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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
clearthinker's avatar
clearthinker
1,582 posts
 

I bought the original 801s around 1994.  Some years later both tweeters stopped working close in time to each other.  No misuse, loud volumes, connection pops.

Seems B&W may have a problem with this.  I had them re-tweetered, I thought the cost was high, sold and moved back to full-range electrostatics, where I have remained since.

nyev OP
1,031 posts
 

@clearthinker , after approximately how many years did your B&W tweeters fail?

I’ve placed an order for three replacement tweeters.  Very expensive but I reminded myself I’ve saved much, much more by buying a pair of used speakers instead of a very pricey pair of new ones.  

The store I purchased the speakers from is also immediately sending a tweeter they had on hand, so that I can sell my prior B&W 803’s which are now in need of a tweeter.

As an aside, I never had any issue with my 803’s after owning them for 8 years.

 

 

 

clearthinker's avatar
clearthinker
1,582 posts
 

@nyev    Was around 2000 and hard to remember exactly now.  Say 7 years?

B&W use the same or nearly the same tweeters in most of their top range speakers.  What is the experience with other models?

nyev OP
1,031 posts
 

@clearthinker , wow that is interesting considering I had my 803 D2’s for 8 years with no issue. Maybe they made an improvement in the the D2 generation? As I understand it, the 802, 803, and 800 all use the same tweeter in the D2 range.

I very rarely play music at volumes louder than “moderate”, so if that thin wire connecting the voice coil is the culprit, then perhaps it’s less subject to becoming disconnected and failing at lower volumes.

That said, I really like the sound of this speaker, of this particular generation, paired with my Gryphon Diablo 300. Therefore I may even pick up more spares than the three I’ve ordered. I see them as a very expensive lightbulb that possibly requires changing each 7 years! That’s a $120/year USD cost of ownership. Cheaper than owning a car, at least!

Of note, I’m not so much a fan of any B&W’s other than the D2 generation paired with my amp. I’ve tested the D2 generation on many other amps, and the D3. And D4 range, and found them to have a harsh upper midrange on certain material, but not so with the D2 gen with my amp. I have never found their tweeters to be bright however, as I know many do.

Really enjoying this pairing, and to me it’s worth the investment in spare tweeters…

 

 

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