Yamaha SW--no sound--worked recently--can't find the problem!

[zvs]

Hello all,

I've got a Yamaha YST-SW012 subwoofer connected to a Kenwood AV surround amp. I recently moved and in the process of moving, the RCA cable between the subwoofer and the back of the amp got damaged, so I purchased a brand new one. I hooked it up and was surprised to see that my subwoofer is producing no sound. It's got power, the speakers work, the volume is up, and the amp's subwoofer setting is ON. Moreover, if I plug the RCA cable into the back of the subwoofer and touch the amp end with my finger, or place it alongside the jack, it produces a buzzing bass tone from the woofer. But all sound stops once the cable is actually plugged in. Where is the problem and what can I do?? Thanks!

ZVS

 

[theJman]

By chance, did the cable get damaged while it was still plugged into the sub? If so, more than the cable might have been damaged.

 

[zvs]

By chance, did the cable get damaged while it was still plugged into the sub? If so, more than the cable might have been damaged.

I think so -- I found a piece of the old RCA cord plugged into the SW input, which came out easily. I can't understand why the new cord is producing sound when the amp end is touched while unconnected, but nothing happens after the cord is plugged into the amp's jack.

 

[theJman]

It's probably not a coincidence that the cable broke off in the sub jack and now you're having an issue getting it to play anything. More than likely the jack itself is damaged as well.

 

[zvs]

It's probably not a coincidence that the cable broke off in the sub jack and now you're having an issue getting it to play anything. More than likely the jack itself is damaged as well.

Makes sense, unfortunately. I still don't get why I'm able to produce a perfectly serviceable bass tone out of the thing as long as I don't plug it in on the amp side, though. The SW obviously works and can pick up a signal from the other end of the cable, just not the amp's out. Shouldn't there be no response whatsoever if the SW's input was shot?

 

[theJman]

If it were totally broken then no response would be expected, but it may only be damaged instead. Perhaps there's a cracked solder joint or something. Maybe the connector itself was bent, and now the inserted portion of the cable is no longer making sufficient contact.

 

[zvs]

Ok, I followed your lead and got a new subwoofer. (Turns out it was cheaper to get a new one then have the old one repaired.) However, the same problem still exists. No sound from the new woofer. The sub woofer can't be the problem. Any other ideas?

If it were totally broken then no response would be expected, but it may only be damaged instead. Perhaps there's a cracked solder joint or something. Maybe the connector itself was bent, and now the inserted portion of the cable is no longer making sufficient contact.

 

[theJman]

Ok, I followed your lead and got a new subwoofer. (Turns out it was cheaper to get a new one then have the old one repaired.) However, the same problem still exists. No sound from the new woofer. The sub woofer can't be the problem. Any other ideas?

Nothing at all? Not even faint?

 

[zvs]

Yes... Nothing at all. Even put my hand on the speaker to check for vibration. Again, it does produce sound if the receiver end of the RCA cable is touched... And none of the inputs on the receiver, so far as I can tell, is damaged. Subwoofer setting on the receiver is set to ON.

Nothing at all? Not even faint?

 

[zvs]

Could it be I need a specialized cable??