What does "blown spearker" mean?

Typically a "blown" speaker can mean that either the voice coil is open or that the surround is torn which will result in distorted sound. Either can be fixed, it is just a matter of how much the cost will be. If the surrou nd is torn, it can be easily replaced. While the coil can also be replaced , it is a much more involved task that requires some finesse. These days, consumer speakers found in cars are usually replaced rather than repaired a s that option is cheaper.

Dan

** Blown = destroyed.

** There are many way a speaker can be damaged and rendered useless.

.... Phil

Any kind of failure falls under the description of "blown".

Open, intermittent, shorted, or melted/shifted voice coil or weak or damaged surrounds all fit that description.

"Blown" has become a catch-all for *any* kind of failure, even medical: "I blew my back out swing a bat. I won't be able to play for several days"..

Thanks, you, dan, and phil. I guess I have to update my view of the word.

I can't remember if I got back to you about this:

Toyota Solara convertible, when they were still made, used a woofer behind the front seat. The paper surround had fallen apart and after discussing it here, I replaced it with one from SimplySpeakers. It was very easy. Their instructions don't require centering the cone, except iirc by pushing it down and up, or up and down, once.

And the glue they provided was very good. Like Duco Cement from the

60's but better.

So the speaker goes in and works fine, but now there is too much bass. I turned down the bass, but I could still hear it even during talk shows like Terry Gross and the news. Other things broke and I got a new car but I think the reason mine had had one of the voice coil wires cut was to cut down the bass, and when that wasn't enough they unplugged the whole thing. I repaired the cut wire and now I sort of regret that!

I mean behind the rear seat. I didn't even know it was there until I took the seat back out for some other reason.

Please check that it didn't say "blown away" which is something quite different.

Torn surround, surroundings, or both?

--
Jeff Liebermann     jeffl@cruzio.com 
150 Felker St #D    http://www.LearnByDestroying.com 
Santa Cruz CA 95060 http://802.11junk.com 
Skype: JeffLiebermann     AE6KS    831-336-2558

Melted o/c voice coil is the usual outcome of gross overload.

NT

I've been reading about a car like mine and the owner says that the rear subwoofer is "blown". I always took that to refer to an electrical open. Does that ever happen?

****************************************

Yes it does.

I have come across many a speaker that has failed open circuit, but with no obvious burning of the voice coil, or damage to braids etc.

I can only conclude this is down to poor manufacturing.

Gareth.

Once in a while you can get lucky and find the open at the junction where the braid meets the VC feed wire right on the cone. Careful picking at (or solvent dissolving) the blob can expose the gimpy soldered connection.