Speakers sound muffled (like they are underwater)

A

Alwezhpy

Enthusiast
My receiver is a Pioneer VSX D-458. I actually just replaced my older VSX D-458 with this same model I bought from eBay (which says it was tested and working), so I'm almost certain this is a speaker issue as you mentioned
Ummmm, while you may hold someone to their word in EBay, I wouldn’t take it as gospel. People selling used equipment and cars have been known to exaggerate and maybe even tell a lie every now and then. I buy a decent amount from EBay myself, but test it out as soon as I receive it. Having said that, I would agree it sounds like a driver or crossover issue. While driving the speakers too loud may seem to be the cause, the actual cause may have been playing the music too loud with a used amp that had too much distortion. Most drivers give up while receiving a large amount of distorted sound.
 
lovinthehd

lovinthehd

Audioholic Jedi
Ummmm, while you may hold someone to their word in EBay, I wouldn’t take it as gospel. People selling used equipment and cars have been known to exaggerate and maybe even tell a lie every now and then. I buy a decent amount from EBay myself, but test it out as soon as I receive it. Having said that, I would agree it sounds like a driver or crossover issue. While driving the speakers too loud may seem to be the cause, the actual cause may have been playing the music too loud with a used amp that had too much distortion. Most drivers give up while receiving a large amount of distorted sound.
It's not distorted sound particularly, but amp clipping more likely. Feeding a driver too much juice is not a good thing. Plenty of recordings of distorted sound from guitars out there that play fine quite loudly.....
 
Pogre

Pogre

Audioholic Slumlord
Playing loud and a sudden tone change for the worse? Sounds like blown speaker to me.
 
K

Kor3y

Enthusiast
Ummmm, while you may hold someone to their word in EBay, I wouldn’t take it as gospel. People selling used equipment and cars have been known to exaggerate and maybe even tell a lie every now and then. I buy a decent amount from EBay myself, but test it out as soon as I receive it. Having said that, I would agree it sounds like a driver or crossover issue. While driving the speakers too loud may seem to be the cause, the actual cause may have been playing the music too loud with a used amp that had too much distortion. Most drivers give up while receiving a large amount of distorted sound.
I agree! The new amp from EBay could have issues too. I’m gonna test out the new speakers tomorrow when I get them from Amazon. If they have the same issue then I’ll know for certain if it’s an amp issue. But what I know for sure based on what HD has told me is that the speakers are gone regardless so I’ll purchase new ones anyway!
 
K

Kor3y

Enthusiast
Playing loud and a sudden tone change for the worse? Sounds like blown speaker to me.
yeah I had some people over and may have played it a little too loud. Was some techno music which was extremely loud so it definitely blew the speaker LOL
 
K

Kor3y

Enthusiast
I'd get more of the same series of Sony speaker in that case to match what you bought across the front three. Personally I'd aim for higher speaker and sub quality, but depends how much you have to spend (or want to).
perfect! Will do thanks. I want to buy high quality front speakers so I have have a surround setup like before. One Center speaker, two front speakers and my subwoofer
 
lovinthehd

lovinthehd

Audioholic Jedi
perfect! Will do thanks. I want to buy high quality front speakers so I have have a surround setup like before. One Center speaker, two front speakers and my subwoofer
There are much better speakers out there....I wouldn't call the AR or Sony speakers particularly high quality, tho.
 
K

Kor3y

Enthusiast
There are much better speakers out there....I wouldn't call the AR or Sony speakers particularly high quality, tho.
Any recommendations? I might just cancel my Amazon order for that Sony speaker if there is something better. My budget is like $300 max. As long as it’s a Center speaker with two side speakers I’m fine :)
 
lovinthehd

lovinthehd

Audioholic Jedi
Any recommendations? I might just cancel my Amazon order for that Sony speaker if there is something better. My budget is like $300 max. As long as it’s a Center speaker with two side speakers I’m fine :)
Budget is small. I'd probably just skip the center, especially a compromised design like most centers are, in lieu of a better pair of left/right speakers, as well as a good sub before I'd worry about the center. If only for your own seat, I'd worry even less about a center speaker.
 
Campbell

Campbell

Enthusiast
Based on your description of the problem with muffled sound, it's possible that your center speaker is blown. However, there could be other potential causes as well.

One thing you can try is to disconnect the center speaker from your setup and test it with a different amplifier or receiver. This can help you determine whether the issue is with the speaker or with your equipment.

Another possibility is that the issue could be caused by a damaged or loose wire. You might want to check all of the connections between your speakers and your amplifier to make sure everything is secure and in good condition.

If you've tried these steps and you're still having the same issue, it's possible that your speaker is indeed blown. You can try replacing the speaker or taking it to a professional to have it repaired.
 
Last edited:
Kingnoob

Kingnoob

Audioholic Samurai
Well, I did. But I sold my old one for $20 when I thought it was the amplifier that wasn't working ! Now im only left with one :(
Old thread but that’s a big mistake ouch
Based on your description of the problem with muffled sound, it's possible that your center speaker is blown. However, there could be other potential causes as well.

One thing you can try is to disconnect the center speaker from your setup and test it with a different amplifier or receiver. This can help you determine whether the issue is with the speaker or with your equipment.

Another possibility is that the issue could be caused by a damaged or loose wire. You might want to check all of the connections between your speakers and your amplifier to make sure everything is secure and in good condition.

If you've tried these steps and you're still having the same issue, it's possible that your speaker is indeed blown. You can try replacing the speaker or taking it to a professional to have it repaired.
2 years late to the party lol thread Resurrection , wonder if op fixed them or bought new speakers looks to have abandoned this thread .
 
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