Think I blew a driver on my Vandersteens 5A


Well, just noticed that my right channel is clearly not as loud as my left. I finally bought the analog Radio Shack sound level db meter. I really should have had one all along. It seems to be an indispensable tool. BTW, I have separate left/right gain adjustment on my preamp. So, after doing the measurement w/ the meter, I am 20db + higher in the left channel. 62db vs.82 db at below average listening levels.
Then, I went ahead and unplugged both sub amps, to eliminate the variable of it being a blown Vandy sub amp. Still, no changes w/ the meter. Then, wanted to eliminate the TT,cartridge... Played a CD, still, no changes. Had to go to work, so my troubleshooting has come to and end till later tonight. Next, I think I will run my CDP direct, to see if it may be the preamp. I would think after that, reverse the speaker wires, which of course would indicate a blown driver if the imbalance does not switch channels. I am just thinking that a 20+db difference will likely be a blown tweeter or midrange driver. It seems to be a alot to think it could be a tube in the amp or preamp. BTW, output tubes in amp bias fine.
fjn04

Showing 2 responses by trcnetmsncom

Hello Fnj04,

Why not at a very low volume and with a mono recording just put your ear right up to each driver? Also/or try putting your finger tips on each driver while playing music to see if it vibrates?

Good luck,

Tom
Hi Fjn04,

Any luck yet? You don't even need to use a mono recording. Any recording with a centered voice or instrument will do. Also, don't laugh now, but use the same ear, you would be surprised how differently your left/right ear hear from on another.

A bad connection with a i.c. or s.c. doesn't make sense to me, then the whole side would be out or intermittent not just one driver.

Good luck,
Tom