Audio speakers are the last link in the process of hearing sound. The amplified signal from a stereo receiver, CD player, or an electric guitar or other instrument is fed to the speaker system for conversion into audible sounds. Fortunately, speakers are relatively simple in design and can be fixed easily.

How Does It Work?

 Speakers for a home stereo or entire home entertainment system amplify the sound generated from another component of the system. The typical speaker is a collection of complementary parts. The typical enclosure (speaker case) has a 6- to 15-inch-diameter cone woofer for low frequencies, a 3- to 6-inch-diameter dome or cone midrange driver (commonly called a speaker), and a small tweeter for high frequencies. Audio signals move along speaker cables to a terminal block at the back of the enclosure. Once inside, a crossover network divides incoming frequencies into the appropriate ranges, sending each to the correct driver. Drivers then convert this input into mechanical movement of the cone which, in turn, moves the air in a way that is detected by your ears as sound.

What Can Go Wrong?

Speakers are most likely to suffer from improper use. The enclosure can be damaged or come unglued. The speaker can blow an electrical or thermal fuse. Wiring can be faulty. The voice coil can be faulty, a speaker can be blown, a crossover network can be faulty, or a solder connection can be faulty. Cables and connections can be faulty; a driver cone can be damaged. Speakers may not be in phase. Level controls can be broken. All are repairable problems.

Fix-It Tip

Many problems with speakers are actually oopses. "Oops" is what you say when you find out that the problem actually is a speaker button not pushed on the amplifier, a volume knob is too low, a wire has become disconnected, or something isn't plugged in. Oops!