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Damaged Dome Mid-Range

I have an Energy Veritas 2.3 with a damaged 2 inch dome mid-range driver. It has been suggested to me that the problem with the driver is related to the diaphragm, voice coil, or both. The symptom of the damage is distortion that is apparent during use. I use the speakers for everything ranging from two-channel to movies. I can be an aggressive listener. The speakers are powered by an Adcom GFA 7000 (for the lower end) and a Denon 2803 (mids and highs). The Denon is obviously also pulling duty for surround processing... The stated power output for each (20-20 / all channels driven) is 130 and 90 watts, respectively. The speakers are rated at 200 watts.

Now to the questions. Is the damage done to the driver likely the result of the Denon clipping during a high output scene during a movie? If this is the case, I can surmise that 90 watts is insufficient? Though I don't think so, is it possible that I have the mid-range and tweeter over powered? Why would the mid-range sustain damage and the tweeter not?

A local dealer suggested that the Denon didn't clip, but sent pure voltage to the speaker and that is what damaged the driver. Don't know what that means. Any credence to this notion? If so, what happens and how do I avoid it?

I know this is a lot to chew. Any brilliant responses appreciated. :)
mordenmail
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,467 posts
 
Shadorne,

Am I correct that you suggest that I have enough power and may be over-driving the mids and highs?

Yes - if you are sending 90 watts to the mid and tweeter alone then this should be more than enough. You really only need the mega watts for the bass drivers...those are the drivers that move most of the air.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Shadorne...
"You really only need the mega watts for the bass drivers".

I used to think that until I made some measurements. Actually, it's the peak voltage that's needed, and it may not persist long enough to represent much power. However, the way our power amps are designed, only the high power ones have the voltage swing.
mordenmail OP
23 posts
 
Eldartford,

To avoid a repeat of this latest disaster, I need a high-power amp that will deliver a high peak voltage. Is peak voltage a spec I can look for when shopping for an amp? What would be considered high voltage?

By the way, thank you to everyone who has offered help to this point.
electroid
283 posts
 
"A local dealer suggested that the Denon didn't clip, but sent pure voltage to the speaker and that is what damaged the driver.'

well that's kinda properly stated. When an amp clips it sends DC to the voice coil which can burn it over time.....that time could be a second or a minute, depends on the level and type of signal sent.

ET
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Mordenmail...Audio amps are designed today with power supplies capable of continuously delivering a certain level of output voltage. Some time ago some amps were designed with power supplies that could deliver high voltage, but only for a brief time interval. For this brief time a high power output could be measured, for example 100 watts for 1/2 second, but only a much lower power could be delivered continuously. Although there is some logic to such a design because music power only peaks briefly, it was criticised as false advertizing, and now all amps are rated for continuous power and designed accordingly.

Bottom line is that if you want high voltage swing you will need an amp with a power rating well in excess of the actual power of the music signal.
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