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Squealing Quad

69.248.131.226
Posted on November 22, 2014 at 04:26:59
Joe Appierto
Audiophile

Posts: 1051
Location: Central NJ
Joined: January 3, 2004
 I've encountered a problem with one of my Quad 989 speakers and would appreciate any help or advice from this forum's members.

This morning I heard what I thought was a popping or snapping sound coming from the direction of my system and within a second or so one of my 989's began emitting a fairly loud squealing sound that varies in tone and sounds almost like the interstation noise you'd hear when trying to tune an FM tuner.

No music was playing and the only way I could get it to stop was by powering down the speaker. Any thoughts on what this could be and even better what it might cost to repair?

I appreciate any comments made. Thanks.


Joe

 

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RE: Squealing Quad, posted on November 22, 2014 at 05:00:43
AJ
Audiophile

Posts: 532
Joined: February 24, 2001
 Unfortunately, the diaphragm material might have delaminated from the framework of one of the electrostatic elements.

Only one element can be repaired or replaced but it involves "de-socking" the speaker removing the dust covers ,determining the specific panel and then de soldering many small wire from the high voltage stators ....repair the panel (definitely not DIY if you've never done it before) or purchase a replacement or send the existing panel away for repair (probably around $300 for a single panel repair).

Then....put all back together! The bad news is that if one panel goes often others follow.

Good luck .

 

RE: Squealing Quad, posted on November 22, 2014 at 05:12:47
Joe Appierto
Audiophile

Posts: 1051
Location: Central NJ
Joined: January 3, 2004
 Thanks you for the information, AJ. Wasn't sure if it was some internal electronic part or one/some of the tweeter panels. For the heck of it I just powered-up the speaker again. At first the noise was no longer steady but after a few minutes warm-up it was.

Handy I'm not so it'd mean sending the speaker out to have it repaired.


Joe

 

RE: Squealing Quad, posted on December 15, 2014 at 19:54:12
lesleymorley@yahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 270
Location: Seatle, Wa. USA
Joined: September 19, 2007
 Hi... I have had a similar noise, several times, on one of my Quad 57 speakers, a scary high loud tearing or squealing sound. Not sure if it's the same problem you have had.
It only happened with one of my amplifiers, and never happened with any of the others, not even once in many years. I always have felt that the one particular amp could not take the huge impedance swings characteristic of the Quads. But it's only a guess.
Your solution might just be another amplifier. Have you tried that?

 

RE: Squealing Quad, posted on December 15, 2014 at 21:28:00
JLindborg
Audiophile

Posts: 1037
Location: Uppsala
Joined: April 26, 2010
 You are most certainly having problem with 1 or more broken panels.
This can be either broken membrane or stator plate getting loose from the stator support mesh or both.

The sound You hear is the sound of short circuit when the speaker tops up the charge that's missing.

To get access to the stator plates, You will have to unscrew the bottom base cover to access the electronic components and then unsolder the proper connections that are connected to the panel unit.
This has to be done because the bottom base (foot) locks the front metal guard plate due to its bowed shape You can see above the logo.

A lot of work, I assure You.
Here are pictures of 2 of many possible membrane failures I have encountered.
This apart from the failures of stator plate coming loose from the stator support mesh (white squares)








The one who succeeded was the one who didn't know it was impossible.

 

RE: Squealing Quad, posted on December 16, 2014 at 05:23:17
Joe Appierto
Audiophile

Posts: 1051
Location: Central NJ
Joined: January 3, 2004
 Thank you for the suggestion but no, I haven't tried that. Don't think that's the issue since I had the same integrated amp, a c-j CA200, hooked up to the 989s for two years without this problem occurring.
Joe

 

RE: Squealing Quad, posted on December 16, 2014 at 05:27:04
Joe Appierto
Audiophile

Posts: 1051
Location: Central NJ
Joined: January 3, 2004
 Based on my limited experience, what you describe are the two most likely causes. Not knowing what exactly it was, the cost of crating, shipping, problem resolution and then wondering if the other speaker was the next to go, I decided it was simpler to just replace the 989s with ML ElectroMotion ESLs. I've been quite pleased with them.

I appreciate your input. Thank you.


Joe

 

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