Velodyne failing

[mshantz]

I have a 1993 Velodyne F-1200-B subwoofer that has developed a buzz/rattle. After 15 great years I hate to give up on it. The speaker still looks perfect and the buzz seems to be in the signal so maybe the amp is failing. Anybody got any ideas on the feasibility of fixing this. BTW I live in San Jose, CA area.

Also, what would be an equal or better replacement?

 

[j_garcia]

I'd probably contact Velo directly to see if they can give you a hand with it. They are now located in Morgan Hill. I'm no expert, but I'd be willing to give it a look/listen to see if it sounds like something simple or if someone needs to seriously take a look at it.

Technology has changed quite a bit in 15yrs in terms of subs, but what is really needed is how much you would like to spend and how big your room is.

 

[mshantz]

Thanks. I may get back to you on your offer to look at it. Where are you in SJ?

My HT is 15'x25' with vaulted ceiling. I'm driving the Velo with the Pre Out Subwoofer output from a Yamaha RX-V2600. I have Vandersteen L,C,R and Mordaunt Short SL,SR,BL,BR. I don't want to spend over $1K on a new subwoofer, better $500 with great value.

 

[j_garcia]

I am in the North, near Milpitas. $1K will get you a very nice sub, though you also have a very good selection right around the $600 price point as well.

If it is a constant buzz it could be the amp. Do you have spare cables that you can swap in just to eliminate the cable as a possible problem?

If looking for something new, check out:
www.svsound.com - PB12, 20-39PCi
www.hsuresearch.com - HSU VTF-2 MkIII @ $549, VTF-3 MkIII @ $649
www.av123.com - MFW-15
www.outlawaudio.com - LFM-1 Plus, LFM-1 EX

I no longer own a SVS or HSU, but both are excellent manufacturers. I haven't heard the MFW-15 or the Outlaws, but the Outlaws are essentially designs from HSU.

 

[mtrycrafts]

...and the buzz seems to be in the signal so maybe the amp is failing. ...?

Have you modified your hookup in any way?
Is this there when you disconnect the sub from any input signals?

 

[TLS Guy]

I have a 1993 Velodyne F-1200-B subwoofer that has developed a buzz/rattle. After 15 great years I hate to give up on it. The speaker still looks perfect and the buzz seems to be in the signal so maybe the amp is failing. Anybody got any ideas on the feasibility of fixing this. BTW I live in San Jose, CA area.

Also, what would be an equal or better replacement?

I would be willing to bet it is the driver. If the buzz and rattle is modulated by the music, then I bet it is the driver. It quite likely is either the voice coil is becoming unwound, or for some reason has developed rub or is becoming detached from the cone.

The driver most likely needs reconing, which should not be prohibitively expensive.

 

[mshantz]

TLS Guy: Yes the buzz/rattle/growl is modulated by the music and it exists whenever there is bass sound coming from the subwoofer even when the volume is down. The cone looks perfect from the outside. And yes, I tried it on another system and get the same thing so that proves its in the Velodyne. It doesn't buzz if there is no bass going to the subwoofer.

The voicecoil/driver idea is sounding right.
Maybe I could just replace the 12" speaker?

 

[TLS Guy]

TLS Guy: Yes the buzz/rattle/growl is modulated by the music and it exists whenever there is bass sound coming from the subwoofer even when the volume is down. The cone looks perfect from the outside. And yes, I tried it on another system and get the same thing so that proves its in the Velodyne. It doesn't buzz if there is no bass going to the subwoofer.

The voicecoil/driver idea is sounding right.
Maybe I could just replace the 12" speaker?

It will be much cheaper if you recone, and it won't waste the basket and magnet. I checked the Orange County speaker site, and Velodyne is not on their list. This is probably because I think the Velodyne is a servo system, so there is probably a transducer/sensor in the woofer also.

I would check with Velodyne and see if they will recone it for you. If not, then see if the people at Orange County can help you. I would doubt that driver is still in production, so reconing is likely your only hope of retrieving that sub. If Velodyne won't, then you may be stuck, because of the servo feedback sensor issue.

 

[mshantz]

You guys have been really helpful! But this has me looking at alternatives and I'm really tempted by the AV123 MFW-15 or the Velodyne DD-12. I may be too far gone to continue loving this old Velodyne.

 

[mshantz]

BTW, yes the Velodyne F-1200 series is servo controlled.

 

[mshantz]

Another comment: I think it was Don Dorsey's Beethoven or Bust that finally did it in. Those of you who know that CD will understand why I might need a beefier sub.

 

[TLS Guy]

BTW, yes the Velodyne F-1200 series is servo controlled.

Yes I just confirmed my memory. I had to go to a site called "Archaic Audio!"

That certainly complicates the rebuild of the speaker. If you like the sub, I would see if Velodyne will recone it.

If you like the Velodyne approach, a sealed sub servo controlled, then I would consider another.

AVS and HSU subs, which are ported, seem to be popular on these forums. However I roll my own so I have no first hand experience of these. I'm designing a TL sub for our town home as we speak.

My main speakers at Benedict do a satisfactory job of threatening to explode my home without help from a sub!

 

[Mike175gr]

I'd probably contact Velo directly to see if they can give you a hand with it. They are now located in Morgan Hill. I'm no expert, but I'd be willing to give it a look/listen to see if it sounds like something simple or if someone needs to seriously take a look at it.

Technology has changed quite a bit in 15yrs in terms of subs, but what is really needed is how much you would like to spend and how big your room is.

Yes, Velodyne was very helpful to me when I had a HGS 12 sub amp fail. I drove down there and they fixed it during my lunch hour!

 

[Ron Temple]

You guys have been really helpful! But this has me looking at alternatives and I'm really tempted by the AV123 MFW-15 or the Velodyne DD-12. I may be too far gone to continue loving this old Velodyne.

The DD12 is a great sub, but there's quite a cost delta between it and the MFW. If you're trying to stay somewhat small and sealed, the Epik Valor is something to check out as well. I wouldn't kick the MFW or Epik Knight out of bed for eating crackers either.

 

[Thaedium]

I have a Velo DD-15 in a 14x20 room. Ridiculous overkill, but eventually I'll have a bigger room for it. I had a great deal on it because I was in the audio store and they only had a private room model left. Knocked 1K off the price tag, and I've never had an issue with it.

Before I made my purchase I listened to a lot of different sub models, and finally went with the Velo, as I found it integrated really well with Paradigms. At the home theatre store I had them drag out their Signature 6's and spent an hour and a half listening to music with them and the velodyne before finally making my purchase. Mind you, Paradigm's own sub is a servo controlled unit as well, so I suppose thats why they marry so well.

I get the sense that you enjoy the sub, so I would definently take a look and see if you can get it reconed. Failing that, I would see if you can trial some subs with your current setup before settling. You may find that the sound from ported isn't to your taste anymore, 15 years of the same style of sound can grow on you.

 

[engtaz]

With the price of the MFW-15 you can't beat it price and performace value.

engtaz