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View Full Version : Thiel Tweeter replacement

AndyGwis
04-09-2007, 05:29 PM
Hello DIYers. . .

I have some very nice Thiel CS1.2s in my 2-channel rig. While I really like the overall sound of the speakers, I've noticed the left tweeter to be a little distorted at times, especially with accoustic guitar and some female vocals.

Tweeter's are original and probably need to be replaced and/or serviced to get back to specs. Thiel charges a flat $40 apiece for tweeter repair.

However, I thought I might like to try something other than the metallic domes. I found some at Partsexpress (Vifa D27TG-35 1" silk dome) that seem to be the same size (I'll re-measure enclosure before purchasing), same impedance (6 ohm nominal), and same general power handling as the originals.

Is there anything else I need to check for before purchasing to make sure these will work okay? If I decide the originals sound better, I'll simply resell the Vifa's and get the originals repaired by Thiel.

But, there is a good possibility that I will spend less money to get a better sounding speaker. I like mellow speakers, so silk domes would seem to fit my tastes better than metallic.

I would think about going with something even better than these VIFAs, but the higher dollar ones seem to have different enclosure sizes/shapes (the Thiel's have four screws along outer edge). I'll take opinions if anyone has them for me :)

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=264-526
rskarvan
04-09-2007, 05:41 PM
Jim Thiel is turning the other way because he can't bear to watch the extensive engineering of his cross-over being compromised.
AndyGwis
04-09-2007, 05:50 PM
I'll take that as 1 not-so-subtle vote for sending the originals in for servicing.

Taken into advisement. Thanks for your opinion. Other opinions welcome.
heiney9
04-09-2007, 06:05 PM
I am all for experimenting, but there are more factors than just nominal ohm rating a size when it comes to replacing a driver. My best guess is that the other electrical properties of the original tweeter are much different than the PE tweeter. Of course you'll need to replace both, but you may end up spending more money in the long run. Does PE have a return policy for drivers if they don't fit the application after you've experimented?

H9
AndyGwis
04-09-2007, 06:09 PM
I'll check into return/refund policy at PE.

What are some potential negative affects of using the Vifa's in the Thiels? Are we talking "it may not sound as good because the originals were specifically selected, tuned, engineered for that speaker," or, "the Vifa's would likely create flames and potentially cause a chemical fire that would consume most of North Dallas."
RuSsMaN
04-09-2007, 06:20 PM
$40 a pop? Send them both in. No brainer.
Ricardo
04-09-2007, 06:31 PM
If it was a $100 speaker, with common drivers and a simple crossover, I would agree on experimenting. Being a Thiel, I'd say keep them original.
heiney9
04-09-2007, 06:51 PM
I'll check into return/refund policy at PE.

What are some potential negative affects of using the Vifa's in the Thiels? Are we talking "it may not sound as good because the originals were specifically selected, tuned, engineered for that speaker," or, "the Vifa's would likely create flames and potentially cause a chemical fire that would consume most of North Dallas."

No chemical explosion, so "North Dallas" is safe. The cross over and drivers were specifically and very carefully designed to work together. You aren't going to damage anything but you will change the sound characteristic of the speakers. This could be good or bad or simply indifferent. I agree with RuSs, at $40 a pop it's a no brainer to just get the originals fixed and get it back to stock sound.


H9
AndyGwis
04-09-2007, 06:59 PM
That's why I ask these things. . .

Thanks, I'll contact Thiel and get 'em shipped off for a looksy. Although I am a cheap bastard and have strongly considered only sending the one flaky one in, I'm gonna send them both. . .

. . . well, I'll probably send them both.

Thanks, guys.
rskarvan
04-09-2007, 07:03 PM
Jim Thiel can now rest assured knowing that when people hear speakers with his name on them, they produce the sound that he intended!
AndyGwis
04-09-2007, 07:14 PM
What would Jim say about someone only sending in one tweeter for repair? He'd call me a dumbass, wouldn't he.

I can't have Jim thinking about me like that.
rskarvan
04-09-2007, 07:17 PM
Jim would probably say... if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
AndyGwis
04-09-2007, 07:26 PM
Oh, I believe the tweeter is soldered, not the snap out wires that most have.

What is the best method for detaching? Do I just put my solder gun on it to melt it. . . or tug hard. . . or cut with wire snaps?

Thanks!
RuSsMaN
04-09-2007, 07:33 PM
Just cut the wire, with an ample lead to it. I'll re-solder them for you if you need help when you get them back.

Cheers,
Russ
rskarvan
04-09-2007, 10:31 PM
No, no, no. Unsolder them at the terminals. Thiel will send you some silver-solder to re-solder them when you get them back.

Jeesh.
AndyGwis
04-09-2007, 10:36 PM
You're talking to me all wrong. If you talk to me like that again, I'm gonna stab you in the face. . . with a soldering iron! (I love Christopher Walken, best cameo actor of our generation, should've won an Oscar for Man on Fire. Damn the narrow minded academy)

Back onto topic, unsoldering brings the whole "burning down North Dallas" scenario back into play (explained earlier). Oh well, it aint that great anyway, no one will miss Addison.