is the damage to my speakers?

So I bought a Cambridge Audio Azur 851D DAC that can also double as a preamp. While hooking it up to my system (B&W CM10 speakers and Parasound A21 amp), I made a colossal mistake. While streaming music via my iPhone, I had the iPhone volume turned all the way up, and I mistakenly disabled the preamp/volume control section on the 851D, in other words the speakers started blasting at full volume. Obviously, I panicked and it took me at least 5 - 6 seconds to figure out what was going on before I could shut down the 851D. My ears are still ringing and I probably should get them checked out.

My question is how much has this mishap damaged the speakers? I've noticed that the bass is a bit looser since then and the slam is less obvious than before. Is this an expected result? What recourse do I have at this point? The speakers are only 3 months old. Does anyone know if the speakers have any built-in mechanism to protect against such stupid accidents? I'm just livid at myself right now.

128x128arafiq
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
Nice speakers!

You probably did NOT do any damage at all. This is an excerpt from B&Ws marketing literature (for your model):

"Which means excellent timing and control, no matter how loud you’re playing it."

The specs for the speakers indicate recommend amp power is " 30W - 300W into 8V on unclipped programme" 


Your amp is rated at 25O Watt max into 8 ohm.

Unless you drove the amp into clipping there should be no damage. Extremely loud "normal music content" is fine. It might be worthwhile to run a frequency sweep through the speaker (at low volume mind you) to get a sense whether or not there is anything obviously wrong. Also, play some music you are already familiar with and volumes you are accustomed to and form an opinion.

Hope this helps. 




rafael0054
99 posts
 
Hi!I agree with Dill ´s suggestion.If you hear or feel any scraping noise when spring them back, then there is damage, otherwise it´s all ok.Good luck!Raf
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I agree will Dill's suggestion also, to check the woofers for any motion impedance. Also, put your ear close to each tweeter when playing. Most times power spikes fry a tweeter before they damage a woofer voice coil.
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,699 posts
 
Hi all, I really appreciate everyone's feedback. The good news is that the speakers seem to be in good shape. I have listened to the tweeters with my ear against it, as well as tried gently pushing in the woofers. No problems there.

As for the reduction in sound quality, specifically base, I think it might have to do with the new Cambridge Audio DAC that I had bought brand new. After about 20 hours of use, the sound is improving. I'll probably let it burn in for another 30-50 hours before deciding whether to keep it or return it.

Again, I really appreciate the advice.
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