targeting speaker static

new2sda2
new2sda2 Posts: 3
edited September 2008 in Vintage Speakers
Hi there, this is my first post on this forum. Its exciting to know some many people are committed to answering each other's questions.

I recently came into ownership of a pair of original SDA 2's along with a beautiful Marantz 2270 reciever. Which sound wounderful. But with closer listening I've detected some minor static crackel coming from the left speaker cabinet. It seems to creep in occasionally on a few tracks with a certain resonance or bass line.

I have no experience in speaker testing or repair but, my suspicion is that it is a result of a slightly crumpled dust cap on one of the midrange drivers. I was able to pop it back out with the help of a vacum but I am still detecting that static.

Can this be fixed with minor repair to an otherwise perfect sounding speaker, or is the driver shot?

Thanks for your patience!
Post edited by new2sda2 on
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Comments

  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,196
    edited September 2008
    Does the sound follow the volume, especially on piano passages or women's vocals?
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • fbm211
    fbm211 Posts: 1,488
    edited September 2008
    If its the driver you will probably need to replace it.Notice I mention IF ITS THE DRIVER.On the back you will see something like MW6503 or MW6511.You need to get the same driver from polk or another member might have what you need.Polk gives members nice discounts along with free shipping.
    SDA-2BTL with custom IC
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    Revelation Audio Labs Prophecy Cryo-Silver Reference AES/EBU
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    4 Furutech FP-314Ag with FI-11cu Plugs/FI-11AG IECs--- Power Cords
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,196
    edited September 2008
    Oh, my manners. Welcome to the forum. First off, you need to determine whether it's the amp or the speakers.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited September 2008
    What Treitz3 said. Have you swapped sides with your speaker cables yet ? Also, do you have the cable that goes between the speakers (IC)? Does it still happen if the IC is disconnected ? The reason I ask is that my IC cable had some oxydation on the connectors that I think was causing similar noises. If the sound moves to the other speaker when you swap the speaker cables, it might be the receiver at fault. Another thing, if you've got a CD player hooked up, try swapping the ICs between the CDP and the receiver. Good luck ! :)
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  • new2sda2
    new2sda2 Posts: 3
    edited September 2008
    Wow, I checked my email today and already 4 responses! Thanks for your attention!

    First off, yes I do have the IC cable and, second I just recently had the receiver professionally serviced and cleaned (although that doesn't really mean the technician would have spotted anything), there still seems to be dust around some of the inner components.

    Here is what I found:

    The static seems to be occurring in TWEETER dome not the midrange drivers
    This happens only sometimes with certain vocal harmonies, feedback from bass and resonating tones. Like I said it is infrequent not omnipresent, not related volume dynamics (although it does get louder if I turn up the volume on the receiver)

    swapping the cables from the cdp to the reciever did not eliminate the sound.

    Disconnecting the IC cable also did not eliminate the static

    SWAPPING THE THE R AND L INPUTS DID MOVE THE STATIC TO THE OTHER SPEAKER CABINET.

    Conclusions:
    This leads that the problem lies with the receiver not the speakers. So now what? does this conclusion make sense? Can I fix this myself or does it require special treatment from a professional? The receiver is an early 70's Marantz 2270 and I love it. I hope this isn't the (early) beginning of the end.
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  • tugboat
    tugboat Posts: 393
    edited September 2008
    Make sure they cleaned all the pots and switches with Deoxit. If they did, have them do it again. Sometimes the build-up inside them is more than one cleaning can manage. On my Pioneer SX-1080 (29 yrs old), I would get distortion and static in certain circumstances and I found that if I wiggled or tapped on certain buttons, it would go away. After a couple good cleanings, the static and distortion was gone.

    There are three products from Caig that are a vintage unit's best friend....

    Deoxit (for cleaning)
    Fader Lube (for lubrication)
    Deoxit Gold (for keeping corrosion at bay on connections)
    Driver carries only 20 dollars in ammunition

    Pedestrians have the right of way, unless they are in the way
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  • gdb
    gdb Posts: 6,012
    edited September 2008
    Gee I dunno, if the receiver was just serviced.....It sounds like a warranty issue to me. If they gave it back to you in that condition, maybe it's time to hunt around for another repair shop,one that tests everything before it leaves the shop ! Best part is, the Polks are all good !!:D
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,196
    edited September 2008
    Ok, now we are getting somewhere. Try another set of speaker cables if you have them. Most likely if the same thing happens it is the reciever. If the issue is eliminated, then it is the speaker cables.

    Good luck and please be sure to get back to us when you have some good news.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • George Grand
    George Grand Posts: 12,258
    edited September 2008
    You got lucky when that static traveled to the other cabinet. Buy a new amp.
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