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Can Frequency Sweeps Damage Speakers?

Ayre makes a CD with frequency sweeps from 5hz upwards, which I would like to use to more accurately integrate my subwoofer into my system. I obviously don't plan on running the sweeps at 100db, but is there a general threshold where speaker damage starts becoming more likely? I thought any speaker with a crossover network would protect the woofers from even receiving the "too low" frequencies, but I read some horror stories and I just want to make sure frequency sweeps are ok to use before I go ruining my equipment.

- Dusty
128x128heyitsmedusty
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
Heyitsmedusty - There is a warning on Stereophile test CD that tracks with high frequencies played at normal level will take out tweeters.

Bad part is that some of the frequencies that can do damage are outside of our hearing range. One could modify popular song to include high content of 20kHz and spread it over internet (first audio malware?)
mhedges
180 posts
 
Most tweeters are not designed to play a single frequency continuously at high volume levels. They will overheat. I always thought that it was a no-no to play test tones or sweeps above about 80 dB.

Mark
heyitsmedusty's avatar
heyitsmedusty OP
227 posts
 
The Ayre CD is from 5hz to 20khz. Is there a safe way to use this to calibrate my speakers? I'm currently using Thiel 2.2's, but will probably be using some Totems soon.
fin1bxn
140 posts
 
The way you do it, is start with the 1k and get the volume at 80 to 85 db as a reference then keep it at that level and check all the other frequencies
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