Do crossovers go bad?

[swingin]

Hi, I got two cerwin vega AT-15s that don't seem to put out as much bass as they used to and was wondering if the crossovers can go bad? If so can someone tell me where to get some plug and play type replacements? I blew the original 15" woofers and have tried many 4ohm replacements but none seem to work. Thanks from the noob...

 

[Halon451]

I blew the original 15" woofers and have tried many 4ohm replacements but none seem to work. Thanks from the noob...

Could that be the reason they're not outputting as much bass as they used to? Any standard passive crossover is basically an inductor, or rather a couple of inductors placed in a circuit that separates the signal based on frequency. Due to their inherent simplicity, I would not think it likely that they have failed. However, swapping out other drivers other than the originals will surely give you different results, not out of the realm of possibility that that whatever drivers you've tried just aren't as capable at producing bass as the originals...

 

[j_garcia]

If the x-over components actually did go bad, you would likely get no sound out of said driver as opposed to a lessening of sound through it. The only real "plug and play" replacement is the same driver to be honest, but you basically need to get the specs of the original driver in order to figure out what would be an adequate substitute.

 

[highfigh]

Hi, I got two cerwin vega AT-15s that don't seem to put out as much bass as they used to and was wondering if the crossovers can go bad? If so can someone tell me where to get some plug and play type replacements? I blew the original 15" woofers and have tried many 4ohm replacements but none seem to work. Thanks from the noob...

Passive crossover components can and do go bad, especially if you crank the snot out of it and launch the woofer. It's possible to cause the coil(s) to get so hot that the enamel on the wire melts and causes the wires to touch, reducing the inductance and this alters the effect of the crossover. Also, exceeding the voltage limit of the capacitor(s) in the crossover causes them to burst. That makes them open, which eliminates any effect, which also keeps it from working the way it should.

You can't just put any woofer in a box. The woofer determines what box is needed and if one works well without any modifications, it's just luck.

 

[swingin]

Wow that sounds like it could be a possibility, I did used to crank them with an underpowered amp. Can you tell me if there is any way to check them? Without buying specialty equipment? I dont know a thing about what to look for, besides melted wires, or broken parts. Thanks man!!

 

[TLS Guy]

Wow that sounds like it could be a possibility, I did used to crank them with an underpowered amp. Can you tell me if there is any way to check them? Without buying specialty equipment? I dont know a thing about what to look for, besides melted wires, or broken parts. Thanks man!!

Your problem is you changed the driver. Every driver has unique T/S parameters which determine the size of the box and porting. All driver have a unique acoustic response. So if you change a driver you need a new box AND crossover.

To restore your speakers you need drivers of original manufacture. A very good driver in the wrong box with the wrong crossover will produce poor bass. So there is no point addressing the crossover until you get a driver of original manufacture.

Good crossovers never give trouble but poor ones do, especially if inductors are made of too thin a gauge of wire, and electrolytic caps are used.

A failed inductor will usually be open circuit and the driver will not sound. Electrolytic caps should be replaced with polypropylene ones of the same value.