Low sound level Pioneer VSX4000

[Trinaannlane]

Just purchased a Pioneer VSX4000. Hooked up to new Sony speakers and the volume is very low. I have no clue what to do.

 

[TLS Guy]

Just purchased a Pioneer VSX4000. Hooked up to new Sony speakers and the volume is very low. I have no clue what to do.

That is a receiver from 1986. I suspect it needs service. If both channels have very low volume, I suspect a power supply problem, with low voltage most likely due to a failed voltage regulator.

That unit is now 36 years old.

 

[slipperybidness]

Just purchased a Pioneer VSX4000. Hooked up to new Sony speakers and the volume is very low. I have no clue what to do.

Turn up the volume!

You are gonna have to give us much more info than that.

What is your source(s)? What input are you using?

This AVR was new or used when you bought it?

 

[slipperybidness]

That is a receiver from 1986. I suspect it needs service. If both channels have very low volume, I suspect a power supply problem, with low voltage most likely due to a failed voltage regulator.

That unit is now 36 years old.

If he bought it used, likely would be good to start with a factory reset.

 

[TLS Guy]

If he bought it used, likely would be good to start with a factory reset.

It is not an AVR, it is an old 1986 FM?AM receiver, audio only. There was no such thing as a factory reset back then! He obviously bought it used, as it is an old vintage receiver 60 watts per channel. Typical of standard Far Eastern garbage of the era.

 

[Trinaannlane]

I

Turn up the volume!

You are gonna have to give us much more info than that.

What is your source(s)? What input are you using?

This AVR was new or used when you bought it?

 

[Trinaannlane]

Ok as I said, I just bought it - used. I really have no clue what you are asking me. I’m 71 years old, know nothing about stereos - just have some CDs I want to be able to play. This has a 25 CD changer with it. I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction. It had tiny little speakers and I purchased a set of Sony SS5S speakers. I have the volume turned up as far as it will go and it’s not very loud.

 

[Trinaannlane]

Th

It is not an AVR, it is an old 1986 FM?AM receiver, audio only. There was no such thing as a factory reset back then! He obviously bought it used, as it is an old vintage receiver 60 watts per channel. Typical of standard Far Eastern garbage of the era.

Thank you for the critique

 

[Trinaannlane]

Than

If he bought it used, likely would be good to start with a factory reset.

Thank you for giving me a respectful answer

 

[lovinthehd]

Your speakers aren't high sensitivity but they're reasonable at 87dB, and the amp should have enough power to get fairly loud. How far away are you from the speakers? Could well be the old amp has seen better days....was it tested with other speakers first? Can you download an spl meter app on your phone and take some readings so we have an idea of what volume you're getting?

 

[Trinaannlane]

Yes it worked with the other speakers which were just small single speaker Sony. Not loud though. The new speakers have the same volume level. Unfortunately I’m very rural and cell phones don’t work here. I will see if I can get an app for my iPad though. Thank you.

 

[TLS Guy]

Yes it worked with the other speakers which were just small single speaker Sony. Not loud though. The new speakers have the same volume level. Unfortunately I’m very rural and cell phones don’t work here. I will see if I can get an app for my iPad though. Thank you.

Can you describe not loud more precisely. That receiver is 60 watts per channel, which should be enough to blast those small speakers into oblivion.
I am really suspicious that the voltage to the output stage of the power amps, is low, due to a problem in the units power supply.

I have seen this before. For instance if a rectifier partially fails, and halves the power supply voltage, then power output is only one tenth of what it should be on both channels.

 

[Trinaannlane]

Ok I’m attaching a screenshot of what it read - this is at full volume. Maybe I’m expecting too much.

 

[lovinthehd]

Looks like a peak of 72dB? That's not loud to me. How far away are you from the speakers at that point?

 

[Trinaannlane]

18 inches max

 

[lovinthehd]

Then I think TLS may have nailed it with the amp having lost a coupla steps over time. I'd buy something newer/better myself. The speakers should be reasonably okay, but hopefully you listen at a distance greater than 18 inches....

 

[Trinaannlane]

Thanks for all your help. I’m 71 years old and love my classic rock but I do listen at a distance greater than 18”. Even though I know I’ve been to too many concerts too close to the stage! Lol. Thanks again.

 

[lovinthehd]

Just to put it in perspective, your speakers have a rating of 87dB ... so should produce at 1 meter distance an spl level of 87 with 1 watt (even if trickily spec'd, 2 watts)

 

[lovinthehd]

Thanks for all your help. I’m 71 years old and love my classic rock but I do listen at a distance greater than 18”. Even though I know I’ve been to too many concerts too close to the stage! Lol. Thanks again.

Oh we share some stuff there, altho I'm 5 years behind ya. Why did you choose this particular receiver in the first place? How much was it?

 

[lovinthehd]

Are you using a turntable now? Or cds? Knowing all gear in the whole setup can be helpful.....