Coating on drivers
March 14, 2008
I have a set of mid-‘90s speakers that have some kind
of special coating on the woofer drivers. It is like a rubbery-feeling material that is
unfortunately peeling off. I am wondering if it was applied for durability to weather or
some other reason and whether I should just remove it all from the cones. Do you have any
advice on this?
Tan
It could be there for myriad reasons, such as damping
or to change the technical parameters of the drivers by altering their mass. Either way, I’d
leave it alone. Removing it might change the sound of the speakers, and likely not for the
better. You might check with the manufacturer, if they are still in business, to see if
this is normal. If this is a common issue they might have a fix for it or may offer
replacement drivers for a reduced price. Good luck.
Preamp or processor?
March 6, 2008
I know the advantages of going with a dedicated preamp
versus a surround processor, but are there cases when the processor might be the better
choice, even for a two-channel system?
Eric
This is a great question, and it made me realize that
there is one specific case where a processor is the better option for a two-channel
system: when really advanced bass management is needed. If you have a subwoofer-satellite
system where you are integrating a powered subwoofer with bass-challenged bookshelf
speakers or even larger floorstanding speakers, the bass management options on a good
surround processor can be especially helpful. Being able to adjust the crossover points,
slopes, and the relative levels of each can make the difference between seamless
integration and mismatched sound. Powered subwoofers are so popular these days I’d
like to see some basic bass-management options included in two-channel preamps. But for
now, that is where surround processors rule.
Balance control OK?
March 3, 2008
Is it acceptable to use the balance control when my
speakers are not both the same distance to the listening chair? I don’t want to
degrade the sound or cause any issues with one speaker wearing out before the other.
Frank
It is perfectly acceptable to use the balance control
when one speaker is closer to you than the other -- in fact, that is the prime reason to
use it. The slight differences in sound pressure level at the listening position due to
one speaker being closer to you than the other must be accounted for if you are to restore
“balance.” Not doing so would throw off the stereo image (and would likely drive
me crazy). As for wearing out one speaker quicker than the other, I wouldn’t worry
about it too much. As long as you are not driving them to their limits they will be fine
for many years.
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