Martin logan monolith 3 , panel giving off strong odor of ozone

[dcizmok]

Hello everyone, I have owned these speakers for about 5 years now and have lately noticed that one of the speakers is giving off a strong smell of ozone from the panel. When there is no speaker cable attached it no smell occurs. Almost as if it has a signal sensing circuit. Even when it is being used the smell is stronger form it than the other.
Anyone have similar experiences? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thx

 

[Tosh]

I think you have a buildup of conductive dust or grime on a spacer between the diaphragm and a stator, and the HV charge is being shorted to a stator. It could also be caused by other HV leakage paths, such as a deformed panel, torn diaphragm, or poor connection to diaphragm.
You may be able to listen carefully for squeaks and whistles which indicate leakage to home in on the area, and then use a magnifier and soft brush while vacuuming that area.

 

[Gordon Gray]

The mylar is making contact with the stat panel.

GG

 

[dcizmok]

GG

That makes sense, I will have examine the panels very well and perhaps even pull them out to get a look at the sides. The panels are actually only 5 years old so I hope there is no permanent damage if there has been a short to panel.

 

[dcizmok]

Tosh

I know the diaphragms are in perfect shape so somewhere there must be a short as you describe, I suppose even a small bit of something that possibly could have fell through the perforated panels that is even slightly conductive could cause a short because of the high voltages that are present.

 

[Gordon Gray]

Hi dc,

When I had my CLS2A's and pushed the volume with heavy bass material, the mylar would touch the stat. I saw a blue "spark" immediately followed by the smell of ozone.

GG

 

[dcizmok]

Hi GG

Had a chance to remove the panel and I noticed one of the outer panel wires insulator was pulled back about 3/8" -1/2" back leaving bare wire exposed. Is it possible that with the high voltages here that there is some leakage going to the diaphragm?

DC

 

[twich54]

giving off a strong smell of ozone from the panel.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thx

Call Al Gore ( reffered to as 'ozone Al' here in the States) !

seriously though, I suspect a 'shunting' somewhere as Gordon suggested.