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Damaged Dome Mid-Range

I have an Energy Veritas 2.3 with a damaged 2 inch dome mid-range driver. It has been suggested to me that the problem with the driver is related to the diaphragm, voice coil, or both. The symptom of the damage is distortion that is apparent during use. I use the speakers for everything ranging from two-channel to movies. I can be an aggressive listener. The speakers are powered by an Adcom GFA 7000 (for the lower end) and a Denon 2803 (mids and highs). The Denon is obviously also pulling duty for surround processing... The stated power output for each (20-20 / all channels driven) is 130 and 90 watts, respectively. The speakers are rated at 200 watts.

Now to the questions. Is the damage done to the driver likely the result of the Denon clipping during a high output scene during a movie? If this is the case, I can surmise that 90 watts is insufficient? Though I don't think so, is it possible that I have the mid-range and tweeter over powered? Why would the mid-range sustain damage and the tweeter not?

A local dealer suggested that the Denon didn't clip, but sent pure voltage to the speaker and that is what damaged the driver. Don't know what that means. Any credence to this notion? If so, what happens and how do I avoid it?

I know this is a lot to chew. Any brilliant responses appreciated. :)
mordenmail
elevick
2,439 posts
 
Most speakers can handle 200 watts of clean sound. Most can NOT handle 1 watt of distortion. Hard loud was it in your room? The Denon may not be the only culprit, everything together in your system can add up to a little distortion when driven to their limits.
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,333 posts
 
This 2 inch dome is crossed over at 550 Hz. I would suggest you are playing it too loudly (this is not a speaker that can play extremely loud). When you biamp you can send a lot more power to the mid and high. What goes first is just a matter of luck - in this case your tweeter is also working quite hard (crossed over at 2 Khz).

If you are an aggressive listener then get pro speakers or horns - most consumer designs simply can't take it (they are made for consumers - you get nice looks and/or veneer instead of beefy drivers...)
mordenmail OP
23 posts
 
Elevick,

I'm not entirely sure when the damage was done. However, I do watch movies and listen to music at pretty loud levels. I tend to push the volume as close to reference as I feel the system can handle. By reference I mean double zero on the receiver. I never get there, though, and I listen for any strain in the sound (distortion, change in pitch, loss of low-end punch, etc...) faithfully.

If I understand you correctly, you feel that the amplifier section of my system is under-powered? How much power would I need to avoid a repeat of this situation?
mordenmail OP
23 posts
 
Shadorne,

Am I correct that you suggest that I have enough power and may be over-driving the mids and highs?
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shadorne
7,333 posts
 
Shadorne,

Am I correct that you suggest that I have enough power and may be over-driving the mids and highs?

Yes - if you are sending 90 watts to the mid and tweeter alone then this should be more than enough. You really only need the mega watts for the bass drivers...those are the drivers that move most of the air.
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