I did experience a slightly crushed dome tweeter on transport of a preowned off warray speaker. The manufacturer’s literature indicates this does not affect SQ. The dome will vibrate within its frequency range without additional distortion. Theoretically, dispersion may be affected but to a degree not noticeable. Suffering from OCD, especially with my system, I had the manufacturer send a technician to my home to replace it. The cost of materials was low, cost of travel time and labor high. The OCD calming effect worth the spend. I heard no difference in SQ. In your case, you indicate a crushed dome tweeter. If there is a hole or damage to other parts such as the suspension, spyder, basket, coil alignment, etc, SQ may be affected, including audible distortion. That is extensive damage. I assume you are not speaking of extensive damage. Did you insure shipment and do you have before and after photos. If so, you have a claim for a repair.
Soft-dome tweeter damage - NBD or permanently compromised?
I’d appreciate the community’s help untangling a tweeter damage question. I bought a used pair of floorstanding speakers produced by a boutique brand that is well known to the audiophile community. (I’ll keep the name to myself, I’m not trying to call them out.) During shipping, both soft‑dome tweeters were crushed. I used the tape‑and‑pull method to pop the domes back into shape, but I have always understood from others that a deformed tweeter can never perform the same after such damage.
The seller felt otherwise, leaving a voicemail claiming that the tweeters should perform identically once restored to their original shape. Of course, it would be in the seller’s interest to say that, so I resolved to find out from the manufacturer what tweeter was used so I could source replacements myself or ask the vendor to supply them. When I contacted the manufacturer, I heard back from the owner, who to my surprise said, "I don’t think that will affect the sound if you got them back to where they should be. It’s basically a dust cover anyway.... They’re soft domes. I’ve had it happen a few times over the years. I’ve never heard any problems with it myself." He offered no specs for a swap.
So I’m stuck. Are soft‑dome tweeters truly unaffected after being crushed and popped back out, or has their performance been permanently compromised? Should I keep listening or hunt down replacements (with almost no information on what to buy)?
Any first‑hand experience or technical insight would be greatly appreciated!