Sub output cut-out problem......

[Whitey80]

Hello there. I have gotten tons of help from you guys in the past and thought I would try for some more answers.

I have an Elite VSX41 (yeah, I know, it sucks).
The problem is, that the sub output cuts out randomly. If I quickly unplug and reconnect the sub cable from either the receiver end or sub end, it kicks back on, but will cut off again at some time later. How long its on doesn't seem to be a factor. Nor does the level it's outputting (it could be in the middle of extended bass notes or during silence).
I have at first thought it to be the sub itself, but recently replaced with a new unit, only to have the same problem.

I am not averse to disassembling the receiver, and my soldering skills are quite good if it helps at all.

Before I start doing any actual work though, what are some opinions??

 

[Midcow2]

Hello there. I have gotten tons of help from you guys in the past and thought I would try for some more answers.

I have an Elite VSX41 (yeah, I know, it sucks).
The problem is, that the sub output cuts out randomly. If I quickly unplug and reconnect the sub cable from either the receiver end or sub end, it kicks back on, but will cut off again at some time later. How long its on doesn't seem to be a factor. Nor does the level it's outputting (it could be in the middle of extended bass notes or during silence).
I have at first thought it to be the sub itself, but recently replaced with a new unit, only to have the same problem.

I am not averse to disassembling the receiver, and my soldering skills are quite good if it helps at all.

Before I start doing any actual work though, what are some opinions??

So I am guessing VSX-41 is 4 or 5 years old. Should be okay

Are you using a passive (speaker level input see page 9 of your manual)) or active( powered by its ownamp) ? What model of sub?

Have you tried another RCA cable (assuming active) to the sub, just to verify the cable is good ?

If you are going into an active sub, then the output from the VSX-41 is pre-pro and should not be tripping the receiver.

If you are using a connection to a passive sub, then you are proabably using normal speaker wire. Recheck your wiring and make sure you don't have any whisker shorts (caused by braided wire coming unravelled at the speaker of receiver end).

You have already eliminated the sub as being bad.

 

[adk highlander]

Have you tried another RCA cable (assuming active) to the sub, just to verify the cable is good ?

I'd agree with Midcow. It sounds to me like a cable. How long is it? You said unplugging and pluggin back in starts it back up. It may have a short or cracked solder at the jack.

The other possibility that I have had was the actual RCA connector at the receiver we bad. Mine was under warrenty so the only hassle was sending it back.

 

[Adam]

From the description, I'd guess that you're using an active sub and are connecting it to the receiver with an RCA cable. I'm also going to assume that your sub is set in an auto-on mode. The following is based on those assumptions.

You say that it can shut off in the middle of extended bass notes...but are you sure that the bass is low enough that your sub is playing it (or perhaps the other speakers are)? Just a question. It's pretty common to have a sub turn off if the output level from the receiver isn't high enough to overcome the threshold set for the auto-on trigger. I had the same thing happening to me. I solved it by increasing the subwoofer output level on my receiver. So, I suggest that you consider doing that (if your receiver allows that...I didn't look up the manual). You would want to decrease the volume on the sub itself to compensate.

BTW, with my sub, connecting the subwoofer cable will activate the auto-on. I'm going to guess that the connection generates enough voltage to cross the threshold. Whatever the reason, it fits your description. The only thing that seems out of place is it shutting off when bass is playing, so that's why I ask if it was bass that was going to the sub.

If it is the auto-on sensor causing this, and you can't overcome it by increasing the output level on your receiver, you can also just set the subwoofer amp in the on position (if it has one). Takes more electricity, but it's an option.

 

[Midcow2]

Good Point Adam

From the description, I'd guess that you're using an active sub and are connecting it to the receiver with an RCA cable. I'm also going to assume that your sub is set in an auto-on mode. The following is based on those assumptions.

You say that it can shut off in the middle of extended bass notes...but are you sure that the bass is low enough that your sub is playing it (or perhaps the other speakers are)? Just a question. It's pretty common to have a sub turn off if the output level from the receiver isn't high enough to overcome the threshold set for the auto-on trigger. I had the same thing happening to me. I solved it by increasing the subwoofer output level on my receiver. So, I suggest that you consider doing that (if your receiver allows that...I didn't look up the manual). You would want to decrease the volume on the sub itself to compensate.

BTW, with my sub, connecting the subwoofer cable will activate the auto-on. I'm going to guess that the connection generates enough voltage to cross the threshold. Whatever the reason, it fits your description. The only thing that seems out of place is it shutting off when bass is playing, so that's why I ask if it was bass that was going to the sub.

If it is the auto-on sensor causing this, and you can't overcome it by increasing the output level on your receiver, you can also just set the subwoofer amp in the on position (if it has one). Takes more electricity, but it's an option.

Adam makes a good point. I have a Klipsch sub that the "auto-on" became sporadic and finally quit working, maybe a year ago. I leave it "on" all the time with no problems ( Well except now I know why my electric bill is always high)

 

[TLS Guy]

From the description, I'd guess that you're using an active sub and are connecting it to the receiver with an RCA cable. I'm also going to assume that your sub is set in an auto-on mode. The following is based on those assumptions.

You say that it can shut off in the middle of extended bass notes...but are you sure that the bass is low enough that your sub is playing it (or perhaps the other speakers are)? Just a question. It's pretty common to have a sub turn off if the output level from the receiver isn't high enough to overcome the threshold set for the auto-on trigger. I had the same thing happening to me. I solved it by increasing the subwoofer output level on my receiver. So, I suggest that you consider doing that (if your receiver allows that...I didn't look up the manual). You would want to decrease the volume on the sub itself to compensate.

BTW, with my sub, connecting the subwoofer cable will activate the auto-on. I'm going to guess that the connection generates enough voltage to cross the threshold. Whatever the reason, it fits your description. The only thing that seems out of place is it shutting off when bass is playing, so that's why I ask if it was bass that was going to the sub.

If it is the auto-on sensor causing this, and you can't overcome it by increasing the output level on your receiver, you can also just set the subwoofer amp in the on position (if it has one). Takes more electricity, but it's an option.

Adam has the correct answer. That IS your problem.

 

[Whitey80]

The sub is active. It is an Infinity ps12. It is not set to auto-on. I have tried numerous cables as well. This is the second sub I am using, and the problem was exactly the same as it was with the first one.

It is also not a problem with the slope. I am using the Mirage Uni front array, so everything under 150hz is going to the sub. It cuts out at notes that are anywhere from the lowest audible bass notes all the way to the receivers crossover point.

This is what is making me wonder if the amps pre out is just shorting.

I will try upping the sub pre-out level to see if that helps.

 

[Swuzzlebubble]

Hi I have the same issue.
Did you get it sorted?

 

[Swuzzlebubble]

Also I can't pm Whitey90 as new new member. Would someone be so kind as to alert him to my query?
Thanks
Swuzz

 

[Swuzzlebubble]

Just a bit more info for what it's worth...

Same symptom as above - sub cuts out after certain period say 10 mins regardless of whether it is thumping away or not even connected. LED goes red.

If I disconnect the cables and reconnect it fires straight up again. I want the sub volume down when doing this or I get bit of sound burst/pop when the RCA connects reconnect.
I have 'sw mode' set to small speakers to maximize signal to sub.
The sub has no 'auto' switch (but seems to behave like it does)

I'm wondering if it could be some sort of compatabilty issue b/w receiver & sub?
Or compatabilty b/w the 'input' mode from disk player ("digital") v the receiver needs for sending 5.1 sound which in the manual seems dependant on getting "multi channel input".
Disk player manual suggests "multi channel output" is via the digital and the receiver needs a digital decoder to handle it.

Either way I certainly get something to the sub and it thumps away until it decides to shut off.

Can a sub produce output whilst not technically getting the signal (messaage?) it needs to remain active?

Could cable quality be the issue? I have the cheapest 1:2 RCA I could find at local electonics store. If this is the issue why does a simple unplug/replug get it going again?