I have large floor standing speakers that are actively biamped using an external active crossover, with the output from the crossover going to one amplifier channel for the woofers, and the output going to another amplifier channel for the mids/tweeters. The output for the mids/tweeters goes to an external passive crossover box to split the mids and highs. The speakers sound great on most recordings, with tremendous detail and transparency, but lately I’ve been noticing a “fuzziness” or “indistinctness” on loud massed strings on some recordings. I’m trying to pin down the cause of what I hear. The possibilities that come to mind are:
- It’s in the recordings, has been there all along, and I’m just paying attention to it now for some reason. I need to pick better recordings.
- Something in the speakers is being overdriven or has gone bad. I’m not playing things at extraordinarily loud volume, but I don’t play things softly either.
- If the second possibility is the case, is it possible that some component(s) in the passive crossovers needs replacing? They’re about 22 years old. I’ve never looked inside the boxes, so I don’t know the details of the construction.
It is unusual for a passive crossover to give the effect you describe.
I would say there is an overload in the recording or overload in the reproduction via the amplifier.
Or, of course, you have a damaged loudspeaker.
Without testing them for myself, I can only guess.
I would say there is an overload in the recording or overload in the reproduction via the amplifier.
Or, of course, you have a damaged loudspeaker.
Without testing them for myself, I can only guess.
Much to be uncertain about here, but I probably wouldn't (as JonSnell above) be so quick to blame the crossover.. Among other things I'd considering acoustic issues. If it has only just happened then I wonder whether you have rearranged something in the room.
In any case, a simple thing you can do is rotate or re-plug your RCAs because they sometimes get dirty.
In any case, a simple thing you can do is rotate or re-plug your RCAs because they sometimes get dirty.
I think it's better to open and inspect for any visible damages such as burnt / charred components, PCB sections etc. If both channels exhibit the same phenomenon then it's possibly something else and not the speakers themselves.
Thanks to all who responded. Although I have not inspected the contents of the crossover boxes, I have run frequency sweeps and test tones, and there is no sign of damage either audibly or viewing frequency graphs. The effect is fairly subtle, and noticeable only on some recordings.
Do I take it then, that the effect I described is very likely not due to crossover components "wearing out", or something similar?
Do I take it then, that the effect I described is very likely not due to crossover components "wearing out", or something similar?
Not directly. It can however indirectly, if an electrolytic capacitor increases in capacitance and lowers the crossover frequency to the tweeter, which responds by producing more harmonic distortion when pushed, which can be audible as a lack of clarity.
I'm not sure what you're hearing, but it could possibly be "coil-rub." Rotate your woofers 180 degrees in the cabinets, or if practical, turn the cabinets upside down and see if you still hear it.
The sound is not coming from my woofers. It's coming from my midrange drivers, which are ribbon panels.
Last edited:
