Can Frequency Sweeps Damage Speakers?

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?)

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

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.

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

I can tell you that I used the Ayre CD to burn out all the treble drivers on both of my Shahinian Hawks. My Hawks have 7 treble drivers (+four mids) and are said to be able to handle 350 Watts without difficulty.
And I still don't know if I can actually hear a 15khz tone.

Be extremely careful with this disc or any other that feeds single frequencies into your speakers. Especially remember that you MAY NOT HEAR HIGH FREQUENCIES AT ALL while you are destroying drivers. All drivers are different. You can never be sure you are safe, I recommend VERY low levels when trying to do a frequency curve of your speakers. I myself wouldn't risk it above maybe 75db and, even then, remember that voice coil overheating can occur from even lower level tones if they are repeated continuously.
I think you would be safest by consulting the manufacturer of your speakers before entering this dangerous territory.