Need help... sub/reciever problems

[momma of 2 boys]

Hi guys I have a KLH asw10-100c sub and a RCA Stav-3970 reciever. The sub has stopped hitting (green power light comes on but that's it)and I have reset plugs settings cant find owners manual online or anything. Any sugestion? newbie here so ask all the question you need to.

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum!

Did you do anything to your setup between when it was working and when it stopped that you know of? Perhaps your boys did?

It could be a number of things. I'd start by checking the volume knob on the sub, the subwoofer output setting on the receiver, the speaker settings on the receiver (make sure they are set to "small" - but I'm guessing they are because the sub light turns on), and the crossover knob on the sub (turn it to the highest number).

I haven't found a manual for the sub, either, or pictures of the backpanel. I'll keep looking.

 

[momma of 2 boys]

Sub/reciever problems

Did all that but still getting no output. Boys do like to "change" things Husband said it's most likely is toast. Any recommendations on a replacement to go with? We have.... Sony ss-mf 650 h (left and Right front) Center is KLH 943pl back L & R is KLH 911b Reciever is RCA Stav 3970. And yes with two boys cost is a big factor under 200 would be great.
Considering Sony sa-w2500

 

[Adam]

Something that I'd try is plugging audio from something directly into the sub. For example, the analog audio outputs from one of your components (like a DVD player) or the output from an iPod (just make sure that the volume is turned up on anything with a variable audio output). That way, you take the receiver out of the loop. With audio going straight into the sub, you can make adjustments to it (volume, crossover, etc.) to see if you get any sound.

As for recommended subs in the $200 range, that's a common question around here. If you search the forum, you'll see a number of recommendations. I think that the Dayton line of subs is pretty popular, like this one here for $155 before shipping.

 

[momma of 2 boys]

Ok Plugged in to Axim and very low volume. Could the amp be gone out?

 

[Adam]

Ok Plugged in to Axim and very low volume. Could the amp be gone out?

Is the Axim a PDA? If so, do you have the volume on the Axim turned up all the way?

 

[momma of 2 boys]

Yea AXim PDA from Dell Low volume from rca input but no speaker level output

 

[Adam]

Yea AXim PDA from Dell Low volume from rca input but no speaker level output

The reason that I was asking about the volume setting on the Axim is that the low volume on the sub could be caused by (a) a low input signal caused by the volume on the Axim being very low, (b) a low gain setting on the sub's volume knob, and/or (c) a problem with the amp in the sub.

It's entirely possible that your sub just isn't working right anymore. It's also entirely possible that something just got changed to make it seem like it's not working anymore. A lot of times, it's the second case, and that's why I'm going through some troubleshooting steps to try to see if it's something simple. From what you've written, you really seem to know what you're doing, but it still might be something simple.

 

[momma of 2 boys]

When using the axim to test thru the low level input, the axim's volume adjust would adjust the sub output from low to even lower. However the gain adjust on the subwoofer would make no difference in the sub output.

We checked the receiver settings. The front, center, and surround speakers are set to large, small, and small which is what they've always been. The sub is set to on/plus and LFE is turned off. Adjusting the receiver's crossover freqs didn't make any difference either. We think the receiver's settings are good.

 

[TLS Guy]

When using the axim to test thru the low level input, the axim's volume adjust would adjust the sub output from low to even lower. However the gain adjust on the subwoofer would make no difference in the sub output.

We checked the receiver settings. The front, center, and surround speakers are set to large, small, and small which is what they've always been. The sub is set to on/plus and LFE is turned off. Adjusting the receiver's crossover freqs didn't make any difference either. We think the receiver's settings are good.

Why is LFE turned off? That is likely your problem. Your sub should connect to the LFE output.

To test the sub I would connect it to a CD or DVD player, something that will have at least a volt line out.

 

[momma of 2 boys]

I'm sorry, the keyboard got away from me. I meant to say LCF is off. LFE is set to 0db.

We tested the sub with a cd player and it does output sound. The gain adjustment still does'nt make any difference in volume. It should, should it?

 

[TLS Guy]

I'm sorry, the keyboard got away from me. I meant to say LCF is off. LFE is set to 0db.

We tested the sub with a cd player and it does output sound. The gain adjustment still does'nt make any difference in volume. It should, should it?

I can't find a manual for that sub. It is no longer available. I would think the volume control should work, but may be it does not from the LFE input. I would not put any money on that sub or waste much time on it. It seems from what I can tell to have populated the lowest of the low end.

I give this advice often, buying poor cheap equipment are the most expensive equipment purchases you ever make.

I would save for something a lot better.

 

[momma of 2 boys]

Thanks guys for all your help. I guess I shouldn't be complaining. It lasted 6+ years and was a gift. Guess I got my $$ worth. Hubby is going to love shopping for a new one. Will let you know what he decides to get. Thanks again you guys rock.

 

[Adam]

Have fun shopping! Thanks in advance for letting us know what you pick for your next one - I always like to know how things end up.

 

[momma of 2 boys]

Ok well that was faster than I thought he would be.... Sony SA W2500 It's about $100 so that's good. Will let you know when it gets here how good it is. I hope he likes it. It's his Bday present.

 

[Adam]

Hee, hee. Doesn't take long, does it?

Enjoy!

 

[Davemcc]

Not a bad choice. I had one of those little Sony subs for years and it's still going strong at a buddy's place. I just hope your room isn't awfully large or your expectations of floor shaking bass too high. It's not the latest and greatest but it is built to take some abuse and keep going. You'll have a hard time breaking this one.

 

[momma of 2 boys]

Well for the $$ the Sony is great. I really hope it can take a beating with the boys "fixing" things it will need to. Hubby loves it. No it's not the best but it works well and the room is kinda large about 20x30. No it's not big boom base but my ears cant handle that Thanks again guys for all your help.