Sub broken?

[ARES24]

I have an Energy S8.3 sub that has done well for years....

Now there is a 'buzz' whenever the unit is turned on. Apparently started to happen today when I was out and the wife turned on a movie. The noise built gradually and now there is a 'loud buzz' coming from the unit regardless of input. After playing with it I have determined the the buzz in quieter when the crossover is bipassed. I have no idea if it actually tries to output sound because the evil noise makes me not want to have it on, especially don't want to turn up the volume to make it louder.

Is it f'ed? I don't think I have the wife onboard with the new sub I want to build so if I can't get this one working I will be out of luck :'(

(I don't have extensive electronics experience so any repair or diagnostic ideas should be explained as though speaking to a 4 year old )

 

[afterlife2]

Have you tried to plug another audio cord to it? or try to plug the AC cord it in another outlet?

 

[TLS Guy]

I have an Energy S8.3 sub that has done well for years....

Now there is a 'buzz' whenever the unit is turned on. Apparently started to happen today when I was out and the wife turned on a movie. The noise built gradually and now there is a 'loud buzz' coming from the unit regardless of input. After playing with it I have determined the the buzz in quieter when the crossover is bipassed. I have no idea if it actually tries to output sound because the evil noise makes me not want to have it on, especially don't want to turn up the volume to make it louder.

Is it f'ed? I don't think I have the wife onboard with the new sub I want to build so if I can't get this one working I will be out of luck :'(

(I don't have extensive electronics experience so any repair or diagnostic ideas should be explained as though speaking to a 4 year old )

Sounds like a case of classic plate amp power supply failure. The switching power supplies in those units are very hard to service.

Can you purchase a replacement amp, or is it too old? If it is then your best bet is to retrofit a Bash plate amp.

I would build the sub you are thinking of. What are you planning?h

 

[ARES24]

Have you tried to plug another audio cord to it? or try to plug the AC cord it in another outlet?

Yeah, no good.

 

[ARES24]

Sounds like a case of classic plate amp power supply failure. The switching power supplies in those units are very hard to service.

Can you purchase a replacement amp, or is it too old? If it is then your best bet is to retrofit a Bash plate amp.

I would build the sub you are thinking of. What are you planning?h

I was thinking about a sub that could delve into the 16-17hz range. I was looking at [ SoundSplinter Subwoofers - RL-s 12" Subwoofer Information ] to be honest (or something similar), and then planning to beg isoberian to help me with an enclosure design

 

[ARES24]

opened it up, capacitors are supposed to bulge right? ... right?/....

 

[TLS Guy]

opened it up, capacitors are supposed to bulge right? ... right?/....

So it has a bunch of fried caps. I would buy or build something else. The driver you selected, is a nasty sloppy high Qts driver. The total system Q can never be less than the Qts of the driver, which in your driver is 0.97. So any sub you build with that driver, will have a loosey goosey bass pervading everything.

 

[hizzaah]

Why not try to replace the caps?

 

[TLS Guy]

Why not try to replace the caps?

That could be a solution. However the caps may have bulged due to other problems or caused other problems. You can never guarantee success replacing components blind.

However the wider issue is safety. The OP stares he has no electronic experience. After that statement I'm not about to advise him to service of a high voltage board on a public forum.

 

[hizzaah]

That could be a solution. However the caps may have bulged due to other problems or caused other problems. You can never guarantee success replacing components blind.

However the wider issue is safety. The OP stares he has no electronic experience. After that statement I'm not about to advise him to service of a high voltage board on a public forum.

Good point, I suppose he could take it to a local pc shop, TV repair shop, or even a place that does car audio. They shouldn't charge much for it.

But then again, it's always nice to have an excuse to get new gear it started when his wife was using it, therefore, it was her fault and he has to be allowed to build a new one

 

[lsiberian]

OP if you need a small sub my advise is you purchase an SVS SB-1000. Building speakers and subs is a fun thing for those of us who love playing with electronics, but I don't advise it for those who aren't inclined towards electronics. Now if you are an excellent woodworker then that changes the recommendation, but building subs is still a lot of labor. Honestly I love building speakers and subs, but it's not for everyone. I'd be happy to help you build a great sub if you do want go go that route.

 

[ARES24]

Good point, I suppose he could take it to a local pc shop, TV repair shop, or even a place that does car audio. They shouldn't charge much for it.

But then again, it's always nice to have an excuse to get new gear it started when his wife was using it, therefore, it was her fault and he has to be allowed to build a new one

I like the way you think!!

 

[ARES24]

I had a friend look at it (he fixes tvs, arcades, computers...) The problem with the sub is that the caps are glued on the board and he fears that the removal of them may damage the other components, there are resistors also under the glue.


The sub I referenced was just one that I was looking at recently, I would ask these forums before making any choices concerning components


I am interested in building the sub. I am a woodworker by trade so that aspect doesn't concern my in the slightest. As far as the electrical components; one friend fixes electronics and another designs them, I am sure they can help. I just pay in booze! (afterwards of course!!) Unfortunately neither has any audio experience so here I am!

Thanks for the offer to help me with my project!! Can I PM you or should I start a thread in the DIY section? I don't know if I can get started right away but having a goal in mind would be very helpful in the marital negotiations.

 

[mgeoffriau]

Might be worth measuring the dimensions of the current plate amp, and then checking to see if any of Parts-Express's offering are a match or near match. Might be fairly easy to swap one in if you find the right fit.

Subwoofer Plate Amplifiers in the Speaker Components Department at Parts Express | 332

 

[TLS Guy]

Might be worth measuring the dimensions of the current plate amp, and then checking to see if any of Parts-Express's offering are a match or near match. Might be fairly easy to swap one in if you find the right fit.

Subwoofer Plate Amplifiers in the Speaker Components Department at Parts Express | 332

Don't get technical! He wants a new sub, and he's a woodworker. He must build a sub, and his wife made him do it. His sub will be a fantastic build. His wife could not have broken the sub for a more deserving guy guy.

 

[lsiberian]

I had a friend look at it (he fixes tvs, arcades, computers...) The problem with the sub is that the caps are glued on the board and he fears that the removal of them may damage the other components, there are resistors also under the glue.


The sub I referenced was just one that I was looking at recently, I would ask these forums before making any choices concerning components


I am interested in building the sub. I am a woodworker by trade so that aspect doesn't concern my in the slightest. As far as the electrical components; one friend fixes electronics and another designs them, I am sure they can help. I just pay in booze! (afterwards of course!!) Unfortunately neither has any audio experience so here I am!

Thanks for the offer to help me with my project!! Can I PM you or should I start a thread in the DIY section? I don't know if I can get started right away but having a goal in mind would be very helpful in the marital negotiations.

You should start a thread. I'll need to know your budget and any preferences you might have for size. A thread lets TLS and other experts contribute as well. I used 13-ply for my bulids, but you can also use MDF if you don't mind the weight and want to save money. The simplest sub to build is a sealed sub. Your budget determines the drivers. don't forget the amp will cost around 300 dollars too and the eq device is 125. So 425 in electronics and the rest toward drivers.