Tweeter problem :(

[jmdixon85]

I have a Pioneer VSX-D512 AMP that is connected to my PC for all my media use. I'm using Acoustic Solutions PowerForce2000 Speakers as my main front speakers.

Problem is when playing music loud one tweeter goes quieter than the other then eventually goes off.

Thinking it was the actual tweeter I swapped it with the one in the other speaker but the problem still remained with the same speaker

So this must mean it is the tweeter protection on my crossover that is a bit flaky?

I've took the crossover out and took a picture and hopefully someone can identify what component on it is turning my tweeter off. I'm just thinking of bypassing it?

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EDIT: Is it the little blue thing?

Before anyone asks: The AMP is not clipping when this happens. Still sounds crystal clear when the tweeter goes off so I am not overloading the speakers.

[chris661]

The little blue thing is a capacitor. Probably best to leave it there.

How loud is "loud"?

[jmdixon85]

Originally Posted by chris661

The little blue thing is a capacitor. Probably best to leave it there.

How loud is "loud"?

Not that loud really. The tweeter can sometimes turn down even when the volume is it -25. The other speaker never turns down, even when at -15 and it still sounds perfectly clear.

[Fonebones]

Hi,
to me the little blue thingy on the board looks like a Polyswitch.
Condensors on crossovers seldom look like ceramic caps.

Resettable fuse - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Maybe you can try to measure if its resistive or capacitive.

If it is resistive than i would also check that the highpass network is ok cause there must be a reason why this thing is switching off.
Maybe the polyswitch itself is defective , maybe there is some other flaw that causes it to switch.

OK to be true, I would bridge the Polyswitch and would carefuly turn the volume up. Be carefull, without there is no Tweeter protection anymore !

[jmdixon85]

So the "little blue thing" definatly IS the protection component? I don't have a multimeter to test it with (I must get one soon)

I love my music but I've not a DIY audio fan so I'm not sure how to check the highpass network.

If the little blue thingy is the protection system then I would rather try to find a replacement for it rather than bypass it. I will take the crossover out and see if I can find a part number on the "blue thing".

Just looked through that link you supplied. It certainly does look like one of those, it says N075 on it with what looks like =W= above it? I'm having a hard time trying to track one down

Here is a pic: Sorry it is blurry. Had to use cellphone as my camera is away for repair

[jmdixon85]

After reading about polyswitches it seems they do tend to be a bit unreliable after they have "switched" so many times. So I'm playing it safe and I have just ordered some replacements for my speakers as I don't want to risk just bypassing the fuse'

After a little revision I've ordered these: Rapid Electronics - Electrical & Power > Fuses & Circuit Breakers

Not instock yet but aslong as I keep the volume down the tweeter sounds ok.

[wintermute]

Have you tried swapping the speakers left to right on the amp? Just to make sure you don't have a problem with the amp and the polyswitch is actually doing its job properly

Tony.

[jmdixon85]

Originally Posted by wintermute

Have you tried swapping the speakers left to right on the amp? Just to make sure you don't have a problem with the amp and the polyswitch is actually doing its job properly

Tony.

This was the first thing I tried before I swapped the tweeters. AMP 's A-ok!

[picowallspeaker]

I would DEFINITEVELY change the tweeter capacitor with a better one .
and bypass that protection . Now that you know it is in the circuit ,you'll be gentle with your drivers . Different leads space won't be a problem ,as they are usually 4 cm long .Polyester ,polystyrene ,MKT ...anything will sound better than those stock Bipolar Electrolytics .
Edit. this improvement will be audible only if 'revealing' tweeters are used .

[jmdixon85]

I guess you mean this:?



If so what would you recommend replacing it with?

And what is leads space? Like I said I've never done anything DIY when it comes to audio.

oh, and why should I bypass the tweeter protection? Thanks