tweeter dome dented

fajimr · « **on:** 13 Jun 2006, 04:42 pm »

hi dave....

it's been a while.... I just unpoacked my 1801bs the other day after moving and having them stored while I was building my AKSA amp.. when I unpacked them I noticed that both tweeter domes were 'dented' in the middle.... I thought I had packed them as you originally had but maybe not. Since I am breaking my amp in, I am not sure if there is a sound issue.

Just wondering: 1) if you have seen this before, 2) if there is anything I can do to get them back to their original shape, and 3) if it affects the sound.

thanks

TF1216 · « **Reply #1 on:** 15 Jun 2006, 12:11 pm »

Maybe this is a question for Oskar himself at Hiquphon. He may be able to tell of a trick or two. I wish I was more help!

I have my ideas on how to remove the dent but some ideas are better left unsaid.

Let us know if you have any luck with Oskar. You could always search for a used pair, they can be had for good deals often times.

fajimr · « **Reply #2 on:** 15 Jun 2006, 03:29 pm »

thanks tf121682.. I'll see if I can't contact oskar

jim

David Ellis · « **Reply #3 on:** 16 Jun 2006, 09:22 pm »

I have been there and seen/done that many times. I have small children, and keeping them away from tweeters with no "training" is impossible. Invariably I have experienced 3-4 inverted domes.

The solution is simple - use a vacuum cleaner or any other device to physically suck-out the dome.

Following this procedure I can't measure or hear any change in sound quality/character.

The OW1 has no ferrofluid, so you don't need to worry about sucking this liquid out of the motor-gap. I have mentioned before that "Hiquphon tweeters are child-tested and approved". Your specific situation is precisely what this conveyance addresses. The Hiquphon tweeters can endure many pokings from kids

fajimr · « **Reply #4 on:** 19 Jun 2006, 04:52 pm »

Quote from: David Ellis

I have been there and seen/done that many times. I have small children, and keeping them away from tweeters with no "training" is impossible. Invariably I have experienced 3-4 inverted domes.

funny dave.. I was thinking the same thing this weekend as I was wondering how it could have possibly happened... not my children of course but probably those of friends

I'll try the vacuum cleaner trick... sounds easy enough. thanks!

fajimr · « **Reply #5 on:** 26 Jun 2006, 01:34 pm »

the continued saga.....

I tried a weak vacuum from a neighbor (as I have all wood floors and no vacuum)... to no avail. I'll try a stronger vaccum before I give up. But I did notice some crackling and hissing from one of the tweeters.. I am wondering if this is an artifact of the damage or something else? It only comes when music is playing....

Oskar did get back to me, this is what he had to say:
"It is difficult for me to know if the tweeters have suffered irrevocably.
Normally when the domes stay inside (pushed in) for a longer period, they have suffered badly.
You might be able to have them pulled out again simply by placing your mouth over the opening and suck in and thus draw out the dome again.

If this is not possible, there are no other good advise but for you to buy another pair. I am sorry to say."

So maybe these have been packed away too long with the damage tweeters to revive.... an excuse to buy the new Owl 4s (I have to look on the bright side)??????

cheers
jim

David Ellis · « **Reply #6 on:** 26 Jun 2006, 03:02 pm »

Quote

You might be able to have them pulled out again simply by placing your mouth over the opening and suck in and thus draw out the dome again.

Yep, I have done this too.

Quote

But I did notice some crackling and hissing from one of the tweeters

My hunch is that the physical damage to the tweeter is not limited to the dome. The voice coil probably got pushed and is scratching. I think the tweeter is "toasted".

Quote

an excuse to buy the new Owl 4s

. They are indeed new, but not necessarily better sounding than the OW1. They also aren't a direct swap with the OW1. The OW4 is platinum in color.

I suggest you read these comments: http://www.rjbaudio.com/Audiofiles/Hiquphon%20OW1%20vs%20OW4.html

Dave

fajimr · « **Reply #7 on:** 26 Jun 2006, 05:10 pm »

thanks dave

Oskar told me about the need to change the crossover with the Owl4 so I'll probably just go ahead and replace with the Owl1s.

jim

fajimr · « **Reply #8 on:** 12 Jul 2006, 01:58 pm »

just to follow up... got my new OW1 tweeters from Dave last night (thanks for the great packing job and quick shipping dave!)... dropped them in... and the sweet sound of the 1801bs are back!!! So yes, the domes were damaged- (not sure exactly how: kids, move across the country?) But the fix was relatively painless- at least concerning the manual part of replacing them.