URGENT/HELP PLEASE! 802 D and HTM2 D

[ian1975]

Hi to all,

Yesterday, I got back from work and found out that my two and a half years old twins (daughter and son) scratched the white membranes of the tweeter of both speakers. The sound is still there in the speakers but I'm not sure if it's still the same? What is the function of the membrane?
The worst part is that they are with the nanny who was supposed to supervise them.
I'm panicking right now, can I change the membranes or do I have to change the whole tweeter. How much it will cost? can I do it myself or it has to be a B&W tech?
Can I tape the magnetic to the outside of the tweeter to all speakers to prevent it to happen again and will it affect the sound?
Any help please...

Thanks

Ian

[ShadowZA]

Hi Ian

So sorry that this happened to you. Happened to me about 13 years ago when I still had my DM-570's.

This thread will help - you will need to replace the tweeter units:

http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php?41217-804d2-quot-horror-story-quot

This thread might be helpful too:

http://www.htguide.com/forum/showthread.php?41366-Protection

Best of strength and please be comforted in the knowledge that this has happened to quite a few of us B&W folk.

[ian1975]

Thanks ShadowZA,

Do I have to change the whole tweeter?

Thanks

[windshear]

Hi Ian. I unfortunately don't have good news for you. B&W don't sell just the diamond membrane, you have to replace the whole tweeter. It is $1146 per tweeter according to the B&W price list. I have described how to replace it in the one link that ShadowZA has posted. What you see broken is the tweeter itself, it is a laboratory grown diamond crystal, very fragile as you have just found out. To add my sad story to the whole thing, I broke my tweeter last night on my HTM1D center channel, through self inflicted stupidity. If the speaker is the older 802D then this is the part number ZZ14265, other wise the newer 802Di or D2 is ZZ14388. If possible I would rather get your dealer to replace it, as it is a delicate process if you are not technically minded.

[ian1975]

Hi!

Is it the same for the HTM2 d too?

Thanks

Ian

[ShadowZA]

AFAIK you will only need to purchase the tweeter - not the tube, isolators, grille and housing as these are not damaged.

See this link for latest North American retail costs: http://bwgroupsupport.com/parts/price-avail

Unfortunately, the tweeter itself is expensive. Price = $1280.03 per tweeter for 802D2 or $1146.82 for 802D.

You would most probably need to order through your supplier and either fit the part yourself or get your supplier to do it for you.

[ShadowZA]

The HTM2D uses the same tweeter as the 802D and the HTM2D2 uses the same tweeter as the 802D2.

[ian1975]

I don't understand how come it's so expensive?! If the sound is still there, can we wait? Is there a big loss in the sound without that membrane? What is the function of it?
How much the dealer would charge for the installation for this? Do I have to bring the speakers in store (very heavy)?

Ian

[windshear]

Its a very specialised material. A chemical vaporised deposition synthetic diamond that is grown. The reason you have sound is that the total dome has not shattered, you still have a part of it remaining and oscillating, thus producing sound. The problem is , now it is randomly projecting the sound in an uncontrolled fashion, resulting in non linear on and off axis dispersion. This tweeter produces the high frequencies of the loudspeaker and in all likelihood it will fail completely at some point. You can leave it as is, knowing what you have and wait for it to fail, or replace it now and be done. The prices of the replacement parts will always get more expensive over time. So the choice is yours. Depending on the relationship you have with your dealer, he may or may not charge to replace it. From a warranty perspective, it would be better if they could do it. Ideally they should come out and do it in your home as the actual process is fairly simple, yet requires a delicate but firm hand to do.

[sakgoz79]

Is this problem effect the sound quality or just cosmetic issue?