RT2000p tweeters scratchy blown?
DoubleDD
Posts: 2
Hi. First post in about 8 years (couldn't remember my old login).
I purchased my RT2000p speakers new in 2000 along with an Onkyo TX-DS676 receiver (and CS400 center and FX/500 Rears).
Lately I've been listening to some audiophile recordings (DCC gold Roy Oribison, Doors, Bob Dylan, Beach Boys, mofi golds, early japanese pressings and west german pressings of some of my favorite artists) and noticed definite distortion / scratchy / sibilance sounds in certain frequencys. I believe it's in my tweeters because "S" sounds and very high pitch vocals (like certain beach boys falsetto sounds) sound all wrong. Some cymbol crashes sound scratchy as well. I notice it more in these recordings than standard-issue modern recordings for some reason. It's not in your face obvious, but to me it's all I can hear when I critically listen anymore.
I have a few questions around this. First would be, how do I determine if its my tweeters (or midrange drivers?) or an amplification problem. Second would be what are my replacement options? I'm willing to pay for an "upgraded" tweeter/driver if it will fit, match everything else tonally, etc. I don't think the tri-lam tweeter I use is available anymore. I don't want anything that will sound worse, and hopefully there are newer, better replacement options that will not be overly bright and will sound "amazing."
I was thinking about swapping the tweeters from my FX500's to the RT2000's since I use my system for 95% music 5% movies / surround audio but I don't think they are the same size.
Looking for my options here. Been wanting to upgrade / buy new speakers but with 2 kids under 3, that won't happen for YEARS. I am willing to upgrade the components in the spears to whatever will work best though.
Sorry for the long post, lots of stuff to say though.
Thanks for help!
I purchased my RT2000p speakers new in 2000 along with an Onkyo TX-DS676 receiver (and CS400 center and FX/500 Rears).
Lately I've been listening to some audiophile recordings (DCC gold Roy Oribison, Doors, Bob Dylan, Beach Boys, mofi golds, early japanese pressings and west german pressings of some of my favorite artists) and noticed definite distortion / scratchy / sibilance sounds in certain frequencys. I believe it's in my tweeters because "S" sounds and very high pitch vocals (like certain beach boys falsetto sounds) sound all wrong. Some cymbol crashes sound scratchy as well. I notice it more in these recordings than standard-issue modern recordings for some reason. It's not in your face obvious, but to me it's all I can hear when I critically listen anymore.
I have a few questions around this. First would be, how do I determine if its my tweeters (or midrange drivers?) or an amplification problem. Second would be what are my replacement options? I'm willing to pay for an "upgraded" tweeter/driver if it will fit, match everything else tonally, etc. I don't think the tri-lam tweeter I use is available anymore. I don't want anything that will sound worse, and hopefully there are newer, better replacement options that will not be overly bright and will sound "amazing."
I was thinking about swapping the tweeters from my FX500's to the RT2000's since I use my system for 95% music 5% movies / surround audio but I don't think they are the same size.
Looking for my options here. Been wanting to upgrade / buy new speakers but with 2 kids under 3, that won't happen for YEARS. I am willing to upgrade the components in the spears to whatever will work best though.
Sorry for the long post, lots of stuff to say though.
Thanks for help!
Post edited by DoubleDD on
Comments
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Hello,
Welcome to the Forum, you're among friends here willing to help. The method that most of us use to determine if we have a speaker problem or an amplifier problem is to swap left for right speakers. If the problem remains in the same channel then it isn't a speaker problem. But if it remains with the speaker then that's where we need to concentrate. Once you have determined it is a speaker problem the method that Polk suggests is to remove the grille cover and get a couple of medium sized pillows. Use the pillows to cover all of the speaker's components except the tweeter. If sounds okay then shift the pillows and expose another component. This method will, eventually, let you know which part is the problem. Polk can supply you with suitable replacement parts via telephone at 1-800-377-7655 and mention your CP membership for the reduced price and free shipping.
Let us know what you find.
Cheers, Jed -
Well, I think the harshness was in the recordings. I took them over to a friend's house and I hear the same distortion in the same spots.
Whew!
I had a plan of swapping tweeters with my FX500's because I use my mains for music so much more than surrounds and movie / game anymore. I've got that as backup now in case something happens in the future!
Thanks!
