Tweeter Distortion - ScanSpeak Ring Radiator

[Topend]

Hi,

I have noticed some distortion in my right main speaker which I have isolated to the ring radiator tweeter. It is noticeable on most dynamic music such as the 1812 overture. My left and centre speakers which have the exact same drivers are fine.

I ran all the sound sweeps that came with my Omnimic but could not detect it. I played some more music and it is obvious. I have not used the Omnimic software yet, only the sweeps which I listened to at about half volume on my USP-1 / XPA-2.

My guess is the tweeter is failing. I cleaned any dust to rule that out but the distortion remains. Any suggestions?

Dave.

[Topend]

Not very good lighting but here is a photo of the tweeter.

Attachments:

[sorbe]

www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/ring-radiator-tweeters/
www.parts-express.com/term/ring-radiator-tweeter?srch=ring+radiator+tweeter

Assuming you know how to match impedances and want to replace all 3 of the tweeters in your LCR set.

This appears (visually at least) to be a good match --
www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/ring-radiator-tweeters/sb-acoustics-sb29rdc-c000-4-ring-dome-tweeter/

[DYohn]

Tweeters do fail, especially if they experience over power. A harsh, distorted sound is a symptom of a burned voice coil. I assume your speakers are out of warranty?

Unless you get very lucky and there is a manufacturer's part number on the tweeter's magnet, you are unlikely to be able to find an exact replacement. Most loudspeaker manufacturers use drivers that were made for them and they are seldom the same ones you can purchase commercially. If you can identify the part number, you may be able to find one. If not, you'll have to replace both L and R fronts mains if you want them to match. Also, it may look like a Scan Speak from the front, but that design is also made by Peerless, HiVi, Tang Band, and several other Chinese manufacturers. Again, unless it's marked don't assume it's any particular brand.

You can also try contacting whoever made your speakers and see if they sell replacements, in which case you only need to replace the one...

[garym]

Try swapping the mains (L->R, R->L) and see if the problem follows. That will rule out other components.

Then, as DYohn suggests, try pulling that tweet and look for the manufacturer's P/N on the back of the magnet. You might get lucky and find that it is a commercial model. Looks like this one to me:

www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/ring-radiator-tweeters/scanspeak-discovery-r2604/8330-tweeter-dual-ring-radiator/

[DYohn]

Actually the Krix website says they use a Vifa/Peerless tweeter, so it's likely from their XT25 series. Again, you won't know until you pull it...

[sorbe]

What speakers are these btw? Is it a secret?

[DYohn]

Feb 24, 2013 14:14:57 GMT -5 sorbe said:

What speakers are these btw? Is it a secret?

According to the OP's sig line, Krix Neuphonix mains.

[Topend]

Feb 24, 2013 14:14:57 GMT -5 sorbe said:

What speakers are these btw? Is it a secret?

Krix Neuphonix mains
Krix Epicentrix centre
Krix Tryptix rears

They all use the same tweeter.

Thanks for all the responses. I will remove the tweeter and swap it from another speaker. If this proves it is the tweeter then I will look at replacing it.

I'll report back with the model number. Maybe I could look at replacing them all with a better model. Any thoughts on this?

Dave.

[DYohn]

Feb 24, 2013 14:30:40 GMT -5 Topend said:

Maybe I could look at replacing them all with a better model. Any thoughts on this?

Dave.

Depends on what's in there Dave. If it is a Vifa XT25, the Scan Revelator version has much better off-axis response and sounds a lot brighter since it has a rising response above 10KHz. But they also cost nearly 10X what the Vifa costs. IMO you'd be better off sticking with what the manufacturer designed them to use. I'd call Krix and see how much they would charge you for an exact replacement before I mucked about with other tweeters.

[Deleted]

One other solution would be to swap one of the rear channel tweets for the offending unit in the front. You will be much less likely to notice the problem if the "bad" tweeter is being used in the rear channels...This is a stop gap measure until you can identify a suitable replacement.

-RW-

[Topend]

I removed the tweeter to get a photo. On my way to work now but will swap it out when I'm home.

Dave.

Attachments:

[DYohn]

Vifa XT25, TG30-4-ohm version... $32,25 US from Parts Express or Madisound. You can likely also find it from a loudspeaker supplier in OZ. A very common tweeter.

[garym]

Ya called it, DYohn.

[Topend]

Feb 24, 2013 16:50:12 GMT -5 DYohn said:

Vifa XT25, TG30-4-ohm version... $32,25 US from Parts Express or Madisound. You can likely also find it from a loudspeaker supplier in OZ. A very common tweeter.

Looking at the Madisound website there are a few choices with the ring radiator tweeter. Would any be an upgrade to what I have now?

Dave.

[DYohn]

I would replace it with the exact same part. In fact I'd call Krix and see what their price is (or even if they will just replace it for you free.) The Scan Revelator is considered to be a better tweeter with lower overall distortion characteristics, but for over $300 plus you'd need three, I don't think the difference would be significant enough to be worth the money. But that's just my opinion.

[Topend]

Feb 24, 2013 18:26:41 GMT -5 DYohn said:

I would replace it with the exact same part. In fact I'd call Krix and see what their price is (or even if they will just replace it for you free.) The Scan Revelator is considered to be a better tweeter with lower overall distortion characteristics, but for over $300 plus you'd need three, I don't think the difference would be significant enough to be worth the money. But that's just my opinion.

Thanks for your advice.

Cheers.