2. speakers
  3. 191863-197398

Burn Twetter Speaker

This is the second time that the tweeter of one of my Rega RX Five speakers, bought used in a physical store, has burned out.



System Specifications:


 
  • Cabinet Construction: 18mm MDF Real wood veneer
  • Cabinet Design: Band pass enclosure
  • Dimensions (cm) H x W x D: 83.5 x 18.2 x 34.2
  • Weight (each): 16.6Kg
  • Reflex Port: Front ported
  • Impedance: Nominal 6Ω
  • Sensitivity: 89 dB
  • Power Handling: 110w per channel
  • High Frequency unit: Rega ZRR
  • Mid /bass driver (Doped cone): Rega DX-125
  • Side Bass Driver: Rega RR 7.8
  • Type: 2.5 way
I'm using (or was using) them with the Rega Brio-R:

Rega Brio-R Power Output:

Input sensitivities for rated output level:
Input 1 (Phono) input sensitivity = 2.1mV at 47KΩ In p a ra lle l w ith 2 2 0p F .
Maximum Input 1 (Phono) input level = 100mV.
Input 2 to 5 (Line) input sensitivity = 210mV at 47K.
Maximum Input 2 to 5 (Line) input level = 10.25V
Power outputs at 230/115V supply voltage:
50Watts RMS both channels driven into the rated load of 8Ω .
58Watts RMS one channel driven into the rated load of 8Ω .
73Watts RMS both channels driven into the rated load of 4Ω .
93Watts RMS one channel driven into the rated load of 4Ω .
Continued high level use into 4Ω may cause the case to exceed 40° C above the ambient
temperature.



I don't understand if this issue is due to a mismatch with the amplifier since the previous tweeter had already been replaced. i also read in a brochure that "The Rega RX Five speakers, with a power handling of 110W per channel and nominal impedance of 6 ohms, seem to be usable with an amplifier ranging from 30W to 500W, according to the instructions"



However, after reading a couple of articles like this one: Gear4Music Blog and Axiom Audio Blog, it seems that the minimum power of my amplifier may be too low to properly support the speakers.



Since I usually listen at high volumes, though never at maximum volume, I'm wondering if the problem might be due to some sort of clipping or excessive overheating of my Brio amplifier, which then damages the tweeter. I also don't understand why the issue only affects the same speaker each time, and not both.



Maybe an amplifier capable of delivering 100/150/200 watts would be more suitable to support the 110W at 6-ohm impedance of my speakers?



I look forward to your kind response
gio_992
mswale
133 posts
 

Might also want to pull out the crossovers and take a looks. If the same tweeter keeps blowing there might be something wrong with the XO. Depending on how old the speakers are, the XO might be worth rebuilding, or at least re-capping. 

waytoomuchstuff's avatar
waytoomuchstuff
1,157 posts
 

@mswale 

" If the same tweeter keeps blowing there might be something wrong with the XO. "

Agreed!  Thus, my statement: "Just curious if it’s the same channel that’s failing?"

Could be a number of technical issues, including the XO, amp, etc.

jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,203 posts
 

It happen to my Tekton impact monitor tweeter because I got so excited listening to the music and increase the volume beyond the speakers can handle. Lesson learned I am care ful now..Cost $200 plus  labor and tweeter.

jerroldls's avatar
jerroldls
33 posts
 

If you read the Stereophile review of the amp, there seems to be some slight mismatch in channel performance. It would be interesting to compare which side has the tweeter fails with the measures for that side in the review. As to the clipping, again this review tested clipping at about 50 watts into 8 ohm and 80 watts into 4 ohms. As speakers in use constantly present variable loads these numbers are "nominal" measures and not absolute. Use them only as comparatives to other like tested products. The OP states he plays at loud levels. His 6 ohm load approximates 65 watts, give or take, at clipping. Remember this is "nominal/static" impedance not music. Musical transients could easily cause this amp to clip at loud levels. I agree with most everyone else that it is time to look for an amp that is better matched to his use habits. An amp comparatively rated at 100 watts or more seems a good upgrade for now and for possible speaker upgrade in the future.

toddsyr's avatar
toddsyr
137 posts
 

About 35 years ago I bought my first decent system. I was young, cranked the hell out of it. Turned it all the way up and just a tweak down when the amp red-lined. I went through tweeters in both cabinets. Paid to heave them replaced. Tech was nice enough to explain to me about Square Wave Damage.

On an oscilloscope, a sound wave should look like a wave. When you overdrive the amplifier, the sound wave shows up without curves, but with horizontal and vertical lines. Like a square.

I didn't hear any clipping or distortion when doing the damage but the damage does occur. I have since learned you don't drive a solid state amp at more than 50% of it's power. Now I have 2 amps and less hearing, LOL!

I'm no audio expert by far, but I have not had a problem with speakers since maintaining the 50% rule.

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