Subwoofer making clipping noises

[PRMan]

I think something on the subwoofer is blown, because it does it on DVDs as well as my TiVo. Both are using optical cables and it worked until I installed my HDTiVo (or shortly before that). I'm not sure what happened.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

[F1nut]

More details please.

[PRMan]

What kind of details would you like? When presented with loud booms, such as explosions, it makes repeated popping noises that sound like a digital signal that is being clipped. It does this from all my sources.

[F1nut]

Well, maker and model number for starters.

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

if it dosnt do it at ALL scenes (IE, non explosions, or loud bursts of bass - then I dont think it is blown. However, you could be heading that way. It sounds like you are over-driving it and are bottoming it out in doing that.

Regardless of whether or not it is blown, it would probally be a good idea that your next upgrade is a larger subwoofer....

[ttheng]

I've got the same problem too! =( =(

I'm using subwoofer model psw202.

Please help..

[F1nut]

Sounds to me like both of you are overdriving the sub. As Sid stated, the popping noise comes from the driver bottoming out. Only solution is to turn the volume down or buy a new/better sub.

[ttheng]

hmm... it's never happened before, though. I've been using the ps202 (yeah, I know it's entry level. =P =) ) since last July, and it's been fine.

now when the movies come to the point where there is very strong base, the popping sound starts up. (it sounds like distant firecrackers.)

I tried turning the volume down really low, but that really defeated the point of having the sub! =(

I also tried plugging/unplugging, etc. and it still didn't work..


Is there really nothing I can do?...


(Many thanks for taking the time to reply!)

[F1nut]

The 202 has been known to have problems with the amp, perhaps that is the problem with yours. Contact Ken Swauger at Polk Customer Service next Tuesday and talk to him about it.

[ttheng]

Thanks, F1nut.

I hope we manage to fix it...

[Zero]

The popping noise you hear is not the driver, it is the amplifier. As Jesse suggested, the psw 202 has known to have these issues.

Please contact Ken, and get the address for Polks San Diego facilities. Send the amp on the 202 to them and they should take care of you.

[Kenneth Swauger]

Hello ,
Thanks for contacting us, I'm sorry you're having a problem with the PSW202. You would want to:
1). unplug the AC power cord and remove the 10 Phillips head screws that go around the circumference of the amplifier's input plate.
2). the amplifier will come away from the cabinet and you'll see two wires (one red the other black) that lead to the 10" woofer. These wires easily disconnect from the woofer's terminals using the slip off metal clips.
3). box the amplifier up and send to Polk Audio, 2550 Britannia Blvd., Suite A, San Diego, CA. 92154, please include a short note giving us your name and address and a copy of your sales receipt.
The service department will quickly send a replacement amplifier.
Regards, Ken, Polk

[ttheng]

Hi Ken,

I unscrewed the 10 philips screws but the amplifier wouldn't come away from the cabinet. It looks like it's held together by adhesive?

Also, I bought the PSW in Asia and has a 240 voltage. I hope I can still send it to you in San Diego?


Thanks,
TT

[Kenneth Swauger]

Hello,
The amplifier is probably just tight in the cabinet. You might need to use a putty knife to pry the amplifier's input plate away from the cabinet. Use something with a fairly broad blade so as not to damage the cabinet. You could also remove the 10" woofer from the other side and then push on the amplifier from the inside. It's just a tight fit, that's all.
Regards, Ken

[bknauss]

Removing the woofer and pushing on the amp always seems to work for me.