[mikec]

I have a Pioneer VSX-1326-K receiver, and a Klipsch Synergy 12" Down-Firing Subwoofer (SUB-12). The sub stopped working this week and when I noticed it I didn't have time to sit down and troubleshoot. The next day I went down to have a look and it appeared to be working fine again. Then today I went down to listen to some music and it wasn't working again.

I have tested all inputs, and also replaced the cable. The sub has a sleep feature where the power light is orange until it detects signal. I went to the setup menu on the receiver and went to the speaker levels section. The light on the sub was orange, when I selected the subwoofer level the light turned blue. So the receiver is sending the signal, and the sub detects there is signal, it's just not outputting anything.

There are two switches on the back of the sub, one for the On/Auto mode to turn on/off the sleep mode, and one to change phase. Neither of them had any effect. There are two knobs, one for setting the cross over level, and the other for gain. The cross over level didn't make a difference, but when I turned the gain up all the way, I could feel and slightly hear the sub outputting something. It was barely anything at all..

I don't know what that tells me but was hoping someone else might have an idea. I think this sub is only 2-3 years old, and it apparently has a 5 years labour warranty through Klipsch. Not sure how much of a pain that will be to deal with.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[57]

If the AVR is set to output stereo and the front speakers are set to "large" there will be no signal to the sub. There should be a sub signal if the AVR is set to output DPL or DD.

Use the AVR's Speaker test tones to check all the speakers including the sub.

Set the Sub to "auto", it should come on automatically. In "on" it's always on. The crossover should be set to the highest frequency and the AVR should handle the crossover if properly set up. The sub volume should be set to about 12 o'clock. You should then use the AVR's MCACC mic to set up the speakers properly.

The sub cable should be connected to the Left/LFE input on the back of the sub.

 

[mikec]

Sorry, I guess I didn't really mention that this setup has been working fine for a few years. I was using the AVRs test tones for the test, and all responded except the sub. The crossover has always been set to the highest, and the gain was at 12 o'clock, until I did my testing. All the AVR settings were setup using the MCACC. The sub cable is connected to LFE.

 

[57]

Other things to try:

- leave the sub in the "on" position and roughly 12 o'clock until you're finished testing.
- with the subwoofer cable connected to the the sub, "short" the other end of the cable with your fingers. This will often cause the sub to emit a tone. Unplugging and replugging the sub cable with the sub on, will often also create a "tone". Disconnect the cable from the AVR first.
- Try still another cable - anything with RCA ends should do the trick.
- make sure the sub cable is connected to the proper sub output on the back of the AVR.
- make sure the sub option in the AVR speaker setup is set to "LFE" or "both" and not "off".
- last resort - reset the AVR to factory defaults - usually outlined in the troubleshooting section of the OM.

 

[mikec]

I did try shorting the cable with my fingers didn't get a tone. I think I will try and borrow a sub from a friend instead of resetting the AVR to factory. It should prove the same thing. I have a feeling it's probably the sub, I just don't know what could have happened. I rarely push it hard. I guess that's electronics for you though.

Does anyone have any insight to how a labour warranty might work with Klipsch? I am guessing I will send it away, they test it and determine if it's covered and if so they fix it and send it back. I assume I will cover at least the shipping to them. It's pretty bulky and heavy, so could cost quite a bit, but still less than replacing it.

 

[ExDilbert]

There might be a local repair depot. It should be possible to find out on the web site or by calling. The store that sold the sub might handle the repair or know who can.

First, I would exhaust all options. Temporarily replacing the sub cable would be a start. Also check all the AV receiver options to make sure they are correct. Resetting the AV receiver is not as drastic as it sounds and could fix the issue. Make a note of any special settings (like input assignments) before doing so.

 

[mikec]

I spoke with the company that handles warranty and repair for Klipsch in Canada. The guy said it sounds like the amp, which isn't covered under warranty. He said he can sell me a replacement amp for about $200, and I think I paid $250-$300 for the sub on boxing day, so it's not worth it. I think I will take it apart when I get some time, maybe its a blown fuse on the board, or a bad cap.

 

[Gangrel]

My situation was a bit different but I ordered a sub from Amazon a year ago and it seemed to be DOA. Same as you, all lights working, no sound, etc.

I contacted the company and they told me to take the back off and see if the wires were loose. Low and behold, the wire from the board to the speaker on the front had come off.

I reconnected them and all has been well since.

Check the wires inside too.

 

[PokerChip]

My subwoofer acts kind of strange. It seems to stop working, even though there is power to it. And the only way I have found to bring it back to life is to unscrew the fuse in the back and reconnect it, which seems to "reset" it. By the way, the fuse isn't blown when I take it out and put it back in.

What might the problem be?