Some issues with speakers and a subwoofer question

[Mermaid]

Hi all, I am pleased to have joined this community.

I have a couple of newbie issues I could use advice with. Off the top of my head, my current setup is:
2x B&W 685 speakers
Some Onkyo amplifier (I THINK it is one of the TX- series, but I will check when I get home)
SB X-Fi Titanium sound card

1) I recently moved and after I set my speakers up again, the sound from the left speaker is quiet and somewhat muffled. I have tried reconnecting it a couple of times, but to no avail. When I get home tonight, I will try switching the left and right speakers to see whether the issue prevails. Meanwhile, is there some kind of basic checklist I should follow in the case of muffled sound from one speaker?

2) I would like to upgrade to a 5.1 system and I guess I have two choices - get a whole new system, or buy a subwoofer and three additional speakers. Taking into account what I already have, which is the better option? I suppose that at most, I would be willing to spend ~1000 dollars, but ideally I would keep it well under that. Is it an option to simply buy three more of the speakers that I currently have and a subwoofer and add it to the existing system? Should I go for different speakers? Should I go for an entirely new set?

3) In the worst case scenario, I would like to buy a subwoofer alone and have a 2.1 system. Which one would be appropriate to complement my current speakers and amplifier?

As for the purpose of all of this, I suppose I am a fairly casual user. It is for listening to music and home and maybe watching a couple of movies.

Thank you very much for the help and do not hesitate to ask for additional information if it is required.

 

[markw]

First, isolate your current problem. Your proposed step one should help there.

If the muffled sound follows the speaker, then there's your problem.

If not, try another source. An MP3 player, tuner or a CD player should suffice here.

Try that and get back to us. Your question, and the source of your problem, is a bit vague as it now stands.

 

[Mermaid]

Thanks for the response. I'll leave work in a few hours to do some troubleshooting.

 

[Mermaid]

Running out of options here... Switched the speakers around - same issue with the same speaker. Reinstalled the drivers a couple of times, but no dice. Could really use some help on this matter.

Also, my amplifier is TX-SR308

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

If the issue follows the speaker and sound "muffled" it could be you have blown a tweeter = aka you'd need to repair or replace the speaker

 

[Mermaid]

Ok! I finally figured it out! I realised that what had in fact happened is that during my move, one of the metal connectors connecting what I think are the hi fi and lo fi outputs? at the back of the speaker had gone missing! How very unperceptive of me not to have noticed. At least I've found the cause, now I'll have to think about where I can procure a new one... I suppose that makeshift DIY will not be enough?

If anyone has any input on the other questions, please shoot.

edit: would it be wise / unwise to strip the cable a bit and simply connect it to both of the inputs at the same time?
The things that I am talking about are in figure 3b on page 3:
http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/Downloads/Product/Manual/ENG_FP25959_685_manual.pdf

 

[Mermaid]

Well, what do you know! Stripping the cable worked wonders and issue #1 is now resolved!

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Congrats.
Now regarding the rest of the upgrade:
Here is my humble suggestion:

	Quantity	Name	SKU	Each	Total
	<input tabindex="2" type="text" name="0:qnty" value="1" size="4" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">	E5Ci Center Speaker Red Burl (each)		$195.00	$195.00
	<input tabindex="4" type="text" name="1:qnty" value="1" size="4" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">	E5Bi Bookshelf Speakers Red Burl (pair)		$225.00	$225.00
	<input tabindex="6" type="text" name="2:qnty" value="2" size="4" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">	ES1010i Powered Subwoofer Red Burl (each)		$399.00	$798.00

<tbody>
</tbody>

Free shipping and total come up to $1218. Yes, I know its above your budget, but I am confident that if you contact them they will work with you to bring price down to your desired budget especially for a package deal.

You could re-use b&w for surrounds.

 

[Mermaid]

Congrats.
Now regarding the rest of the upgrade:
Here is my humble suggestion:

	Quantity	Name	SKU	Each	Total
	<input tabindex="2" type="text" name="0:qnty" value="1" size="4" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">	E5Ci Center Speaker Red Burl (each)		$195.00	$195.00
	<input tabindex="4" type="text" name="1:qnty" value="1" size="4" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">	E5Bi Bookshelf Speakers Red Burl (pair)		$225.00	$225.00
	<input tabindex="6" type="text" name="2:qnty" value="2" size="4" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">	ES1010i Powered Subwoofer Red Burl (each)		$399.00	$798.00

<tbody>
</tbody>

Free shipping and total come up to $1218. Yes, I know its above your budget, but I am confident that if you contact them they will work with you to bring price down to your desired budget especially for a package deal.

You could re-use b&w for surrounds.

Hey, thanks a lot for the suggestion. Sorry for taking so long to respond, but I have been mulling over this issue. Perhaps you could briefly explain why you recommended the things that you did? Do they complement what I currently have (sound card, amplifier) well? Or was there another reason for why you recommended them?

 

[Mermaid]

Hey, thanks a lot for the suggestion. Sorry for taking so long to respond, but I have been mulling over this issue. Perhaps you could briefly explain why you recommended the things that you did? Do they complement what I currently have (sound card, amplifier) well? Or was there another reason for why you recommended them?

I watched this video as well:
EMP Speakers at the 2012 Audioholics Get Together - YouTube

And I suppose it qualifies as rather good endorsement. I am thinking about getting these bad boys, but would really appreciate any comments / further endorsement / second opinions / discouragement.