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Just received my B&W 802's: One tweeter doesn't work - HELP!

After testing many new speakers (Magico A3, B&W 801 D4, Wilson Sasha DAW, others) I realized I really, really just liked the tonal balance of my current B&W 803 D2's. Because of this, I sought out a pair of used 802 D2's, as an upgrade that would have the most similar tonal balance. I found a pair of "mint condition" used B&W 802 D2's for sale online, from a very well-reviewed retail shop. After receiving them, I was actually surprised that the speakers were truly, in fact, in mint condition. Everything about them seemed brand new. However, that was until I tried them for the first time and found that one tweeter produces no sound at all. I triple checked all phase connections, and tried removing the jumpers (the mid-range cut out as expected when I removed the jumpers). My questions: 1) Can anyone tell me the most likely cause of a tweeter failing totally where it produces no sound at all, and yet the speaker and tweeter itself visually appears to be in pristine condition? Loose connection internally? Blown crossover and/or tweeter unit? 2) Further to my first question, how would this issue be addressed? 3) How would most reputable retailers respond in this scenario? I've sent the retailer an email (they are closed for today) indicating the issue, along with photos of my connections to prove correct phase, etc, and also a short video showing a recording in front of the speaker with it's tweeter working properly, and moving to the other speaker where you can clearly hear the tweeter is not making any sound. 4) Would B&W help at all, considering these are older speakers and the fact that I purchased used? 5) Any advice? It's frustrating, because I can tell from what I've heard that these speakers were everything I was hoping for. Less one working tweeter. Thanks....
nyev
sfstereo
215 posts
 

It’s unlikely the crossover since tweeter from your 803D works in the 802D.  Have you measured the resistance of the bad tweeter?  You can measure the one from 803D for reference and compare the two.  Typically it’s between 4 to 8 ohms.  The voice coil may be open.  The wires that connect to the voice coil is super thin and can be damaged easily.  
 

rich

nyev OP
1,031 posts
 

@sfstereo Good idea.  Went to find my multimeter and it’s not in my toolbox!  Will have to hunt for it.  Haven’t used it for a year or so…

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,369 posts
 

I wouldn’t sweat it about crossover damage if it sounds fine.
Just enjoy it. I would insist though to get reimbursed for new twitter. 

jon_5912
605 posts
 

There is a tiny wire to the coil and since the coil moves the wire constantly flexes and eventually will break.  It may be visible, maybe need a magnifying class.  My guess is that it's not fixable, at least not without specialized tools.  I've had a couple of tweeters go this way due to a faulty crossover.  

nyev OP
1,031 posts
 

@sfstereo , found my multimeter. Forgot I had another toolbox. The faulty tweeter, as expected, shows an open load (infinite resistance).

@audphile1 , the retailer has been very responsive even late last night, and has said they will try to figure out how to get me a new tweeter (either through a spare that they have in the shop, or ordering through B&W). If through B&W, the lead time will be very long, I assume.  I'm sure that the retailer must have missed doing a thorough check of the speakers when they acquired them to sell.

@jon_5912 , guessing your theory is correct regarding this tiny wire constantly flexing and eventually breaking. I’m wondering about purchasing a backup tweeter from B&W just in case - I plan to have these speakers for a very long time, as I feel I’ve managed to get to my "lifetime system". But you know how these things go. The replacement tweeter is very expensive though - they list it at over $800 USD (this is just for the tweeter itself, not for the full assembly which I wouldn’t need and is even more expensive). Wonder if I should pick up a spare crossover too!

 

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