Reader's Query:

[Andrew]

Greetings to all!

My system consists of NAD C340 Amp, Marantz CD6000OSE, NAD T550 DVD & Acoustic Energy AE109 Floor standers, Cable talk & Cable talk 3.1

I keep having a problem with my speakers, the mid base unit keeps tearing especially the right-h side, even though the volume has not gone beyond 11o clock.

I have replaced the drivers several times with originals. In one case I had to replace all mid drivers for both speakers.

I'm desperate to know what the problem is, I really need assistance with this one.
Your assistance will help me tremendously!!!
Amitai

Ideas anyone...?

[Antman]

At the 11 oClock position, the amp is pretty much running flat out, and depending on what music is being played, it's quite possible that the amp is simply overdriving the speakers, I have seen this many times before and it is normally a case of expecting too much from the system - any more information from the reader?

[Andrew]

Thanks Antman, I've asked the reader to come to the forum.

[skinnyfat]

Greetings to all!

I have replaced the drivers several times with originals. I

At the risk of sounding condescending (which I am not) are you sure you are doing this correctly ? Sounds to me like clipping could the culprit, have you tried the speakers on a different amp and then play them to the same volume levels ?

[DRNB]

At the 11 oClock position, the amp is pretty much running flat out, and depending on what music is being played, it's quite possible that the amp is simply overdriving the speakers, I have seen this many times before and it is normally a case of expecting too much from the system - any more information from the reader?

I'm not disagreeing with you Antman, but in my experience most amps are at full power at 1 to 2 o clock. But as you're saying, depend on the kind of music.
If not driven into clipping, I also doubt if the Nad C340 would be able to overdrive the speakers. But I haven't checked the specs on any.

I'll have to agree with Skinny here, - try a different amp and see what happens. But before that, wait and see what others might think. 

[Byrd]

It seems that the amp @75 Watts into 6Ohms and the speakers rating of 125Watts Max  (I couldn't find a nominal rating) should be pretty well matched.

Most amps I have found are designed to give maximum output without clipping at 12 o'clock so I dont think that that is the prob either. Usualy clipping will show as toasted voice coils

Got any kids / cats

Seriously though, are the speakers in a hot / humid environment? Do they spend a lot of time in the sun? Maybe there is some sort of intermittant problem with the amp?

Could the reader perhaps some pictures of the damaged drivers?

[Shonver]

I keep having a problem with my speakers, the mid base unit keeps tearing especially the right-h side, even though the volume has not gone beyond 11o clock.

I have replaced the drivers several times with originals. In one case I had to replace all mid drivers for both speakers.

2 issues:

1. Poor quality speakers. I have never played a speaker to the point that it actually tears(!). The voice coil will burn out (electrical overload) before any mechanical failure.
2. You are likely overdriving them.
3. (OK, 3 points) Get other speakers.

But I wonder about your habits: if you are playing your system so loud, surely it would be distorting? Either because the amplifier is clipping, or because the speakers can't take anymore. Did you notice any reduction in sound quality at these volumes?

Lastly, one explanation why one might want to/have to play a system full out is when the system is too small for the room (or vice versa). Something to consider...

[Shonver]

It seems that the amp @75 Watts into 6Ohms and the speakers rating of 125Watts Max  (I couldn't find a nominal rating) should be pretty well matched.

Power ratings can be very misleading. My Yamaha speakers have a 12" woofer, 8.5cm midrange and 22mm tweeter. They are rated at 100WRMS. Compare that to these that have two 5" woofers. I would guess that those AE speakers are around 30-60WRMS jobbies in reality.

But I agree that this is not necessarily a mismatch. I hope that Amitai can tell us more about his setup.

[Antman]

The regular 'tearing' of cones does point to something being dreadfully overdriven or else it's the lesser spotted cape weevil at work again! 

[Ami]

here are more details of my system and setup:-
Nad C340 amp, 50wpc
Marantz CD6000ose source
Nad T550 DVD
Acoustic energy AE109 Floor standers
Sensitivity 91db
Impedance 6 ohms
power handling 125 watts
Bi wired with cable talk 1.3
Cable talk interconnects
hopefully this information will evoke more wise words from the tribe elders.

I love you anyway!

[Gliding Dutchman]

I love you anyway!

"What's love got to do with it?" .... 




sorry - just had to... this song by Tina Turner is a good reference track... he-he! 

GD

[Byrd]

So Ami
- how load do you play em?
- Did you notice major distortion before the tearing?
- Over what time period has this happened?
- Can you take a picture of a torn driver and post it here? A picture is worth a 1000 words!

[Shonver]

hopefully this information will evoke more wise words from the tribe elders.

I love you anyway!

Hi Ami

I bet you never figured on meeting such an honest bunch? Welcome!

[skinnyfat]

hopefully this information will evoke more wise words from the tribe elders.

I love you anyway!

With such politeness, good manners and affection, could it be that we have our first lady member ? ? ?

If not, I'll just remove this boot from my mouth now LOL

[Shonver]

err.. Skinny.. men can also love....

And I don't think that girls abuse equipment like us guys... except in a group ... on a ladies night out... when no-one else (read men) is about.... and it's not their own equipment... but that of their brothers'... or ex-boyfriend.