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Woofer damage from new Star Wars THX DVD?

Both woofers in my JM Lab Utopias blew with the THX intro (exploding sphere) on the new Star Wars DVD. Happened at normal listening level through my Theta Casablanca II/VTL 7.5 preamp/Halcro dm58 amps. I've not blown a driver in over 30 years of being an audiophile. I've heard that the base was boosted as much as 36db on some of these DVDs. Even though the speakers are under warranty, I'm out $1,200 for a new Focal woofer (JM Lab only covers 1 driver for this kind of damage). Anybody with information or suggestions? Needless to say, I'm not happy about eating this expense if the fault really lies with an overmodulated DVD with no warning about increased bass levels. At the verey least, I'm curious to see if this happened to anyone else. The sound level was high enough that the concern for hearing loss came to mind (I'm a physician and I don't think I'm this concern is frivolous). Thanks for any thoughts or other input.
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tsrart
79 posts
 
Didn't blow any woofers, but when the seismic charge went off later in the movie, all the power in my house went out for about 10 seconds. (Of course, that may have been a coincidence -- but I doubt it.) I was listening at the same levels I listen to any other action-oriented movie at, too.
lancel2000
52 posts
 
Phew!!! I would seriously look at www.zalytron.com to see if you can purchase the replacement speakers from them. I think they would be much less.

I agree the intro with the exploding sphere is out there. I have a good sub and it literally rattled my house the first time we played it. My 3 year old came running from down the hall all upset!

Good luck, I hope zalytron can help you.
sean
6,231 posts
 
YOW !!!! This makes me want to run out and buy this DVD just to see how much "devastation" i can accomplish. Thanks for the warning : )

As to the damage done to the JM Lab's, i would raise hell with your dealer and the importer. Ask them how some little "weenie" speakers can achieve THX certification and take the beating while these supposed mega-dollar speakers explode when pushed hard ? Covering only ONE driver ??? Talk about a "K-Mart" warranty.

Personally, i would do whatever it would take to get them to cover the damage under warranty and then sell them. Who wants a speaker that you can't watch movies with ( regardless of the type of soundtrack ) and / or get a hassle from the manufacturer / dealer when it comes time for them to stand behind a multiple thousand dollar product ?!?!?!? As to ONE of the woofers costing $1200, that is utterly and completely ridiculous. I hate to add insult to injury, but it is this kind of stuff that absolutely makes me abhor much of what "hi-end" has become. Sean
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