The Value of "Test Tone" Type Disks

[robertm]

I've downloaded the binks audio test disk which has a number of sine tones at frequencies across the audio spectrum. I find that my drivers, particularly the woofers, buzz a bit with some of the lower end tones and have strange sounds coming from them at times. This happens on both woofers and on another set of identical speakers I have as well. I don't know how "good" these tones are, whether there is some distortion in the signal or not. Happens when I have the speakers hooked up to different amps and cd players. I'm wondering if pure sine tones are really not that great a way to evaluate the condition of a woofer. Any thoughts?

[r-carpenter]

analog sweeps can very easily help you isolate mechanical issues with the speaker. Loose screws for example vibrate around 330hz. So, yes they can be useful.
The speakers that have buzz, are they commercial speakers or something you build?

[robertm]

analog sweeps can very easily help you isolate mechanical issues with the speaker. Loose screws for example vibrate around 330hz. So, yes they can be useful.
The speakers that have buzz, are they commercial speakers or something you build?

The buzzing drivers are woofers on a JBL L96.

[mzisserson]

They are a great tool.

It is how I checked for damage when I thought I blew the Beatsies. You can use them with an RTA to find room nodes (along with warbles). They are fairly absoulte, the tell about your whole system. The will pick up a leaky capacitor in the signal path which can be audible distortion. The list goes on and on!

[LoveDoctor]

FWIW, there are many a downloadable tone generators on the Interwebs. RoomEQWizard (REW) also has one, along with a few other useful features.

Infinitely variable, no selection of tracks or having to constantly skip back to the start. Better than discs, IMO. Just need some sort of cable between computer audio output and receiver.