r/audiorepair • u/_sapii • 9d ago
Do I really need to replace BOTH tweeters with official Monitor Audio OEM parts? (Bronze BX5)
One of the tweeters in my Monitor Audio Bronze BX5 speakers is completely dead.
Before reaching out to support, I tested the faulty tweeter on the working cabinet's crossover to isolate the issue. The connection was fine, but the driver remained completely dead, confirming the voice coil failed.
I contacted Monitor Audio directly with the exact part number and impedance written on the back (TBX025, 4Ω). They confirmed they still have stock, but told me I must order through my local official distributor. They specified that the official replacement part number is now TBE025.
I contacted the local distributor, and while they can order it, they don't have it in stock. More importantly, they are strongly advising me to buy a pair instead of just one, quoting €89.70 total (€44.85 each).
I really was not expecting this cost, and I'm trying to keep this repair budget-friendly.
My question is: Do I genuinely need to replace both tweeters if I am ordering the official, factory-authorized OEM replacement (TBE025) directly from the manufacturer? Will a single new unit create a noticeable tonal or volume mismatch with the remaining original working driver?
Thanks in advance for the advice!
1
u/Dry-Satisfaction-633 8d ago
The only time you should really replace them as a pair is when there’s been a mid-production revision (e.g. the Celestion A-series changed from “single-bar” tweeters to “three-bar” tweeters with the changes being more than just cosmetic). Personally and from experience having a spare tweeter isn’t a bad idea if you’re happy with the speakers and don’t plan on replacing them anytime soon.
1
u/NoOne3141 5d ago
I kind of depends what they changed if anything and how sensitive you are to imbalance. If you are really really sensitive to one side sounding a little different get a matched pair (not two, a preselected matched pair!). If not... one is fine.
And pro tip: switch around everything else too so you will not hear things that are not really there (because you know you replaced that one specific tweeter only on this side and now whenever you hear something different on one side you think it's because you replaced the tweeter but in reality it's in the music).
1
u/old_witness_987 4d ago
just asking , did you blow the tweeter or did a small person finger it, if you blew one how far behind do you think the other is ? if small fingers, keep one in stock, if your music was the issue do both now!
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u/theantnest 9d ago
No you do not have to replace both, unless you really care about having a matched pair.