Crossover to protect speakers

[inbox4]

Unfortunately one of my surround speakers is damaged. I have just finished boxing it up to go to B&W for repair.

I’m guessing it has been damaged by excessive volume. It is the first speaker I have ever damaged. I’ve had my speaker package for while and I don't think I’m listening to films any louder than before though. However, excess volume is the only possible cause I guess?

I would appreciate comments on whether people think I should change my crossover to 100Hz rather than 80Hz to avoid this happening again? Will this add much extra protection and will it compromise the sound?

My speakers are B&W 685, HTM62, DS3 and a BK Monolith all driven by an Anthem MXR-300. (The B&Ws are first generation models, not the new S2s)

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[duaplex]

I doubt the volume level damaged the speaker? Unless you heard distortion or clear discrepencies in the sound at a certain volume?

80hz is the standard recommened for films. But give 100Hz a try and see how you like it. I wouldn't use it for protection of speakers soley, as 80Hz is perfectly safe.

 

[inbox4]

I haven't heard any distortion or an odd noise to suggest something specific damaged the speaker. I just noticed it sounding a bit rattley.

Why do you doubt it was volume that caused the damage? What else do you think it could be? I would like to think I haven't caused it through excessive volume, I just can't think what else it would be?

I have tried the two settings and I prefer the sound with the crossover at 80Hz rather than 100Hz but I would make the change if it meant preventing any future damage.

 

[duaplex]

You would have to push it quite hard for the tweeter to go (tweeter usually goes first) the rattle is a clear sign of damage.

i doubted it because you would normally have warning signs of distortion, which you did not. However if you suddenly turned it way too high, more than normal it can cause the tweeter to cook. But you say you didn't?

B&W are good and they will tell you after tests. Sometimes the wire can come loose too. The speaker may have naturally blown out of fault too. My cm8 tweeter recently went and it wasn't volume level. It simply failed and surprised B&W who requested it for testing.

 

[inbox4]

Duaplex - Thanks for your comments.

The speaker is due to be collected to go back to B&W this afternoon so hopefully I will have their comments soon.

I've put my ear to the speaker to try and identify what was causing the rattle and the tweeter sounds fine. I think the problem is with the yellow, Kevlar mid/ bass drive.

Does anyone have any comments regarding the protection benefits vs sound quality compromises of using a 100Hz rather than 80Hz crossover?

 

[duaplex]

Interesting, keep us posted on the developments.

With regards to compromise - there isn't one really, It all comes down to preference, but technically a crossover point of 100Hz will reroute all frequencies below 100hz to the sub and your sub should be able to cover audio up to 120hz. You will be ok and it really is going to come down to preference.

Remember every guide you read is a starting point and every listener is unique. The book will tell you to set all speakers to small, but some prefer them set to large. The book will tell you to set he crossover 80Hz, but some like it at 60Hz and others at 100Hz. There is no set rule to these things and it really depends on you. Don’t see it as a compromise, because it really isn’t

Interestingly I have found that in smaller spaces a crossover of 100Hz works better for bass management.

 

[inbox4]

Do you think 100Hz offers much additional protection to the speakers over 80Hz?

- I'm really only considering it as I don't want any future damage.

 

[duaplex]

No, I wouldnt be worried about that.

 

[inbox4]

So what was your experience of B&W's after sales service like?

How long did it take them to repair and return the speaker?

Did they charge you much?

Did you have to have tweeters changed in both your CM8s to ensure they were a matched pair?

Going back to your last post, why did you say you wouldn't worry about it? - just because 80Hz is considered text book?

 

[chrisup]

inbox4

i have the B&W 685 Theatre with the 610 sub and I occasionally drive mine loud with my Onkyo 905 and never had problem apart from the cat when I play Aston v Alfas car chase 007 with bullets flying around his head!!