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Tweeter Distortion

I have an old pair of Merlin 2B plus speakers which I love. I know- they are ancient, but great!
Anyway, recently, I begun to hear distortion in the tweeters. It's coming through from all sources. I don't remember blasting music, or even listening to loud music. It is most apparent in vocals, and in some string instruments.
They are biwired with Kimber Kable, and my amp and preamp are all working fine.
Is it possible that both tweeters need to be replaced, or could it be something else?
128x128oilbird
oilbird's avatar
oilbird OP
11 posts
 
I did an experiment, and hooked up my trusty old Superphon Dual Mono preamp, and the distortion seemed to disappear. I'm really starting to think the culprit is the Conrad Johnson PF2 preamp.
It's over 20 years old, and it might need to be serviced.
Also, it could be the interconnects. In re-connecting them to the Superphon, it might have cured the problem?
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
I would start with swapping the interconnects...a lot easier than swapping preamps or getting your CJ repaired. See if it stays quiet. As discussed, i had a problem with my Oppo...and it appears to be that the RCA jacks are loose and there is crackling in the left tweeter as a result. In your case having both tweeters crackle means it is unlikely it is the RCA connection unless both are faulty.

Good luck...sounds like you are getting there.
oilbird's avatar
oilbird OP
11 posts
 
Great idea- will do!
I'll keep you posted
oilbird's avatar
oilbird OP
11 posts
 
I'm thinking with starting with purchasing a contact conditioner.
Any suggestions?
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
i do not use it though many here do. i somehow feel like crackle should not be helped by contact conditioner. crackle strikes me as an electrical/circuitry/capacitor type issue. i could be wrong...does not hurt. just make sure to dry well before reinserting.
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