REL T2 Subwoofer making rattling noises

[joe1515]

I have a REL T 2 subwoofer, and it was making rattling noses every time there was a hard hitting base scene. I brought the subwoofer into Harvey’s New York where I bought the sub, and they replaced the amplifier. I get home hooke up the sub and turn on 10,000 BC and the same rattling noise is back. The sub is less than one year old.

I called and spoke to Harvey’s and they said it must be a problem with my system. I don’t understand how my receiver or connections can cause the subwoofer to sound like something is loose and rattling? It only happens during hard hitting base scenes, other than that it sounds great and clear. It does not sound distorted. Any suggestions, or help would be appreciated.

[MacDaddyOJack]

How high is your gain? Sounds like you may be reaching the excursions limits for the speaker itself, keep doing that and you might drive it out of the electromagnet, mess up its suspension, or tear the cone away from the surround. If the rattling noise your are describing is what I think it is, then you probably need another sub to get the amount of bass you desire.

[pmac]

Originally Posted by joe1515

I have a REL T 2 subwoofer, and it was making rattling noses every time there was a hard hitting base scene. I brought the subwoofer into Harvey’s New York where I bought the sub, and they replaced the amplifier. I get home hooke up the sub and turn on 10,000 BC and the same rattling noise is back. The sub is less than one year old.

I called and spoke to Harvey’s and they said it must be a problem with my system. I don’t understand how my receiver or connections can cause the subwoofer to sound like something is loose and rattling? It only happens during hard hitting base scenes, other than that it sounds great and clear. It does not sound distorted. Any suggestions, or help would be appreciated.

EDIT: assuming you use your sub within its limits: Generally a "rattling" or tinny metalic noise would immediately indicate (to me) a voicecoil that has come unglued from the cone, either partially or totally, and when the woofer moves the coil is bouncing off the cone. I had an Energy that did the same thing. Replace driver all is good. I did not have to drive it too hard to hear the noice as it was significantly lossened and was almost free floating, but if it is just starting to come loose it might take higher levels to notice it. (IMO)

[joe1515]

Originally Posted by MacDaddyOJack

How high is your gain? Sounds like you may be reaching the excursions limits for the speaker itself, keep doing that and you might drive it out of the electromagnet, mess up its suspension, or tear the cone away from the surround. If the rattling noise your are describing is what I think it is, then you probably need another sub to get the amount of bass you desire.

When you say gain I am not sure what you mean, but on my receiver the sub level is set to -5.5 (Denon 3808Ci) and the Lfe (i think that what it's called) is set a little more than half way.

[pmac]

Originally Posted by joe1515

When you say gain I am not sure what you mean, but on my receiver the sub level is set to -5.5 (Denon 3808Ci) and the Lfe (i think that what it's called) is set a little more than half way.

turn the subwoofer off (unplug it). take the grill off if there is one. tap the cone (not the centre dome) of the woofer, and see if you can detect a rattle. just dont tap so hard you put your finger through it but be firm, if you can hear the rattle, then you likely have a detatched voicecoil. It happens.

[pere]

I had the same problem with my B&W ASW CDM.
The problem was mechanical.
I dismounted the speaker then, shifting the cone a little, I saw a tear in the membrane (there are two) that fix the cone with the chassis and allow to move it forward and backward.
I fixed with glue (a flexible one) and problem solved.
I don't know if your problem is the same that mine, but I think you could take a look.

[MacDaddyOJack]

Originally Posted by joe1515

When you say gain I am not sure what you mean, but on my receiver the sub level is set to -5.5 (Denon 3808Ci) and the Lfe (i think that what it's called) is set a little more than half way.

The gain is similar to a volume knob although they are not the same thing. It may also be called a LFE or level knob on the back of the sub. Half-way isn't bad though, you shouldnt be blowing anything there, especially if the Denon is set to -5.5. It does sound to me like you have separated the voice coil though. Try the tapping test pmac suggested, its probably that. If not, then it is definitely something with the driver, you would be best to just get a new speaker from the manufacturer.

[minerfrog]

First, I'm sorry, I'm not to good at english.
I have a REL T 2 subwoofer too and I had the same problem. Actually, it was 2 problems. I solved all two fortunately. It works well already now.

1. There's a big coil in the sub. The middle holder screw was loose and this screw was making rattling noises. Maybe, You must to pull this screw.

2. There are 2 black holder racks on the side of the sub. The rack made noises too. Strike it for test. It was necessary to take it off and it is necessary to stick it on new one with tree adhesive, because the gluing released.

Unfortunately this is the consequence of "made in china"

I hope for it I was able to help you

[joe1515]

Originally Posted by minerfrog

First, I'm sorry, I'm not to good at english.
I have a REL T 2 subwoofer too and I had the same problem. Actually, it was 2 problems. I solved all two fortunately. It works well already now.

1. There's a big coil in the sub. The middle holder screw was loose and this screw was making rattling noises. Maybe, You must to pull this screw.

2. There are 2 black holder racks on the side of the sub. The rack made noises too. Strike it for test. It was necessary to take it off and it is necessary to stick it on new one with tree adhesive, because the gluing released.

Unfortunately this is the consequence of "made in china"

I hope for it I was able to help you

Were you hearing the rattling at all times?

[joe1515]

I spoke with Harvey's and they will let me upgrade to the REL R series for the difference in cost. Is it worth it?

[MacDaddyOJack]

I'm not sure I'd go with another REL since this one started rattling under non-abusive conditions. In my opinion, I would definitely not pay for the upgrade, it's not your fault the product is defective.

[minerfrog]

Originally Posted by joe1515

Were you hearing the rattling at all times?

Not at all times. Only when I was listening very deep bass. For example the opener scene of "The Fifth Element" and the sounds of explosions towards the end of the movie. It was a typical mechanical noise (rattle). It was very annoying. When I was listening music or normal movie I wasn't hearing the rattling, the sounds were clear and great, than now after the repair.
Did you test it gently to strike? For me, this helped to circumscribe the source of the noise.

I think, you have a similar problem, than for me, but easily repairable. Repair or change it.

"Upgrade to the REL R series for the difference in cost. Is it worth it?"
Sorry, I don't know either the American under garantee rules neither the R series. For me this appears fair from here from Europe.

[rambotan]

My REL T9 rattles when there are big explosions. I replayed the explosions many times to try to isolate the problem. Turns out it is due to the grille.

When the cone is in full or near full extension (when playing super loud), it appears to extend quite far out and may have touched the plastic frame of the grill.

Removing the grill solved the problem for me.

Music no problems. Movies better remove the grill if you are looking for earth shattering rumble.

[aces high]

It sounds like you guys are overdriving your subwoofers. REL subs have small drivers which really aren't well suited to high spl listening to movie soundtracks. Time for an upgrade if the subwoofer can't handle your preferred listening levels and I'd wouldn't climb the REL ladder any further if I were you.