Polk audio tweeter “spitty “

J!m

J!m

Veteran and General Yakker
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My precious monitors, that cost no less than $9 (for the pair) sound fine for the most part. But I noticed recently on some material the left tweeter seems a bit sibilant compared to the other.

Anyone have an idea? I thought perhaps the ferrofluid needs to be replaced perhaps? I’ve never done that before, but that doesn’t usually stop me…

Let’s hear your thoughts. F4E2D7D6-2439-4CD9-B868-DD2E68118A36.jpeg
 
First, of course, switch the speakers and hear if the problem is in the amp or in the speaker.

Second, determine if the problem could be a bad crossover cap. I always suspect caps. Caps are evil.

Third, if it really bothers you, shop for a replacement tweeter.
 
So you’d say a cap or the tweeter is/are junk?

Would an oil change help it? I have no experience doing that…
 
Ha!

I saw it on the internet, so…

They pulled the dome off, cleaned the gap, squirted new stuff in, put it back together. But I’ve not done it, and I’ve no idea if that would change things with the sound. I assume so. I was kinda hoping someone else would have experience doing it I could draw on theirs.
 
Well, if I swap cables and the problem follows the cable, and is not resident in the speaker, we then know it's not the speaker.

If it remains in the same speaker, regardless of connection to it, the problem is in the speaker.

Then we could dissect the crossover, and rebuild them both with fresh caps. Probably not a horrible idea anyway, but these are not that old, so not my first thought.

Do these tweeters even HAVE ferrofluid in them? That thought occurred to me today...

I have been ignoring this problem continuously since I noticed it.
 
Once again D3 you have given folks a lot to think about....appreciate it...

Having at least 2 bad 2" mid drivers I have been trying o decide how to duplicate the "scratchiness" I have heard at certain volumes and frequencies...you've given me some ideas....
 
D3, that AP is wayyyy more capable than I am, I have barely scratched its capability and don't understand a lot of it. But what I do understand and use its pretty damn awesome..
 
Lee and 3D, please post your test gear in the thread for vintage meters. That way any guys wanting to get into building, testing and troubleshooting will have a spot to look at various equipment they might want to start accumulating.
I agree with 3D that learning on analog stuff builds a better foundation than jumping straight into expensive digital gear. Obviously there are some exceptions but in general learn to use a wrench before you buy an air ratchet.
 
J!m said:
Well, if I swap cables and the problem follows the cable, and is not resident in the speaker, we then know it's not the speaker.

If it remains in the same speaker, regardless of connection to it, the problem is in the speaker.

Then we could dissect the crossover, and rebuild them both with fresh caps. Probably not a horrible idea anyway, but these are not that old, so not my first thought.

Do these tweeters even HAVE ferrofluid in them? That thought occurred to me today...

I have been ignoring this problem continuously since I noticed it.
Click to expand...
It's probably your cable Jim :-)

Prop the speaker cables off the floor with chopsticks and that usually mellows them out. Perry usually has some advice on this...
 
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