Subwoofer not Moving at all

[goudd22]

I recently purchased a 5.1 sound system for my computer online, and the bass is VERY muddy. I would describe the bass as not clear at all on the majority of frequencies (tends to sound better on lower ones), and actually somewhat distracting and annoying. However it doesn't really distort. And on top of that the subwoofer doesn't move at all, even at higher volumes.

What does this mean? should i be looking for a new subwoofer?

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum!

What system did you buy?

Also, what do you mean when you say that the subwoofer doesn't move? Do you mean that the box doesn't physically move, or that the speaker cone doesn't move? If it's the latter, make sure that your computer audio is set up correctly to use the subwoofer.

 

[goudd22]

the speaker cone doesn't move, even at high volumes. the system is a logitech z5500 (used). now i don't have a 5.1 soundcard, but from my understanding this system can still be used with any computer.

 

[Adam]

Got it. It's possible that a menu selection needs to be changed (easiest to fix), one of the internal cables came loose (usually easy to fix), or that the amplifier for the sub isn't working (harder to fix).

How do you have this connected to your computer?

 

[goudd22]

Got it. It's possible that a menu selection needs to be changed (easiest to fix), one of the internal cables came loose (usually easy to fix), or that the amplifier for the sub isn't working (harder to fix).

How do you have this connected to your computer?

On the control pod, i have a cord that has three 3.5mm ends plugged into 3 ports labeled "6 channel direct". That cord goes from my control pod to my computer and plugs into the 3.5mm headphone jack on my computer. So i believe the answer would be 6 channel direct?

 

[Adam]

On the control pod, i have a cord that has three 3.5mm ends plugged into 3 ports labeled "6 channel direct". That cord goes from my control pod to my computer and plugs into the 3.5mm headphone jack on my computer. So i believe the answer would be 6 channel direct?

I think that might be the issue, but let's walk through this.

First, you'll want to have the selector switch on the back of the control pod set to "Stereo 1-3" instead of "6 Ch. Direct." The 6 channel direct setting is for when you are using a 5.1 sound card, for which one of the jacks is for the front left/right speaker signals, one jack is for the rear left/right speaker signals, and the last jack is for the center/sub speaker signals. Because you are only sending a stereo signal to the unit, select the "Stereo 1-3" position. That position will treat all three of those inputs as individual stereo inputs, and you only need to connect your computer to one of them.

If your speakers didn't come with the manuals, you can download them directly from Logitech. Here are the links for the Installation Guide and the Setup Installation Guide.

The setup manual will help explain some of the different audio choices in the control pod menu.

Btw, does your computer have a digital audio output (either coax or optical)? If so, that would be a great choice for the connection and would be better than using the headphone jack.

 

[goudd22]

Ah i see. well i just switched it, the whole system sounds a little bit better. however the subwoofer speaker cone still isn't moving.

It has both types of digital outputs. Is that method connection well worth the money?

Thanks a lot for your help

 

[Adam]

Ah i see. well i just switched it, the whole system sounds a little bit better. however the subwoofer speaker cone still isn't moving.

Try changing the audio settings on the control pod to see if the subwoofer clicks on, or...

It has both types of digital outputs. Is that method connection well worth the money?

YES! I say hook it up this way, and then let's see if the sub works. As for the money, you can use a regular RCA cable to connect the digital coax connection. If you don't have one of those, or an optical cable, they cost less than $5. We can help point you towards some if you'd like.

Thanks a lot for your help

Always happy to help if I can!

 

[goudd22]

Try changing the audio settings on the control pod to see if the subwoofer clicks on, or...

I have it at one notch before half currently, and the volume of the system itself is at about half. The sub is making noise, there just isn't any movement in the unit, and the quality of the bass is subpar.

YES! I say hook it up this way, and then let's see if the sub works. As for the money, you can use a regular RCA cable to connect the digital coax connection. If you don't have one of those, or an optical cable, they cost less than $5. We can help point you towards some if you'd like.

Would i be able to convert this into a cable that plugs into my 3.5mm headphone jack?

I feel like if the sub wasn't broken though, it would be sounding good/moving even without a digital connection. i've had other logitech systems with a similar subwoofer that have sounded fine that were connected the same way im currently connecting now.

 

[Adam]

Would i be able to convert this into a cable that plugs into my 3.5mm headphone jack?

Ah, I think that there might have been some misunderstanding. Does your computer have a digital audio output? If it does, then you won't use the headphone jack at all.

I think that I now understand: the sub is making noise (I thought that it wasn't, my bad), but it's just that the cone isn't visibly moving?

 

[goudd22]

I don't believe so, my computer only has two 3.5 ports on the side.

^ yes, correct.

The sub is definitely sounding a lot better now that i ticked the switch on the back. still no movement though. as i turn it up it just begins to start to rattle.

 

[goudd22]

yeah the sub still sounds muddy though.. just better than before.

Are there any problems with a sub that are commonly diagnosed when a subwoofer speaker cone isn't move but the sub is still producing bass? a partially blown sub perhaps?