Just received my B&W 802's: One tweeter doesn't work - HELP!

Lol…. After doing a bit of research, I strongly suspect that the tweeters in my 803 D2’s are the same as in the 802 D2’s. I couldn’t find definitive proof because there is no tweeter listed on the B&W parts page that says it’s for the 802 D2. I suspect they forgot to add the 802 D2 model to the tweeter that is listed to be compatible with the 803 D2.

I watched a YouTube and it looks simple enough to swap out. Might try swapping out the dead tweeter for my 803 D2 tweeter tomorrow…

I should also mention, should it come to it, I am handy with a soldering iron....  I've heard you can order service parts from B&W for older models, but I expect it would take a long time as they'd likely need to make the part as a special order....

One question, in my research I’ve found that in some cases where tweeters have failed, I’ve noted there are some cases where there is also crossover damage.

The speakers work perfectly with the tweeter from my 803D2’s, but I thought it could be worth inspecting the crossover just in case?

I believe the crossover is in the pedestal, so accessing it looks fairly easy with Allen bolts on the bottom.  Any advice on how to verify the crossover?  I have a multimeter (and I know how to use it) and can check resistances at appropriate places to check.

@sfstereo Good idea.  Went to find my multimeter and it’s not in my toolbox!  Will have to hunt for it.  Haven’t used it for a year or so…

@audphile1 I think you must be right. After the store also suggested that I install a tweeter from my 803D2 into the failing 802D2, the 802D2’s now work perfectly and sound great!

I tested the tweeter in my 803D2 and it still fails.

The dead tweeter looks perfect, with no damage at all. It just fails to make any sound!

I’ve asked the store to send me a new teeter. On B&W’s website it says that tweeter will be available to ship soon, but I’ve heard that in general B&W is often delayed far beyond their reported availability dates.

Good new is I really like the 802 D2’s now….

@sfstereo , found my multimeter. Forgot I had another toolbox. The faulty tweeter, as expected, shows an open load (infinite resistance).

@audphile1 , the retailer has been very responsive even late last night, and has said they will try to figure out how to get me a new tweeter (either through a spare that they have in the shop, or ordering through B&W). If through B&W, the lead time will be very long, I assume.  I'm sure that the retailer must have missed doing a thorough check of the speakers when they acquired them to sell.

@jon_5912 , guessing your theory is correct regarding this tiny wire constantly flexing and eventually breaking. I’m wondering about purchasing a backup tweeter from B&W just in case - I plan to have these speakers for a very long time, as I feel I’ve managed to get to my "lifetime system". But you know how these things go. The replacement tweeter is very expensive though - they list it at over $800 USD (this is just for the tweeter itself, not for the full assembly which I wouldn’t need and is even more expensive). Wonder if I should pick up a spare crossover too!

@larry5729 , on Monday (tomorrow) when they are back in the shop, they will check to see if they have a D2 series tweeter that they can send to me.  Otherwise, they will have to order one for me from B&W.  We'll see how it turns out. But yeah considering the comments, I think it might be worth picking up a couple spare tweeters myself, despite the very high cost.  At least I have a working pair of 802's. 

My problem is I have a local buyer interested in my old 803's, which now are down one tweeter as that tweeter is now tweeting happily in my 802's.  I need to decide whether to move the tweeter back to my 803's to facilitate the immediate sale, an potentially be without any speakers for many months while I'm waiting for a new tweeter to arrive from B&W.  As I'm typing this, I don't think I will do that; I want my new speakers to be functional...

I am hoping the shop will have a spare tweeter, in perfect working condition, that they can send to me.

@clearthinker , after approximately how many years did your B&W tweeters fail?

I’ve placed an order for three replacement tweeters.  Very expensive but I reminded myself I’ve saved much, much more by buying a pair of used speakers instead of a very pricey pair of new ones.  

The store I purchased the speakers from is also immediately sending a tweeter they had on hand, so that I can sell my prior B&W 803’s which are now in need of a tweeter.

As an aside, I never had any issue with my 803’s after owning them for 8 years.

@clearthinker , wow that is interesting considering I had my 803 D2’s for 8 years with no issue. Maybe they made an improvement in the the D2 generation? As I understand it, the 802, 803, and 800 all use the same tweeter in the D2 range.

I very rarely play music at volumes louder than “moderate”, so if that thin wire connecting the voice coil is the culprit, then perhaps it’s less subject to becoming disconnected and failing at lower volumes.

That said, I really like the sound of this speaker, of this particular generation, paired with my Gryphon Diablo 300. Therefore I may even pick up more spares than the three I’ve ordered. I see them as a very expensive lightbulb that possibly requires changing each 7 years! That’s a $120/year USD cost of ownership. Cheaper than owning a car, at least!

Of note, I’m not so much a fan of any B&W’s other than the D2 generation paired with my amp. I’ve tested the D2 generation on many other amps, and the D3. And D4 range, and found them to have a harsh upper midrange on certain material, but not so with the D2 gen with my amp. I have never found their tweeters to be bright however, as I know many do.

Really enjoying this pairing, and to me it’s worth the investment in spare tweeters…