Is a dented dustcap audible?

[gonzothegreat]

Previously I thought that dented dustcaps on woofers & mids weren't audible but I'm not so certain anymore. My new HPM-100s have dented dusties on the mids and tweets. When I crank them up, I swear I hear some breakup in the mid/tweet range.

Just how much does a dustcap contribute to the structural integrity of the cone assy? Wouldn't a marginalized dustcap allow the cone assy to be more prone to cone flexing and other type of distortion?

While I'm sure it matters with dome tweeters, I don't know about paper cone units.

Opinions anyone?

 

[crazytubepower]

I think it will affect tweets, and the high on the mids, but it doesnt affect low fr

 

[crooner]

I have dented caps on one of my HPM-100's. So far, I haven't heard anything unusual. Both speakers sound the same to me!

 

[Negotiableterms]

Trees falling in the forest...

Hmmmm.... if a dustcap sounds identical, does it really have a dent? Are we talking audio or zen here?

 

[Beobloke]

The size, shape and, to a lesser extent, the material of a dust cap only really starts to contribute to the frequency response of a speaker above about 8kHz, so a dented one will most likely affect a cone tweeter's reponse, and possibly a midrange, depending at what upper frequency it is rolled off.

Naturally, a dented dome on a tweeter will muck it up completely, especially if it's a metal dome.

 

[Gerrit]

It will influence the dispersion pattern of the driver at specific frequencies.

 

[Fhamre]

If there is concern with dented dust caps, then fix them. There are a variety of ways depending on the caps material. From using suction to poking a small hole into the cap with a wire with a little hook bend on the end to push out the cap. Then put a small drop of the clear drying surround glue.
Maybe your dog's ears will hear the difference. I can't!
I can't stand looking at dented dust caps.
Should be a law against it!

 

[Negotiableterms]

A Law??

I can't stand looking at dented dust caps.
Should be a law against it!

OK, let me get this straight: you want anyone who is caught looking at a dented dust cap to be jailed, while someone caught staring at a mint dustcap goes free?


Sorry guys, this thread seems to bring out the silliest in me. I suspect that's because my speakers don't come with grilles, and so I get to worry about my two children bumping into the dozens of little silk and carbon-fiber domes every day. It hasn't happened yet, but it's only a matter of time...

 

[gonzothegreat]

I *think* what he meant was any person who intentionally dents a dustcap should be arrested. There are plenty of people who can't resist poking the dome.

Hey look! It pops back when I push it. Watch - I'll do it again! Whoa! Check it out! <crunch> Sorry - bummer dude.