Johnno2017 Posted August 13, 2017 Share Posted August 13, 2017 I have a pair of old speakers and I want to do a health check on the board. But, I know nothing about electronics. Hope to get some help here. Is finding fault and fixing things on this board simple to do, what tools I need and what I need to know... Some photos of the inside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaphod Beeblebrox Posted August 13, 2017 Share Posted August 13, 2017 What is the problem? BTW: The only component you need to worry about is the bipolar electrolytic capacitor/s (the green things). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnno2017 Posted August 13, 2017 Author Share Posted August 13, 2017 I find the high is clear and powerful but the mid is on the soft side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaphod Beeblebrox Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 (edited) It would be helpful to know what the speakers are. 2 way? 3 Way? Brand? Model? Are all the drivers functioning normally? What measurements have you performed to determine what, if any, problems exist? What does the manufacturer say about the issue? Under warranty? Edited August 14, 2017 by Zaphod Beeblebrox Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VanArn Posted August 14, 2017 Share Posted August 14, 2017 (edited) Indeed, there is very little to go on to be in a position to offer meaningful advice. A rough interpretation of the xover network would be that it is a bi-wired 18 dB /octave type, with an impedance correcting cct. added to the bass output connection ( the green bi-polar capacitor in series with the // 5w resistors). Edited August 31, 2017 by VanArn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnno2017 Posted August 14, 2017 Author Share Posted August 14, 2017 Thanks guys. The makers are no longer around they were made in Australia by The Audio Group. It's a 2 way, focal tweeter and Seas driver. I have not done any measurements only by ear that the balance is not quiet right, abit too much high. I've done some looking around on the net and some says replacing the xovers can help to restore it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gat474 Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 They look like TAG's work with all that hot glue and Jaycar blue cable. Nice drivers and no doubt well made boxes by Aranmar Acoustics. TAG are still around, John at Aranmar Acoustics may be able to help. TAG speakers are generally pretty nice. Have you tried them on different equipment or someone else's system or someone else's ears. Maybe they just aren't for you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gat474 Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 There are things to pull back the tweeter output a little. You could try adding a resistor to the tweeter input before the crossover. I can't help with values but if you are close to Ascot Vale (ish) I could lend you some various values and even show you how to connect them. They are temporary and do not require any changes to the crossover, it's all done outside the box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnno2017 Posted August 15, 2017 Author Share Posted August 15, 2017 I'm not sure if trying other equipment would help. I thought about a new amp but it could turn out to be a expensive testing method. In testing these speakers performed amazing and engaging in a large room. But when I brought them home and positioned in a small room I find the balance isn't quite there. I still enjoy them and I'm trying to find out if there is anything I could do to make the speakers to reach its potential. I may start with changing the green capacitor and see how that goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gat474 Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 Just realised you're in Sydney. Are you using the same stands as were used in the large room? I used to think that stands wouldn't make much difference but recently found out with some Usher 520's that stands can make a difference. On one set of stands the bottom end was missing, change the stands and bingo, more bottom end. Might be worth looking at all of that too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zaphod Beeblebrox Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 58 minutes ago, Johnno2017 said: I'm not sure if trying other equipment would help. I thought about a new amp but it could turn out to be a expensive testing method. In testing these speakers performed amazing and engaging in a large room. But when I brought them home and positioned in a small room I find the balance isn't quite there. I still enjoy them and I'm trying to find out if there is anything I could do to make the speakers to reach its potential. I may start with changing the green capacitor and see how that goes. The suggestion that you listen to another pair of (known good) speakers in the same room, on your equipment is a good one. It may save you a great deal of heartache. If the green cap is what Van has suggested (impedance equalisation), then don't expect much difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnno2017 Posted August 15, 2017 Author Share Posted August 15, 2017 I think they we on stands and placed atleast 3 metres apart (which is a luxury). Now is placed on top of a cabinet. May give the booster stands a go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VanArn Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 Johnno2017. The Focal tweeters' ( T120 ?) suspension could be breaking down and the roll surround on the SEAS ,if it is rubber, can go hard. I would suggest that these items will add to your rework list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gat474 Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 A cabinet could make a huge difference. Speakers sound crap on my garage bench but if I put them on stands they are much better. If I take the speakers inside using the same stands and equipment they sound much better again. Also, make sure you have the speaker polarity (positive and negative) the same on each speaker. That's a rookie mistake I've fallen for more times that I care to count over a long time. Out of phase will suck the bottom end away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gat474 Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 Post some pics of the front of the woofers and tweeters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnno2017 Posted August 15, 2017 Author Share Posted August 15, 2017 7 minutes ago, gat474 said: Post some pics of the front of the woofers and tweeters. Will put some more pictures up, the connections and condition of the drivers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sub Sonic Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 (edited) 25 minutes ago, Zaphod Beeblebrox said: The suggestion that you listen to another pair of (known good) speakers in the same room, on your equipment is a good one. It may save you a great deal of heartache. Yep, and same position as well. SS Edited August 15, 2017 by Sub Sonic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnno2017 Posted August 15, 2017 Author Share Posted August 15, 2017 6 hours ago, gat474 said: A cabinet could make a huge difference. Speakers sound crap on my garage bench but if I put them on stands they are much better. If I take the speakers inside using the same stands and equipment they sound much better again. Also, make sure you have the speaker polarity (positive and negative) the same on each speaker. That's a rookie mistake I've fallen for more times that I care to count over a long time. Out of phase will suck the bottom end away. Thank you all. I got the balance now. Spot on about the rookie mistake..... I do think the back is labelled incorrectly. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gat474 Posted August 15, 2017 Share Posted August 15, 2017 That's good news. Happy with the sound now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnno2017 Posted August 16, 2017 Author Share Posted August 16, 2017 16 hours ago, gat474 said: That's good news. Happy with the sound now? Very happy with it now. I'm tempted to change the green capacitor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Sime Posted August 16, 2017 Share Posted August 16, 2017 If it ain't broke…………… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnno2017 Posted August 16, 2017 Author Share Posted August 16, 2017 8 minutes ago, Sime said: If it ain't broke…………… Valid point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gat474 Posted August 17, 2017 Share Posted August 17, 2017 Leave it as it is. If you're happy don't expect any improvements. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel Posted August 17, 2017 Share Posted August 17, 2017 Caps wear out rather than become 'broke', new ones on a tweeter for example can clean up a "tizzy" treble and your 10yr old can learn how to solder as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spinnergeoff Posted August 17, 2017 Share Posted August 17, 2017 (edited) In my humble opinion there are way too many crossover components there for a simple two-way speaker. One inductor to limit the upper frequency of the woofer, one capacitor to limit the lower frequency of the tweeter, and perhaps a resistor on the tweeter feed if it is too strident compared to the woofer/mid. If designers would take more time to match their drivers (compatability is a wonderful thing) , a lot less interference from crossovers could be achieved, and a better result overall. P.S. use quality caps - good polypropylene caps should not age. Edited August 17, 2017 by Spinnergeoff extra thoughts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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