Blown Polk LSI-9 Tweeter. Now what?

24

Comments

  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,731
    edited September 2013
    Parts Express will take it back, so go ahead and order the proper one from Polk.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • grigorianvlad
    grigorianvlad Posts: 69
    edited September 2013
    Thanks. I tried to detach the faceplate from the tweeter, but it has some kind of fancy screw heads I have never seen. How can I unscrew them? Another question, if I order Polks original tweeter, will it arrive with the external faceplate already attached , the one that says "Dynamic Balance"?
    DAC: Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ || Processor: Marantz AV8801 11.2 Ch || Power Amp: Audio Research Reference 75 (75W tube) || Speakers: Magnepan 3.5R / Focal 1037BE || Sub 1: REL 212/SE (1,000W). Sub 2: REL S/3 (400W). Sub 3: Sunfire TS-EQ12 (2,700W). || Cables: Cardas Clear, MIT Matrix & Terminator || Power: PS Audio PowerPlant P5 || Headphones: HifiMan HE560 || Turntable: Pro-Ject RPM5 w SoundSmith Zephyr MKIII || Phono: Gold Note PH-10 + PSU-10 .
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  • sk88
    sk88 Posts: 159
    edited September 2013
    I took off the faceplate and there is no glue. Picture shows the screwdriver bit I used which I believe can easily be found at local hardware stores.

    20130924_223323.jpg
    • Online - Focal Solo6 BE, Polk PSW10, Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP, Lenovo x220t
    • Music/HT - Lsi25, Lsi9 (Vr3), Lsi7, LsiC, Pioneer SC-68 & BDP-62FD, PS3
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  • sk88
    sk88 Posts: 159
    edited September 2013
    This is where I got the LSi and Vifa XT25 tweeter information, but I don't know how reliable it is. Maybe someone has a first hand information can chime in.

    http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/speakers/messages/82119.html
    • Online - Focal Solo6 BE, Polk PSW10, Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP, Lenovo x220t
    • Music/HT - Lsi25, Lsi9 (Vr3), Lsi7, LsiC, Pioneer SC-68 & BDP-62FD, PS3
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,774
    edited September 2013
    That is very interesting about the faceplate coming off so easily.

    I would be interested in measuring a stock LSi tweeter and a stock XT25 tweeter to see if they are the same. If they are regardless of what Polk advertises, that is a more affordable replacement. I am curious though to see if the XT25 faceplate comes off so easily.
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,659
    edited September 2013
    So does that diaphragm/voice coil on the tweeter just lift off the magnet assembly? that is how the older Peerless tweeters I used to use exchanged the VC for new and back in business.....

    should just be torx screws right...nothing special there.
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  • grigorianvlad
    grigorianvlad Posts: 69
    edited September 2013
    I will test both tweeters (LSI-9 and XT25) using the most sophisticated frequency detection tool available on the market - my ears. Since they cant hear anything above 12.5HKz the results will not be rather dubious at best.
    Arriving tomorrow (not the ears, the tweeters)!
    DAC: Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ || Processor: Marantz AV8801 11.2 Ch || Power Amp: Audio Research Reference 75 (75W tube) || Speakers: Magnepan 3.5R / Focal 1037BE || Sub 1: REL 212/SE (1,000W). Sub 2: REL S/3 (400W). Sub 3: Sunfire TS-EQ12 (2,700W). || Cables: Cardas Clear, MIT Matrix & Terminator || Power: PS Audio PowerPlant P5 || Headphones: HifiMan HE560 || Turntable: Pro-Ject RPM5 w SoundSmith Zephyr MKIII || Phono: Gold Note PH-10 + PSU-10 .
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,659
    edited September 2013
    grigorianvlad wrote: »
    I will test both tweeters (LSI-9 and XT25) using the most sophisticated frequency detection tool available on the market - my ears. Since they cant hear anything above 12.5HKz the results will not be rather dubious at best.
    Arriving tomorrow (not the ears, the tweeters)!

    Let me guess Ears are on backorder?
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  • grigorianvlad
    grigorianvlad Posts: 69
    edited September 2013
    Nobody carries my particular model anymore. Obsolete. Why do I bother with the tweeter replacement ? Remove them both I wouldn't tell the difference anyway. But I'd rather wait till my eyes give out so I won't see the empty tweeter holes. Then I will be all set.
    DAC: Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ || Processor: Marantz AV8801 11.2 Ch || Power Amp: Audio Research Reference 75 (75W tube) || Speakers: Magnepan 3.5R / Focal 1037BE || Sub 1: REL 212/SE (1,000W). Sub 2: REL S/3 (400W). Sub 3: Sunfire TS-EQ12 (2,700W). || Cables: Cardas Clear, MIT Matrix & Terminator || Power: PS Audio PowerPlant P5 || Headphones: HifiMan HE560 || Turntable: Pro-Ject RPM5 w SoundSmith Zephyr MKIII || Phono: Gold Note PH-10 + PSU-10 .
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,659
    edited September 2013
    grigorianvlad wrote: »
    Nobody carries my particular model anymore. Obsolete. Why do I bother with the tweeter replacement ? Remove them both I wouldn't tell the difference anyway. But I'd rather wait till my eyes give out so I won't see the empty tweeter holes. Then I will be all set.

    or hear that echo o o oo...LOL
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  • grigorianvlad
    grigorianvlad Posts: 69
    edited September 2013
    Can't hear you. Speak up, darn it!
    DAC: Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ || Processor: Marantz AV8801 11.2 Ch || Power Amp: Audio Research Reference 75 (75W tube) || Speakers: Magnepan 3.5R / Focal 1037BE || Sub 1: REL 212/SE (1,000W). Sub 2: REL S/3 (400W). Sub 3: Sunfire TS-EQ12 (2,700W). || Cables: Cardas Clear, MIT Matrix & Terminator || Power: PS Audio PowerPlant P5 || Headphones: HifiMan HE560 || Turntable: Pro-Ject RPM5 w SoundSmith Zephyr MKIII || Phono: Gold Note PH-10 + PSU-10 .
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  • grigorianvlad
    grigorianvlad Posts: 69
    edited September 2013
    "Is that tweeter on?"
    DAC: Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ || Processor: Marantz AV8801 11.2 Ch || Power Amp: Audio Research Reference 75 (75W tube) || Speakers: Magnepan 3.5R / Focal 1037BE || Sub 1: REL 212/SE (1,000W). Sub 2: REL S/3 (400W). Sub 3: Sunfire TS-EQ12 (2,700W). || Cables: Cardas Clear, MIT Matrix & Terminator || Power: PS Audio PowerPlant P5 || Headphones: HifiMan HE560 || Turntable: Pro-Ject RPM5 w SoundSmith Zephyr MKIII || Phono: Gold Note PH-10 + PSU-10 .
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  • grigorianvlad
    grigorianvlad Posts: 69
    edited September 2013
    The replacement tweeter arrived. I took it out of the box and noticed that it is much heavier than Polks.
    It took me 5 mins to attach it.

    Here are the pics.
    The one on left is XT25 (taller). It fit in like a glove (not like the one in OJ Simpson trial, I did not have to push it or tilt it), fit in really smoothly. It is much taller , but there is plenty of empty space in the enclosure.
    All holes aligned.

    I turned the power amp back on and sound was perfect! No difference from before.

    I will run some high frequency tests with a meter later on.


    For now let me thank you everyone and especially sk88 who suggested this particular brand. He saved me around $80 and I am on cloud 9!
    DAC: Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ || Processor: Marantz AV8801 11.2 Ch || Power Amp: Audio Research Reference 75 (75W tube) || Speakers: Magnepan 3.5R / Focal 1037BE || Sub 1: REL 212/SE (1,000W). Sub 2: REL S/3 (400W). Sub 3: Sunfire TS-EQ12 (2,700W). || Cables: Cardas Clear, MIT Matrix & Terminator || Power: PS Audio PowerPlant P5 || Headphones: HifiMan HE560 || Turntable: Pro-Ject RPM5 w SoundSmith Zephyr MKIII || Phono: Gold Note PH-10 + PSU-10 .
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  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,779
    edited September 2013
    Just a guess but it looks to me like the replacement has a bucking magnet on it for shielding.
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  • grigorianvlad
    grigorianvlad Posts: 69
    edited September 2013
    It is shielded, yes. What does that mean? Is it better than the original? How? Thanks
    DAC: Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ || Processor: Marantz AV8801 11.2 Ch || Power Amp: Audio Research Reference 75 (75W tube) || Speakers: Magnepan 3.5R / Focal 1037BE || Sub 1: REL 212/SE (1,000W). Sub 2: REL S/3 (400W). Sub 3: Sunfire TS-EQ12 (2,700W). || Cables: Cardas Clear, MIT Matrix & Terminator || Power: PS Audio PowerPlant P5 || Headphones: HifiMan HE560 || Turntable: Pro-Ject RPM5 w SoundSmith Zephyr MKIII || Phono: Gold Note PH-10 + PSU-10 .
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,659
    edited September 2013
    grigorianvlad wrote: »
    It is shielded, yes. What does that mean? Is it better than the original? How? Thanks

    Keeps magnetic field from affecting CRT TV's the original was NOT shielded. Better than the original will that depends but I would say you're splitting atoms there....as in at most small amount better but just by a magnet. I would like to see someone test two side by side to see just how much difference there actually is. Wonder if Polks (replacement) Tweeter after all these years look like the Vifa more so now than what was in your speaker cause you can sure see a difference in the face for sure.
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  • grigorianvlad
    grigorianvlad Posts: 69
    edited September 2013
    I can tell you for sure that the XT25 is better. Not measured anything.
    There is a CD called The Best of the Art of Noise. Track #5 is Peter Gun (The Twang Mix) Featuring Duane Eddy. It has crazy stereo effects (yeah, those eighties!). About 2 minutes in there is high a high sound - I dont know what it is, not cymbals, but something of the kind) that travels from left to right and back 6-7 times. It is for sure an identical sound, just mixed to create an illusion that it flies from left to right speaker and back a few times. This is not a tape, so we can exclude head misalignment.
    It is much cleaner and articulate in the left speaker with the XT25, I would say almost feels like it is louder as well.
    Wow. So, the replacement is both CHEAPER and BETTER!
    I am upgrading the working tweeter for sure.
    DAC: Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ || Processor: Marantz AV8801 11.2 Ch || Power Amp: Audio Research Reference 75 (75W tube) || Speakers: Magnepan 3.5R / Focal 1037BE || Sub 1: REL 212/SE (1,000W). Sub 2: REL S/3 (400W). Sub 3: Sunfire TS-EQ12 (2,700W). || Cables: Cardas Clear, MIT Matrix & Terminator || Power: PS Audio PowerPlant P5 || Headphones: HifiMan HE560 || Turntable: Pro-Ject RPM5 w SoundSmith Zephyr MKIII || Phono: Gold Note PH-10 + PSU-10 .
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  • sk88
    sk88 Posts: 159
    edited September 2013
    Glad to see that it works well for you. I might try the tweeter upgrade too someday.
    • Online - Focal Solo6 BE, Polk PSW10, Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP, Lenovo x220t
    • Music/HT - Lsi25, Lsi9 (Vr3), Lsi7, LsiC, Pioneer SC-68 & BDP-62FD, PS3
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,659
    edited September 2013
    grigorianvlad wrote: »
    I am upgrading the working tweeter for sure.

    yep I'd do that also. glad to know it work and match's well
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  • blehmbo
    blehmbo Posts: 179
    edited September 2013
    Hm, ever figure out why your tweeter blew? Insufficient amplifier? Treble boost?
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  • grigorianvlad
    grigorianvlad Posts: 69
    edited September 2013
    The power amp is Emotiva XPA-3 (300W into 4ohm).

    http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/amplifiers/products/xpa-3

    Doubt is was the power. I have not blasted the speakers lately. Unless it went dead a day or two before and I simply did not notice at low volume?
    DAC: Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ || Processor: Marantz AV8801 11.2 Ch || Power Amp: Audio Research Reference 75 (75W tube) || Speakers: Magnepan 3.5R / Focal 1037BE || Sub 1: REL 212/SE (1,000W). Sub 2: REL S/3 (400W). Sub 3: Sunfire TS-EQ12 (2,700W). || Cables: Cardas Clear, MIT Matrix & Terminator || Power: PS Audio PowerPlant P5 || Headphones: HifiMan HE560 || Turntable: Pro-Ject RPM5 w SoundSmith Zephyr MKIII || Phono: Gold Note PH-10 + PSU-10 .
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  • RamZet
    RamZet Posts: 792
    edited September 2013
    "wow. can't hear anything over 12.5khz? I thought mine ears were bad when I found out that I couldn't hear anything over 16.5khz. I believe, on average, we lose 1khz/decade."



    -When i was in high school you could get a ringtone like that. the older teachers couldn't hear it but the younger students could. it was funny for about a week.
    B&W CM9Classé Sigma
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,731
    edited September 2013
    It is much cleaner and articulate in the left speaker with the XT25, I would say almost feels like it is louder as well.

    Considering that Polk tweaked the tweeter to their liking, which most likely means a more balanced sound over all, I wouldn't say your impression means the new tweeter is better as you have now changed the balance Polk intended.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited September 2013
    A few things. The face place on newer Vifa tweeters can be removed easily, I've done so recently.

    Second, the version of the XT25 you ordered(there are multiple versions) is more efficient than the rest, which is why things sound different. If I were you, I would either return that model for the correct one or purchase a second one so they at least match.

    Third, I'm surprised the XT25 works with Polk's simple crossover filter. Which leads me to believe the Polk version is tweaked to avoid the annoy FS hump that many Vifa and Scanspeak tweeters suffer from. If anyone has a spare Polk LSi tweeter, I can take measurements to confirm if it is or is not a stock XT25(TG30).
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Polk&Beans
    Polk&Beans Posts: 94
    edited September 2013
    VR3 wrote: »
    The XT25 is a round faceplate.

    The Polk tweeter is more like a rectangle with rounded sides...

    You could probably make shift the faceplate by cutting off the top and bottom of the tweeter...

    Or, Just unscrew the faceplates, remove and swap...
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,774
    edited September 2013
    It did not use to be that simple...

    I am glad this all worked out
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,731
    edited September 2013
    Wow. So, the replacement is both CHEAPER and BETTER!

    Well, NO. As I suspected and Face has confirmed, it is the WRONG tweeter.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • grigorianvlad
    grigorianvlad Posts: 69
    edited September 2013
    How is it wrong? What should have I ordered (barring Polk's own)? Thanks.
    DAC: Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ || Processor: Marantz AV8801 11.2 Ch || Power Amp: Audio Research Reference 75 (75W tube) || Speakers: Magnepan 3.5R / Focal 1037BE || Sub 1: REL 212/SE (1,000W). Sub 2: REL S/3 (400W). Sub 3: Sunfire TS-EQ12 (2,700W). || Cables: Cardas Clear, MIT Matrix & Terminator || Power: PS Audio PowerPlant P5 || Headphones: HifiMan HE560 || Turntable: Pro-Ject RPM5 w SoundSmith Zephyr MKIII || Phono: Gold Note PH-10 + PSU-10 .
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,731
    edited September 2013
    Face already stated why, but here it is again.
    Second, the version of the XT25 you ordered(there are multiple versions) is more efficient than the rest, which is why things sound different

    In other words, being more efficient it has thrown the balance of the speaker off, therefore it's the wrong tweeter.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • Polk&Beans
    Polk&Beans Posts: 94
    edited September 2013
    VR3 wrote: »
    That is very interesting about the faceplate coming off so easily.

    I would be interested in measuring a stock LSi tweeter and a stock XT25 tweeter to see if they are the same. If they are regardless of what Polk advertises, that is a more affordable replacement. I am curious though to see if the XT25 faceplate comes off so easily.

    They are the same except the face plate. Take FACEs advise and get 2 to match though! Still 1/2 price!

    after looking at your pics, you should have chosen the "non sheilded" one dont know the part# off-hand but PE has it also
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