Popping Sound In PSW450

[rsmith4321]

I have a PSW450 subwoofer, I've already ordered a replacement from Crutchfield because of this problem. But was wondering if anyone knows what is causing it. Whenever bass gets intense such as in a movie, the sub starts putting out terrible popping and cracking noises. It sound like it's going to explode or something. I don't have it turned up that loud either, I have my receiver at -25db. What is funny is the bass sounds great, until it starts popping. I know it's not a problem with my dolby digital receiver, because I've never heard popping from my main speakers. I've hooked up the sub all different ways, including using speaker level inputs with the same results. I have an excellent quality subwoofer cable hooked up from the LFE output on my receiver to the LFE input on the sub. No matter what I do it still pops. Any ideas what's wrong with this sub?

[fireshoes]

How much do you have the volume turned up on the sub itself? You really shouldn't need to go past 12 o'clock on the 450.

[rsmith4321]

I did have it turned up pretty high, but it seems to need to be that high to produce bass that really hits hard like I wanted. I've noticed from watching the sub that it pops when the bass gets really low, when the woofer is moving really far. But I would think if the bass was too low for the sub it would distort or something, but not make a pop that sounds like the thing is going to explode. What is strange too is that the bass sounds great except for the popping, if it just didn't pop I haven't noticed any distortion or anything. It just sounds so good except for the loud electrical popping sound. Maybe I just need an PSW650.

[mantis]

I owned that sub for..well since it first came out, never had any problems with it filling the room or such, the pop is the sub distorting or you blew it.If it doen't have the volume, then you need a bigger sub.

[GuitarheadCA]

never Heard a 450 pop, but I've sent a few 350s home unhappy from the demo room.

What I've noticed is that when you push it hard. It bottoms out. Hard. It sounds like someone took a wooden baseball bat and craked it on the box. Of course that's pushing it really hard (customers like alot of bass) and I've never (ever) run in to that problem when it was properly balanced in my room.

But what your describing sounds like it's bottoming out to me.

[nascarmann]

I agree with GuitarheadCA......

[rsmith4321]

I understand what your saying, but the first time I turned this thing on a tried to watch a movie it started popping badly, my friend and I immediately were thinking something bad is wrong with this sub. I've never heard a sub do this before. I even had a really cheap sub and pushed it as hard as it would go, it sounded bad but it never made loud popping. Now that I think about it, I just assumed it was something else wrong with thier system, but when I demoed this sub at Circuit City I noticed a few loud pops. They should have some sort of cut off or something that will stop the sub from trying to play sounds that are so low they cause it to bottom out. Anyway, if this is really the way the sub is I'm going to have to go with another brand. I've never heard another sub that sounds like it's going to explode when the bass get low like this one. I'm still hopping the replacement I'm getting won't have this problem, that there is just something wrong with this sub. Because if not I really dissapointed with Polk.

[RuSsMaN]

So you noticed the sub 'popping' at Circuit City, and went ahead and bought the sub anyway? I think that would have been an ender for me right there.

Then you get home, hook your new sub up, and this same 'popping' occurs? Are you really expecting another one to act different? Third time's a charm?

Sounds like you want more than 450 is designed to do, perhaps you should look elsewhere.....

Cheers,
Russ

[rsmith4321]

Well I know you are trying to sound smart, but if you saw the way they have everything hooked up in Circuit City you would understand why I didn't think it was the sub that was popping. If you are not going to give me advice that is in anyway helpful I don't know why you bother writing. I assumed it was a problem with their system as I mentioned, I didn't think that a sub could pop so I assumed as I already mentioned it wasn't the sub. It sounded great beside a pop I heard a couple of times, which I assumed was an unrelated problem. And I bought the sub from Crutchfield anyway, not Circuit City. And I didn't really relate that the pop in CC was the same as what I'm getting now until I thought more about it and read a message here from someone who worked there and noticed the same problem. You are probably right though, I just want more than the 450 can put out. Any suggestions on a sub that can hit deeper stronger bass without problems? I didn't want to spend quite as much as a 650, and I'm afraid it will pop too.

[RuSsMaN]

Smart? I thought that pretty straight forward myself....

Tell me how 'everything' was hooked up at CC, and what particular 'thing' made you think it was causing this noise (and why you didnt ask them to correct it)? I did give you advice, advice to look elsewhere for your subwoofer needs...

Circuit City, Crutchfield, 6 of one etc etc. You had an un-satifactory store demo, then bought the unit via mail-order, and had another un-satisfactory demo at home... Now you expect another identical unit to make you happy?

Look into SVS, Dayton Titanic, HSU, not many other subs in that price range that are going to do a 'whole lot' more than the 450 does....unless DIY is an option for you....

Cheers,
Smart Guy

[TroyD]

sounds to me like the sub was clipping......

Plus, I'm going to agree with Russ, if something demos that bad without being able to rule out the possibility it was the sub, I'd kind of question the logic in buying it. I've been to a few CC's, while the demo rooms are not ideal, I've never seen one using a broken component.


BDT

[TroyD]

As far as other options, Russ has listed a few. A couple guys have gone the DIY route with good results and some are REALLY into REL.



BDT

[rsmith4321]

How did this turn into an argument about if I'm stupid for buying the sub? Maybe I am. I don't think any of you guys get the CC thing. I didn't have an unsatisfactory store demo, I thought the sub sounded great. I noticed a couple of pops from the system that wasn't that noticeable in the store, it certainly did not sound like the sub. I really didn't take the time I should have to check it out throughly. I guess I'm stupid but I just assumed they had something hooked up wrong somewhere, they didn't even have this sub hooked up until I asked. It sounded great to me for the money. By the way, I ordered it from Crutchfield so I can send it back no charge if I'm not satisfied, so I wasn't too concerned. I'm still not, I'll just send the replacement back too. That's why Crutchfield is so great even though it cost a little more. An argument about whether I should have bought this sub was not the point of the message thread, I just wanted to know if the popping was normal and any suggestions to fix it or what to buy that would be better. And I just wanted to know why a sub would pop in the first place. Has anyone tried the new JBL 400 watt sub. I've seen it for about $450 and was wondering if anyone has tried it.

[TroyD]

No one is calling you dumb there broham, but, I would have investigated the problem more thoroughly. Hey, I've bought stuff on reputation before myself. I just concur with the theory that the sub is being overtaxed.

BDT

[RuSsMaN]

No one called you stupid, I certainly don't think you are, just trying to throw some logic out, thats all.

The 2 most probable reasons why the sub would make noise are covered above, amp clipping, or the driver bottoming out, or some of both. (assuming all else in order, box is solid, etc)

Let us know what happens, and what you end up with.....

-R

[mantis]

You guys you guys

You need to cool your jets alittle on the new guys.....SORRY DUDE IT'S JUST THERE WAY, THEY MEAN WELL....SOMETIMES.......

Dude call Polk and talk to them about your problem.I own that mother effer and had no problems with mine...hell Id sell you mine as it's on it's way out my door due to upgrading......

I can also give you some really good setup tips to optimize you system .......smile, don't let the I WONDER TWINS get to you.....

[nascarmann]

don't let the I WONDER TWINS get to you.....

Damn.....there goes that sence of humor again....:D

[MxStYlEpOlKmAn]

SOUNDS LIKE U LIKE BAAAAAAAASSSSS! Ok the sub isnt made to be played past what its suposed to be. ANd technically this particular sub dont go as low as u wish it would...and at this high volume on the sub and your receiver makes the sub really push...and 500 - 400 bucks...ur not going to get it....i doubt the 450 goes past 30 hz... the 650 is alot better for your tastes...and if you wanna hear a sub go below 20 its not for you either...u need to look at subs 1000 or more or get a 300 dollar yamaha that hits 20 flat...and has dual 8 inch sub.

[TroyD]

IWONDER twins....WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH

In all seriousness though, I don't think that the guy is stupid, however, given the circumstances, I don't understand why he would have bought the sub given his experience at CC. The logic there escapes me. Second, plain and simple, the sub is being pushed beyond it's capabilities from what he is describing. Tweak it all you want but if you are pushing it to where it is bottoming out and/or clipping the amp, tweaking ain't the answer. Turn it down or buy a sub more in line with your tastes. What's so bad about that advice?

It's sort of like me taking my 15wpc Marantz receiver and trying to push my DQ's to earsplitting levels. It's not designed for that kind of abuse. If you use it within it's capabilities, it's stellar. If you abuse it, well, that's what you get.

BDT

[MxStYlEpOlKmAn]

....lol what he said

[fireshoes]

I would get a replacement sub. Run it with a Monster MB400 sub cable, using the Y-splitter, and put the sub in a corner. You shouldn't have to turn any higher than 1 or 2 o'clock at the very most. You might need to experiment with placement of the sub because that can greatly affect the sound, but corner-loading the sub will usually help increase your volume significantly.

[rsmith4321]

Just to see I decided to go into Circuit City today and see if I could get the sub to pop. I turned it up and ran some THX test and it sounded great, it was really shaking to place, I couldn't get it to pop in the store again. I'm still thinking maybe there is something wrong with this sub, I'll find out tomorrow when the replacement arrives. Maybe I'm just pushing it too hard, I guess I'll see.

[GuitarheadCA]

Hey- after all it could be defective driver, like I said, I've never heard a 450 pop, only a 350. I would reiterate what fireshoes said about placing the sub in a corner, this can help significantly. Also, you've been to CC- did you look into the Velodyne CHT series? As suggested earlier, HSU, SVS, Titan and many others are better subs, but the CHT series is easy to find and listen to, and they have Anti-clipping circuits and Volume limiters. It's tough to get one to choke. So if you don't want to worry about pushing a sub too hard, you might consider the CHT 12 for a few bucks more.

[mantis]

Dude before you start driving the shit out of it, let it break in for a couple weeks.

Set it up correctly if you know how, use a test tone generator and a SPL meter to get you going.Remember this key point.................The sub should blend in with the rest of the system, not dominate it.I think your dominating the rest of your system with it.But when the new replacement comes in ,just give it some time before you start blasting it.

As one half of the I Wonder Twins stated.....It just might not be the sub for you.

[danger boy]

i've had my 350 pop a few times like during the depth charge scenes in U-571 but not very often. i guess if you drive any speaker beyond what it's designed to do.. it's going to pop.
Mantis makes a good point... get at SPL meter from Radio shack and set all your speakers to the proper level. if the bass seems to low.. then you're just a basshead. no offense meant

[danger boy]

oh yeah.. what receiver are you driving your speakers with? give us some specs on your unit.

[rsmith4321]

I have a Kenwood VR-209 100 watts per channel. I don't think that would matter though because I'm using the LFE output. And I've never heard popping from my main speakers. Oh, by the way one thing I should have mentioned when I noticed the popping the worst is during Jurassic Park 3, I think that movie must hit some really low bass. And I think a firecracker going off best describes the sound the sub makes. It sounds like when something is being shorted out like a loud electrical pop. I still haven't got the new sub so I'll see soon if it still pops.

[toddieb]

If you heard loud "pops" like a firecracker you could very well have some loose or intermittant connections. That happened to me a few years back (before I had my Polks). I had this cheap sub - I think it was an AudioSource. I had to pull it apart and re-solder some connections, then it was fine. I didn't complain because I bought it as an opened item from Best Buy.
Good luck with yours. Let us know the outcome.
I'm considering a new sub right now and I can't decide between the PSW450 / PSW550 / PSW650. Anyone have suggestions?????

[rsmith4321]

Well I just got the new sub, but now I'm afraid to turn it up until it been broken in for a while from what I've been reading. So I haven't had any pops yet, but I haven't pushed it hard either. I figure I have 30 days before I have to decide to keep it, so I'll give it a good break in time and then see how pushing it will do.

[freid]

Originally posted by toddieb

I'm considering a new sub right now and I can't decide between the PSW450 / PSW550 / PSW650. Anyone have suggestions?????

Velodyne CHT12. Beautiful sound man.

[GuitarheadCA]

If you want:

Music in a smaller room- PSW 550

More slam in a bigger room- PSW 450

The best of both worlds- PSW 650

[danger boy]

break in period i have heard is usually several days.. leave the sub on.. and run music or something not to freighting and not to loud as JPIII thru it.. then try it out again.

[rsmith4321]

One thing I just noticed, if it is really quiet in the room is it normal to notice a very slight hum, it definetly doesn't sound like it coming from the speaker. And it does it even if it's not hooked up and turned off. It's not noticeable unless close to the sub when it's real quiet. I figure it's just the power supply humming a bit or something.

[danger boy]

I think someone else could probably answer this better than me. I think it's a 60 cycle hum from the plug in to the wall. Try unplugging the speaker cable, does it still make the hum? Maybe the cable is not sheilded properly. My 350 seems to keep shutting itself off after about 3 mins of not getting a signal. which is isnt' suppose to do.. should wait 15 mins i think.... but that's a whole other problem.

[GuitarheadCA]

Jurrasic Park III

Is this the movie that you heard in the CC demo room? Or is this the one that had popping in your house? Was it rapid popping like a machine gun? Or was it loud pops spaced apart?

The reason is, this movie has some serious problems with the Dolby Digital soundtrack. When we had it running as a demo, the entire soundroom would go silent and pop back in every few seconds. Onkyo even posted a notice on their website because so many people were having problems with it. The remedy is to use the DTS soundtrack instead, but that movie may explain some of your problems. Especially if that was the movie in the demo room, because that would explain why you didn't think it was the sub with the problems.

The humming: yes, that is normal, and your assumption is correct, it's just the power supply humming. I one called up polk, because I noticed the same thing on my 350 and Ken (the polk guru) explained to me exactly what was making the noise, but I've forgoten since then. :(

-Guitarhead

[rsmith4321]

I don't think it's the movie, because I have noticed it when turning up music really really loud, I think it's just more prevalent in JP3 because the bass hits really really low at times. I've never noticed it with my front speakers set to large and no subwoofer. So they would have been getting the .1 part of the sound and they don't pop. I pretty sure it's not the movie, but I'm going to take it easy on my new one and try some other movies before I decide to send it back or not. I was thinking maybe it's my fault if there was something wrong with my first sub. The first thing I did with it was turn it up all the way pop in JP3 and turn the sound way up to see what it could do. I didn't know about breaking it in or anything. Maybe I messed it up right from the beginning. They should put some warnings in the manual to take it easy at first if that is what the sub needs for those of us that are not well informed.

[MxStYlEpOlKmAn]

sounds like me and computer speakers...turn them all the way up and leave them that way...i've gone through 2 pairs of computer speaker sin the past year or so...lol...or to my third one...lol

by the way...speakers, amps, receivers, subs, etc all need break in periods before you blast them...just a note i might add

[HUNTER]

Hey don't let Russman and now troyD get you down, it seems that thier sole purpose in life is to put down other people so that they can feel better about thier own short comings. Please, if you guys want these morons to go away then don't respond to their bullshit posts and allow them to pull you into a pissing match.

[freid]

Originally posted by MxStYlEpOlKmAn
sounds like me and computer speakers...turn them all the way up and leave them that way...i've gone through 2 pairs of computer speaker sin the past year or so...lol...or to my third one...lol

by the way...speakers, amps, receivers, subs, etc all need break in periods before you blast them...just a note i might add

I have heard this before. If this is true why does the owners manual not have any mention of this. Could the people at Polk shed some light on this issue?

Mabey if the user is advised officially of the potential hazzards of not breaking in speakers properly, perhaps a lot of grief and shipping charges can be avoided.

freid

[Dr. Spec]

There has been a great deal of discussion on speaker break-in, and the jury is still pretty much out as to whether this provides any real sonic benefit.

The AVS forum had a big discussion on it and some testers ran a bunch of detailed and in-depth studies of frequency response, dispersion, distortion, etc., before and after break-in, and also when the speaker was "cold" (i.e., not running for a while) vs. "hot" (had been running for hours). The data was inconclusive, as many of the parameters tested changed slightly during extended operation (for both new and broken-in) and then returned to the "baseline" again after the speaker cooled down.

I can't tell on my system, but then again my electronics (and maybe my ears) aren't world class either.

Anyway, with respect to subs, the surround might be a little stiff when very new, and this will loosen up a bit over time. However, the relative compliance of the surround will not alter the ultimate excursion limits of the driver, which are dictated by the point at which the voice coil bottoms in the magnet assembly. This is more than likely the sound you are (were) hearing on JP III.

If you like the sound of the PSW450, buy another one (maybe from Mantis) and stack them and run a Y splitter. You can run each sub at a lower volume, and avoid bottoming while still maintaining the same or even louder overall SPL, while at the same time get lower distortion and a more effortless quality to the bass.

Doc

[danger boy]

Dr. Spec,
why would you want to stack two subwoofers? I am thinking of adding a second sub to go along with my 350.. it probably would not be another 350.. it would be something bigger. I was thinking of putting one in each corner of the rear of the room. to me that seems to make the most sense in getting the best and most bass response.
your thoughts? thanks

[rsmith4321]

I know this is completely off the subject, but I though some of you guys would know. I just got a Onkyo TX-SR600 receiver and I've noticed some slight popping or static noises when adjusting the volume up or down while watching movies. It just a slight sound that happens just when adjusting volume sometimes, not that noticeable. I think I've heard receivers do that before, is it normal? Thanks for the feedback. By the way my new Polk sub popped loudly too. I think everyone is right, I just need a bigger better sub, I was just bottoming out the PSW450. I'm going to look around for something else. I notice Polk just came out with a couple new sub's, anyone try these out yet?

[danger boy]

rsmith4321 the noise you're hearing on your volume knob. is a dirty contact.. i've heard that happen before. How old is your Onkyo? it may need a through cleaning out.

[goingganzo]

i would recomend a velo cht 12 or a 15 if you want to spend the extra bucks i have a velo ct120 and it is so sweet once i got ot broke in i have never ran out of bass and i have a large room 16x25 and the sub is not corner loaded and the room is open to the rest of the basement

[rsmith4321]

It's brand new, and I don't think that is what it is because it does it with the remote and the volume knob isn't turning. Like I said it's very slight, it's not that noticable I probabaly shouldn't worry about it anyway.

[Dr. Spec]

Danger Boy:

Stacking the two subs will provide a 6 dB increase in SPL, and avoid any potential phase problems.

Placing them in different locations will only provide a 3 dB increase (on average) in SPL and may require phase adjustment.

Also, they look very cool stacked and are easier to connect. I owned two stacked PSW350's at one time and I was very impressed with the results when I added the second sub.

The only reason I sold them is because they don't dig lower than about 32-35 Hz and there are a few DVDs out there with significant signal content in the 20-30 Hz range. I have a SVS 20-39 PC+ on order, and am making due with the Advent set-up described in my by-line.

Doc

[danger boy]

rsmith4321
it it was me.. i'd check out the problem.. there shouldn't be any noise or static coming from your volume knob. it's very strange when you use the remote that it happens. talk to other Onkyo owners and see if they have similar problems with their receivers of the same model. good luck