Help with sub-woofer intermittent issue - Blu-ray Forum

pedromvu · 09-24-2018, 10:12 PM

Hi, I've been looking for my particular issue over the internet without much help, was hoping someone with more knowledge on sub-woofer repairs could have an idea of what is going on.

The problem I am facing is that my sub-woofer randomly stops outputting any sound, but there is no clear pattern, oddly enough the solution that always works, is to disconnect both input cables (I am using a Y splitter) and then connect them back again, it also works disconnecting the splitter, it seems the important thing is to remove all contact from input cable before connecting it again.

This could work for days or for hours until the problem happens again.

My subwoofer is a Rythmik FV12 with a little over 6 1/2 years of use, everything else seems to be working, the fuse is fine, the power light indicator shows it is always on when it fails.

Would appreciate any info or links to help troubleshooting sub-woofers, thanks.

solarrdadd · 09-24-2018, 10:29 PM

Please list some things you haven't. Like signal source (receiver/pre-amp), you mention having a splitter but don't mention the other sub, is this issue happening to the other sub too or just the one mentioned? What brand/model is the other sub?

The usual questions too, sub. Cables in good shape? did you replace the cables and the splitter already? Also, how long has this issue been going on?

pedromvu · 09-25-2018, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solarrdadd

Please list some things you haven't. Like signal source (receiver/pre-amp), you mention having a splitter but don't mention the other sub, is this issue happening to the other sub too or just the one mentioned? What brand/model is the other sub?

The usual questions too, sub. Cables in good shape? did you replace the cables and the splitter already? Also, how long has this issue been going on?

I am only using one sub, my Yamaha receiver sends one signal, then I use the splitter to connect to both inputs on the sub.

Everything looks in good shape but have not been able to replace it as I need a very long cable.

Hopefully this will not be a problem anymore but the thing is since a few days ago I started noticing weird things in the house with regards electronics (light bulbs randomly getting low, or when turning other stuff on, and slight audio distortions when turning certain devices), today things started to get worse and it turned out there was an electrical problem in my house, voltage started to get very low, and it was fixed by an electrician today.

So hopefully the sub is not damaged as it appears most of my other equipment is ok, will need to use the system a few days to see if I still have problems.

oddbox83 · 03-08-2020, 08:40 PM

I'd like a little input on my similar issue. I have the Focal Cub Evo (powered sub) and it often turns itself off as it's not detecting a strong enough input. Turning it off and wiggling the cable seems to solve it but it's annoying when you get partway through something and realise it's not on.

I think it might be a cable loss issue. Because of awkward placement I'm running a long cable from the receiver, through trunking around a door frame then back down to the sub. I've had the connection housing unscrewed and can't see a break anywhere, but it does seem cheap so maybe the length of cable vs. the build means the sub isn't receiving a strong enough signal so keeps switching it off. The wiggle must make a slightly stronger connection temporarily.

So, is the best bet spending some money on a better cable, more robust for longer runs? I don't want to do so if someone can suggest another possible cause. Also, what should I be looking for in a long cable? I don't want to spend a fortune on snake oil.

solarrdadd · 03-08-2020, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oddbox83

I'd like a little input on my similar issue. I have the Focal Cub Evo (powered sub) and it often turns itself off as it's not detecting a strong enough input. Turning it off and wiggling the cable seems to solve it but it's annoying when you get partway through something and realise it's not on.

I think it might be a cable loss issue. Because of awkward placement I'm running a long cable from the receiver, through trunking around a door frame then back down to the sub. I've had the connection housing unscrewed and can't see a break anywhere, but it does seem cheap so maybe the length of cable vs. the build means the sub isn't receiving a strong enough signal so keeps switching it off. The wiggle must make a slightly stronger connection temporarily.

So, is the best bet spending some money on a better cable, more robust for longer runs? I don't want to do so if someone can suggest another possible cause. Also, what should I be looking for in a long cable? I don't want to spend a fortune on snake oil.

any rg6/rca cable will do. try monoprice and when you do the install, just be careful as I'm sure you will be. those can be run a long ways before signal loss is an issue. how long is the current cable you have? do you ever get it to turn back on just by wiggling it? and are you wiggling the cable itself say in the middle or near one of the two connector ends?

oddbox83 · 03-09-2020, 09:42 AM

Wiggling it by the sub connection. I can't see a break but it does seem very thin. I don't like to do a wiggle without powering down for fear of blowing the sub/receiver. It has made quite loud clicks/bangs in the past when messing about with cables when powered up.

It's about 5-6 metres. Needed to be long to take it up the side of the door, across the top and back down the other side.

oddbox83 · 03-09-2020, 10:24 AM

QED seems to be a good reputable brand with lowest price in the UK. Is this the soprt of thing I need?

http://vi.vipr.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayI...2&secureDesc=0

Or worth paying a little more for chunkier cable?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6M-QED-PR...cAAOSwBg5cwZr1

CompleteCount · 03-09-2020, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oddbox83

QED seems to be a good reputable brand with lowest price in the UK. Is this the soprt of thing I need?

http://vi.vipr.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayI...2&secureDesc=0

Or worth paying a little more for chunkier cable?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6M-QED-PR...cAAOSwBg5cwZr1

This one looks like it might cover all bases...

https://www.hifix.co.uk/audioquest-b...ubwoofer-cable

oddbox83 · 04-08-2020, 11:25 AM

I did discover the exact problem with my cable. The silver solder on the sub end wasn't fully stuck, so it was wobbling around and sometimes not touching the core wire.

It would have been fixable but I don't have silver solder gear, so bought a custom made cable (Van Damme RCA with Neutrik Rean connectors). It worked out a lot cheaper that way than buying a ready made branded one.

oddbox83 · 05-02-2020, 02:23 PM

Just an update - the new cable all set up, and I wish I'd discovered using instrument-grade cable earlier for longer runs. Very flexible and fit into the cable trunking I have with ease. The connectors also seem quite solid and hard-wearing.

09-24-2018, 10:12 PM	#1
pedromvu Blu-ray Guru Member since:Nov 2010 Location:Mexico 4K collection:146 Blu-ray collection:1222 DVD collection:35 MA collection:8 Digital collection:12 iTunes collection:12 Trading Score:52	Help with sub-woofer intermittent issue Hi, I've been looking for my particular issue over the internet without much help, was hoping someone with more knowledge on sub-woofer repairs could have an idea of what is going on. The problem I am facing is that my sub-woofer randomly stops outputting any sound, but there is no clear pattern, oddly enough the solution that always works, is to disconnect both input cables (I am using a Y splitter) and then connect them back again, it also works disconnecting the splitter, it seems the important thing is to remove all contact from input cable before connecting it again. This could work for days or for hours until the problem happens again. My subwoofer is a Rythmik FV12 with a little over 6 1/2 years of use, everything else seems to be working, the fuse is fine, the power light indicator shows it is always on when it fails. Would appreciate any info or links to help troubleshooting sub-woofers, thanks.

03-09-2020, 09:42 AM	#6
oddbox83 Blu-ray Champion Member since:Sep 2013 Location:UK	Wiggling it by the sub connection. I can't see a break but it does seem very thin. I don't like to do a wiggle without powering down for fear of blowing the sub/receiver. It has made quite loud clicks/bangs in the past when messing about with cables when powered up. It's about 5-6 metres. Needed to be long to take it up the side of the door, across the top and back down the other side. Last edited by oddbox83; 03-09-2020 at 09:46 AM.

09-24-2018, 10:29 PM	#2
solarrdadd Blu-ray Prince Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Virginia Home Theater Gallery:255 4K collection:209 Blu-ray collection:1344 DVD collection:4 Blu-ray reviews: 42 Trading Score:316	Please list some things you haven't. Like signal source (receiver/pre-amp), you mention having a splitter but don't mention the other sub, is this issue happening to the other sub too or just the one mentioned? What brand/model is the other sub? The usual questions too, sub. Cables in good shape? did you replace the cables and the splitter already? Also, how long has this issue been going on?

03-08-2020, 08:40 PM	#4
oddbox83 Blu-ray Champion Member since:Sep 2013 Location:UK	I'd like a little input on my similar issue. I have the Focal Cub Evo (powered sub) and it often turns itself off as it's not detecting a strong enough input. Turning it off and wiggling the cable seems to solve it but it's annoying when you get partway through something and realise it's not on. I think it might be a cable loss issue. Because of awkward placement I'm running a long cable from the receiver, through trunking around a door frame then back down to the sub. I've had the connection housing unscrewed and can't see a break anywhere, but it does seem cheap so maybe the length of cable vs. the build means the sub isn't receiving a strong enough signal so keeps switching it off. The wiggle must make a slightly stronger connection temporarily. So, is the best bet spending some money on a better cable, more robust for longer runs? I don't want to do so if someone can suggest another possible cause. Also, what should I be looking for in a long cable? I don't want to spend a fortune on snake oil.

03-09-2020, 10:24 AM	#7
oddbox83 Blu-ray Champion Member since:Sep 2013 Location:UK	QED seems to be a good reputable brand with lowest price in the UK. Is this the soprt of thing I need? http://vi.vipr.ebaydesc.com/ws/eBayI...2&secureDesc=0 Or worth paying a little more for chunkier cable? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6M-QED-PR...cAAOSwBg5cwZr1

04-08-2020, 11:25 AM	#9
oddbox83 Blu-ray Champion Member since:Sep 2013 Location:UK	I did discover the exact problem with my cable. The silver solder on the sub end wasn't fully stuck, so it was wobbling around and sometimes not touching the core wire. It would have been fixable but I don't have silver solder gear, so bought a custom made cable (Van Damme RCA with Neutrik Rean connectors). It worked out a lot cheaper that way than buying a ready made branded one.

05-02-2020, 02:23 PM	#10
oddbox83 Blu-ray Champion Member since:Sep 2013 Location:UK	Just an update - the new cable all set up, and I wish I'd discovered using instrument-grade cable earlier for longer runs. Very flexible and fit into the cable trunking I have with ease. The connectors also seem quite solid and hard-wearing.

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals