B&W 801 Series 80 tweeters

[turbyfi8460]

I have a pait of B&W 801 series 80 with a blown tweeeter. I hvae searched high and low to get someone to repair it and no one can. B&W no longer carries the part and advises that the newer tweeters in stock are not compatible with the crossovers in my speakers. I enjoy the speakers and don't want to part with them but I am at at dead end. Anyone know how I can bring this problem to resolution?

[David Gatti]

They are a a beautiful speaker, there's gotta be a way!
Is the tweeter removable?

[badman]

Originally posted by turbyfi8460
I have a pait of B&W 801 series 80 with a blown tweeeter. I hvae searched high and low to get someone to repair it and no one can. B&W no longer carries the part and advises that the newer tweeters in stock are not compatible with the crossovers in my speakers. I enjoy the speakers and don't want to part with them but I am at at dead end. Anyone know how I can bring this problem to resolution?

What part of the USA are you in? Some of the more savvy forum members may be able to help you figure out a solution, I know I'd volunteer if you were in SoCal. Basically, we'd remove the 'good' tweeter, test it, and try to find a close match based on that.

[troystg]

I have a pair of "Matrix 805" tweeters sitting in storage.

They have a deeper housing but the actual dome / magnet might be the same.

One dome was pushed in (little fingers ) but I openned the tweeter and pushed it back out with a cotton ball so as to not touch the metal even though it was on the inside.

The other dome is "normal".

They were retired after my child (again little fingers) was dancing too close and knocked the speaker and stand over and the tweeter housing "locking tab" broke.

I was devastated because I LOVED my 805's but alas I love my children more.

Likewise I called the factory and they said replacements, domes nor housings, were available any longer.

I recycled the Kevlar 6.5" mids with ScanSpeak Revelator tweeters and a new REALLY nice LEAP designed and ear "tuned" crossover from Meniscus Audio. Cost premium but got a SUPER premium product back.

Annnny way...

See if my tweeters match yours. Next week I can give you the serial numbers of the 805's enclosures (they are in storage also) and you can call the factory....

I stuffed HiVi 6.5's and the "pod" tweeters in the old boxes with the original B&W crossovers.. Needless to say, that was atrocious sounding.

[turbyfi8460]

I'm in Greensboro,NC. I'm a new member and grateful for the response thus far. It is a removable tweeter that is is housed in a pod on top. I have removed and tested it and confirmed it is the tweeter versus the crossover in the speaker. I would perfer to replace with an exact OEM tweeter if I'm just doing the one and if not I am open to replacing both with a newer comapatible B&W procuct. To the Gentleman with the 805's. I will check with B&W and inquire as to if these would be suitible replacements. Thanks for everyone's feedback!

[frankwm]

I see you've been looking for a long time!
I bought a stock of TX26 ('DM7 mk II') polyamid tweeter diaphragms for my DM7's (top-mounted tweeter - then used 2years later in the 801) - purchased in '78 - precisely due to tweeter failure.
Haven't replaced for some time - though the Kapton former needs checking - as 'bubbling' can appear & 'glue' the diaphragm onto the pole-piece - with treble loss (not surprisingly)..

Yours might have a slightly different tweeter version (not sure if 'series 80' means the 'original' 1979-introduced 801 - the earliest variants had rear contour controls) - but, I think, the TX26 was introduced slightly after that 801 - which may originally have had the doped-cloth diaphragm - as on the DM7) ??

I don't see why, when the 'wire-blow' is just one side, 'you' can't repair it.
Theoretically, after removing from the chassis, some thin wire (wouldn't necessarily have to be coated) would be fed through the existing pin-hole into the coil - slightly part the broken wire from the former - and solder/attach to the new section.
I'm guessing the lead-out wires have a short black plastic 'sheath' fitted (covered with some sticky gunk) - so the 'difficult' part is identifying *which* wire is broken..

In my experience the wire 'blows' at the point it enters through the diaphragm - possibly due to 'rough' handling whilst being assembled.

Absolutely no idea this is any assistance - but I've managed to use my DM7s (modded - also the voice-coils) for 30years now..

[Mos Fetish]

I have 2 x 802 tweeters, one in it's housing, the other just the tweeter itself.

This little bewdy:



Suitable?

[turbyfi8460]

Thanks. I will check with B&W on Monday to determine compatibility. How do the tweeters attach into the speaker housing on the 802?

[Mos Fetish]

The actual tweeter clips onto the tapered rear chamber.

[TopCat]

Really old thread but I have one of these tweeters if someone is looking.