Hello,
I recently purchased a pair of AV5140's. I like the speakers, but little fingers had found their way to the tweeters (the ceramic domed SPKR 015-3).
I called Linn USA. The rep told me that this tweeter is no longer available and that the proper replacement is the SPKR 038-2. I have seen this referred to at times as the "Ninka" tweeter, though there is a little discrepancy about that. I am a little concerned about making the switch to a completely different tweeter.
Does anyone have a pair of 015-3's that are in mint condition? Or, does anyone have experience making this switch, and can you comment on the sound?
Thanks,
Barry
Hi Barry,
SPKR 038/2 is the same tweeter that was used on the Espek (the replacement for the AV5140) It was also used on the Ninka, Katan, and Ekwal.
SPKR 038/2 is a silk dome tweeter that sounds a lot smoother and more musical than the ceramic domed SPKR 015 (the /3 is the third revision). We actually ship the SPKR 038/2 with the current Aktiv cards for Keltik, a speaker that was built using the SPKR 015.
If you are using your AV5140's with Aktiv cards it is advisable to turn up the gain on the tweeter amplifier by one click (1dB). If you are using the speaker with it's passive crossover, then there is a modification that can be made by your Linn dealer to the crossover to adjust the level of the tweeter.
I changed SPKR 015 for SPKR038/2 in my AV5120, used as a centre channel, last year and found it to be much easier to hear details particularly in peoples S's and T's.
I hope this helps.
Kind Regards
Dan.
Dan,
Thanks very much for the information.
I am not running the speakers in aktiv mode. Do you have any details of this crossover modification? Is it a required mod if replacing the tweeters? Is this something that all Linn dealers will be aware of and/or able to perform?
Sorry for all the questions, but I guess I'm just trying to determine whether I can do it myself.
Thanks,
Barry
Barry,
The modification to the crossover is to change 2 resistors. They are quite large and require quite a lot of heat (a 100W soldering iron is recommended.) Fine nosed pliers or circlip pliers are needed to remove the cross-over from the cabinet, and a hot melt glue gun is needed to prevent the new resistors vibrating
A dealer may or may not be aware of the procedure, but they will have access to the instructions. It is part of a procedure that changes all the drive units to be the same as those used in the Espek.
Any Linn dealer should be able to perform the process for you. If you wanted to do it yourself, they may be willing to supply you with the parts, and possibly even a copy of the instructions too.
Good luck.
Dan.