• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

AV123 Onix Strata Mini Help

1ADSarge

1ADSarge

Der Bürgermeister
Subscriber
The 8in magnetic planar midrange started crackling on my new to me Sanyo JCX-2900K integrated. I am using the same speaker cables I have been using for over a year with no issues. I haven't listened much to my Strata's in a while but when I did, there was no crackling or distortion. I also haven't really ever ran them at a higher volume. I tried another pair of speakers I had in the garage but the garage speakers had no distortion to them at all. I am going to pull the speaker apart and see if the panel has a loose connection or if I just need to replace it. Anyone know where I may be able to find a replacement panel if that is what it comes down to? Any suggestions/help is much appreciated!

Cheers,
Jared

onix-strata-mini-speakers-front-main.jpg
onix-strata-mini-speakers-closeup-of-planar-drivers.jpg
 
Register to hide this ad
You might want to check with Bruce Thigpin at Eminent Technology, he is the designer of that planar driver. Its been licensed to a lot of Chinese manufacturers, and he might know who built it. Or give you ideas on how to repair it. You might also check with Underwood HiFi if they are still around, as they had some close relations with AV123 I believe. Since AV123 is out of business, its going to be a bit tough to find replacement parts.

Regards
Mister Pig
 
The Strata Mini's use Monsoon Neo panels for the mids. They are the exact same mid used in their computer speakers. But, your Mini's use a later version of the mid. The PC models using your mid are the MM-702's and the MM-2000's. These pop up on ebay fairly regularly. Be aware though, your mids are different than the MM-1000 and MM-700 Monsoon models. So, don't buy those thinking that they will work! The 700 & 1000 panels have a completely different impedance, and aren't substitutes.

Also, check the panels, front and back, for peeling of the nickle coating on the Neo magnets. This can look like a thin strip of loose foil, hanging just inside the planar cut-out holes. If there, it can rub the planar membrane, and buzz, causing distortion. Use tweezers and carefully peel it away. Caution, the Neo magnets are STRONG. Use non-magnetic tweezers to peel off any loose material, otherwise the magnets can pull a metal object into and through the membrane!

Next, some of the early Monsoon mids experienced distortion due to a faulty solder joint, where the internal speaker wiring enters the mid. This can be carefully re-soldered to fix the issue. Some owners even drilled out the rivit that the wiring is soldered into, and replaced it with a screw and nut, with a wire lug, to repair the connection. While not complicated, it can be difficult to do, since the tolerances are 'tight' around the connection points. It's easy to damage the planar membrane if not careful!

Finally, the "contacting Danny Richie of GR Research" suggestion is good too. Danny designed these speakers. Danny comments daily on his Forum at Audio Circle, and would certainly respond to any inquiry concerning your speakers!


http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=16.0


http://www.gr-research.com/

Good Luck!
 
Last edited:
Oh yea,

Your's are very good speakers, and I don't want anyone to think that they're not! Plus, that's a state of the art mid, and it isn't fragile by any means. It's worthy of repair, if needed.

If fact, besides the Strata Mini, that mid was also used by Monsoon and VMPS.

Monsoon

monsoon-home-speakers-white-box-design-1.jpg

VMPS

vmps.jpg

rm-xCES.jpg

And FWIW, I own the 2 smaller Monsoon models, in the picture that I posted. They sound great to me!
 
Thanks so much everyone for your input! I called Danny this morning who referred me to Angel City Audio. I contacted the gentleman there and he is doubtful that he may be able to order one of those mid-range panels but will let me know. In the mean time, I will pull the rear panel off and check the connections to the panel and hope that it is just a simple solder job to fix it. Thanks again for all the info and suggestion!

Edit: Sorry Mister Pig, I missed your comment. I did also call Bruce and he suggested that I look for a pair of Monsoon MM700 or MM1000 multimedia computer speakers because it would be a drop in replacement for my speaker. Other than that, he doubt's I will find the panel anywhere else. I guess I could throw up a WTB ad in BT for those speakers and keep my fingers crossed.

Cheers,
Jared
 
Last edited:
It seems the worst case scenario has come to pass. The connections were good and solid so it appears I need a replacement panel or this one repaired :cry:
 
It's a bit unusual that this would suddenly happen after the speakers were working well for you for a year or so. And rather a coincidence that it seems to have occurred upon swapping in a new amp. It may indeed be no more than a coincidence, but I'd want to make certain of that before using the new amp with any other speakers of value.

I know that you tried another set of speakers with this new amp, but have you re-tested the Stratas with your old amp since encountering the crackling? Or any amp other than the Sanyo? It would at least be good to verify with certainty that it truly is a panel issue before you spend a lot of time searching for a replacement panel.
 
skriefal said:
It's a bit unusual that this would suddenly happen after the speakers were working well for you for a year or so. And rather a coincidence that it seems to have occurred upon swapping in a new amp. It may indeed be no more than a coincidence, but I'd want to make certain of that before using the new amp with any other speakers of value.

I know that you tried another set of speakers with this new amp, but have you re-tested the Stratas with your old amp since encountering the crackling? Or any amp other than the Sanyo? It would at least be good to verify with certainty that it truly is a panel issue before you spend a lot of time searching for a replacement panel.
Click to expand...

Exactly, that is a very weird coincidence! I did try it with another amp and had the same results unfortunately.
 
Jared,

Contact John Casler, over at the VMPS Forum on AudioCircle.com. John should be able to locate mid panels for you, as there should be parts left over from when VMPS closed (VMPS used the same panels). There's a thread too, on available inventory.

John

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=profile;u=92

VMPS Inventory

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=113470.0

VMPS Forum

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=39.0

If through John, they'll be new panels. Probably modded too, so there won't be any solder connection issues. You can also park on ebay, waiting on 702 mids, but this will be quicker.
 
StimpyWan said:
Jared,

Contact John Casler, over at the VMPS Forum on AudioCircle.com. John should be able to locate mid panels for you, as there should be parts left over from when VMPS closed (VMPS used the same panels). There's a thread too, on available inventory.

John

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=profile;u=92

VMPS Inventory

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=113470.0

VMPS Forum

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=39.0

If through John, they'll be new panels. Probably modded too, so there won't be any solder connection issues. You can also park on ebay, waiting on 702 mids, but this will be quicker.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info! I sent a PM to John and an email to Bill of the availability on the Monsoon Neopanels. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed all weekend :yes:
 
Wooohoo! John just got back to me and they do have the panels but are $179 + shipping. Thanks so much everyone who helped me out with this, I couldn't have done without you all. If you were local, I'd buy you a beer or Dr. Pepper! :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom