Hi. I am thinking of changing the tweeters in my speakers. They are currently the Morel MDT30S and are approximately 20 years old or so. I don't know the exact age, as the speakers are second hand, however, they still work. Recently, I accidently pushed in one of the silk tweeters, which were popped back into place via the vacuum cleaner! I tested the tweeter afterwards by playing music and it worked with no distortion.
However, I have had two different responses on what I should do. One retailer said that although the tweeter will work, it will not be the same as before even though it appears with the eye to be ok (there is just the slightest crease on the surface). The second retailer said that as long as there is no distortion and it plays, then it is fine.
Now, I can get hold of a replacement set of the original tweeters but should I look to buy the replacement which is the CAT 308? The specs are very similar to the MDT30S, so would I hear any evidence of an upgrade to the sound? Although the flange on the newer tweeter is wider, I can use the flange from the old tweeter as the screws are in the same position. The CAT308 will be 3 times the cost though!
Discuss!
However, I have had two different responses on what I should do. One retailer said that although the tweeter will work, it will not be the same as before even though it appears with the eye to be ok (there is just the slightest crease on the surface). The second retailer said that as long as there is no distortion and it plays, then it is fine.
Now, I can get hold of a replacement set of the original tweeters but should I look to buy the replacement which is the CAT 308? The specs are very similar to the MDT30S, so would I hear any evidence of an upgrade to the sound? Although the flange on the newer tweeter is wider, I can use the flange from the old tweeter as the screws are in the same position. The CAT308 will be 3 times the cost though!
Discuss!
Can you hear this 'damaged' tweeter. ? I'm sure many will scoff at the crease and say you must replace it. Or replace the pair. It's probably measurable for sure but if you don't notice it under any of your normal listening circumstances.....roll with it!
But if you fancy a dabble with altering your speakers then go for it. That's all apart of the fun why we're here!
But if you fancy a dabble with altering your speakers then go for it. That's all apart of the fun why we're here!
20 years is old but not antique. I have several tweeters lying around that are over 30 years old and measure still acceptable to just fine. Anyway, just replacing tweeters in this price range without verifying the result is quite fruitless. Will it sound different? Sure. Will it sound better? Probably (it's unlikely you will admit that spending a small fortune lead nowhere). Will it measure better? Probably not, the X-over isn't designed for the new combo.
So get yourself to the rescue and measure. Even a simple Dayton IMM-6, a and some source of pink noise that any decent sound generator app does, is better than just trusting your ears. You can thus check the existing units first. They probably are fine.
So get yourself to the rescue and measure. Even a simple Dayton IMM-6, a and some source of pink noise that any decent sound generator app does, is better than just trusting your ears. You can thus check the existing units first. They probably are fine.
Hi Mikeinstereo,
The bottom line is: If it sounds fine, it is fine. If it sounds like the other speaker, you're good.
Not to be a buzz-kill, but there are, and always have been, a lot of people selling retail stereo gear who are nearly clueless. Often, the sum total of their knowledge is reading hifi magazines and maybe going to hifi shows. They're not accomplished musicians and they've never read a pertinent technical paper. (Sorry for being frank.)
After college, I sold a TON of hifi gear for a couple of years 'back in the day'. Kids would sometimes poke a tweeter and push the dome in (especially metal domes). (Where is a parent when you need one?!) If it was a minor dimple (as in your situation), it was just a visual/cosmetic damage, but did not affect the sound. Sure, if I were so inclined, I could nit-pick and say that it affects the dispersion pattern in some tiny way, but that would be silly. There are much greater things to worry about acoustically - maybe the material that your oriental rug is made of, or the texture of the drywall finish. 🙂
I have to say that the second of the two salespeople you mentioned is more realistic than the first.
As long as the suspension isn't damaged, and the voice coil isn't deformed, I would say you're good to go. From your description, and it sounds fine, these aren't issues. Carry on and enjoy the music!
However, in the future, don't use the vacuum cleaner to pull out the dimple! You can accidentally ruin the tweeter. Rather, just use some masking tape (painter's tape) or maybe packaging tape. That way, you'll have much better control over it.
The bottom line is: If it sounds fine, it is fine. If it sounds like the other speaker, you're good.
Not to be a buzz-kill, but there are, and always have been, a lot of people selling retail stereo gear who are nearly clueless. Often, the sum total of their knowledge is reading hifi magazines and maybe going to hifi shows. They're not accomplished musicians and they've never read a pertinent technical paper. (Sorry for being frank.)
After college, I sold a TON of hifi gear for a couple of years 'back in the day'. Kids would sometimes poke a tweeter and push the dome in (especially metal domes). (Where is a parent when you need one?!) If it was a minor dimple (as in your situation), it was just a visual/cosmetic damage, but did not affect the sound. Sure, if I were so inclined, I could nit-pick and say that it affects the dispersion pattern in some tiny way, but that would be silly. There are much greater things to worry about acoustically - maybe the material that your oriental rug is made of, or the texture of the drywall finish. 🙂
I have to say that the second of the two salespeople you mentioned is more realistic than the first.
As long as the suspension isn't damaged, and the voice coil isn't deformed, I would say you're good to go. From your description, and it sounds fine, these aren't issues. Carry on and enjoy the music!
However, in the future, don't use the vacuum cleaner to pull out the dimple! You can accidentally ruin the tweeter. Rather, just use some masking tape (painter's tape) or maybe packaging tape. That way, you'll have much better control over it.
Well, I don’t really want to dabble any further. If a newer tweeter makes a very small if any difference, then I’ll leave alone.
Thank you all for your suggestions. I think I will listen to some music on both headphones and again on the speakers. This should show up any differences.