Rebuilding a crossover network for Paradigm Studio 100s?

[Capital]

I have been visiting the forum for sometime but just recently built up the nerve to sign on and say hello.

I work as an insurance underwriter and recently purchased a set of Paradigm Studio 100s (v1) from my company that were involved in a lightning claim. All of the drivers are in good working condition but the crossovers are damaged. There is visible damage to the capacitors (they're domed out on the top) and some of the inductors are clearly burnt. I fear the board itself has been damaged and feel it will most likely be best to start from scratch. However, I am not sure which order crossover to use or if straying from the original crossover plans is a good idea.

I did find an article from SoundStage describing the crossover points.........

"The specific driver compliment of the Studio/100 includes two 215mm (8.5") woofers crossing over to a 170mm (6.5") midrange unit at 250Hz, which in turn crosses over to the 25mm (1") tweeter at 2kHz. The enclosure is vented through a flared low-turbulence port at the bottom of the front baffle. Nominal impedance is reported as 6 ohms, although the actual curve swings from a low of about 3 ohms at 90Hz to a high of just over 17 ohms around 2.2kHz. Sensitivity is 88.5dB (anechoic) for an input of 2.83 volts (1W). Frequency response is claimed to be + or - 2dB from 39Hz to 22kHz. Recommended amplifier power range is from 15W to 350W, though realistically I’d advocate a minimum of 30W to 40W."

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/frank01.htm

I am currently using two Adcom GFA-545s that are vertically bi-amped. I was toying with the idea of buying one more Adcom and doing an active crossover setup but I don't like the idea that I would be committed to buying three new amplifiers if I ever wanted to try something different. Any advice on getting these guys going would be greatly appreciated.

All the best,

Andy

 

[sdclc126]

It is advisable to replace the crossover components with the original values - use poly capacitors - the originals are likely electrolytic. Changing anything about the crossovers would require being able to measure the individual drivers/know their T/S parameters, etc. in order to make any kind of audible improvement, if possible.

If the crossover boards are badly damaged simply replacing the components may not be enough - it is possible there could be short circuit paths in the board now. A schematic of the crossover would really help in this regard, as rebuilding from scratch would be required.

You might also contact Paradigm and see if they have replacement crossovers available - this would likely be the quickest, easiest, and possibly least expensive option.

 

[sreten]

or if straying from the original crossover plans is a good idea.
Andy

Hi,

Its a very bad idea. I'd get some-one who knows what they are
doing to replace the capacitors and check the inductors and PCB.

http://www.paradigm.com/en/paradigm/contact_us/tech_support.php

Presumably would help with component values / spares.

🙂/sreten.

 

[Capital]

Thank you for the advice. I contacted Paradigm directly and I'm waiting for a response. The only thing I was worried about in re-creating an exact copy of the Paradigm crossovers is matching the values on the inductors since they have no markings or indications of their value. The capacitors and resistors are all marked so they shouldn't be a problem.

Thanks again for your help.