PSW300 problem - Please help!

[bingofuel]

Hello-

I've got a PSW300, came bundled with a Polk RM series (7300, I think, but I could be mistaken). I've loved it for the past two years, been very happy with both music and home theater. I watch a lot of war movies, and have been really happy with the effects.

Just last week, all of a sudden, the sub began making a nasty rumbling sound with very low bass (happens with many movies, but only with really low bass). Definitely coming from the sub, and it almost sounds like something is loose. It's not a pop, more like a distorted rumble. When this isn't happening, the bass effects sound great. The speakers seem to be operating normally as well.

Can anyone give any advice on where to go from here? I don't think I've overtaxed the sub (volume at about 12:00), and nothing has changed with my home theater setup recently.

Thanks for any help,

-Tim

[scottvamp]

nasty rumbling sound I watch a lot of war movies making a nasty rumbling sound with very low bass
I'm quessing the woofer after 2 years has just had better days and it is not totally blown but is suffering. Call Polk and see what they say - there customer service is outstanding. I'm sure they will fix u right up.;)

[bingofuel]

Thanks for the advice. I called Customer Service, and they were great. I'm sending the driver to them for repair. If they come through and fix or repair it, I'll be a Polk convert for life.

[Kenneth Swauger]

Great, I'm glad things are on the way to being corrected!
Take care, Ken

[bingofuel]

Update: Driver was sent to Polk, returned to me in an amazingly short time, and I'm back in bass heaven. Great customer service - When I upgrade, my next speakers/sub will be Polk.

[RuSsMaN]

Stick around bingo, get your post on. I'm gonna hold you to that upgrade promise.... ;)

Cheers,
Rooster

[steve chalupka]

Steve Chalupka here. I'm a new member (have owned Polk Audio RM 7300 system -- including PSW 300).
I'm glad I reviewed this thread because I too am experiencing the same problem with my PSW 300. I purchased my PSW 300 from United Audio (now Tweeter) back in '96 (reg. card should be on file). Just last week I noticed (heard) a "rattling" sound coming from the PSW 300. It didn't sound normal. I immediately took it to Tweeter and the tech said "no question your woofer is blown". He further stated that he has replaced many of these and it is a common problem. My question is has there been a recall that I'm not aware of? The tech further stated to call Polk directly to find out if this can be replaced free of charge (eventhough it maybe out of warranty).
As a side note. When I first purchsed the Polk system (that was professionally installed by United Audio along w/ all my other Denon components) I spoke to a guy by the name of Ken Swauger. I notice his name appears here as the moderator. Kudos to this man. He is without question one of the most knowledgeable and CUSTOMER FOCUSED individuals I have EVER spoken to. I have left an email on line to try and get in touch with him to discuss the problem I am having with my PSW 300.

[jdavy]

Steve,

Give Ken a call.

The best think about Polk Audio is the people that work there. I think the like stereo as much as we do.

[steve chalupka]

Thanks.
I already did Monday morning. Ken cut me a GREAT deal on a new woofer. This man is a great asset to Polk Audio. I should be back in business by Friday!
S -

[calculoid]

I AM A NEW MEMBER AND HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM WITH MY PSW300. I ALSO PURCHASED MY SYSTEM IN 1996. I HOPE THAT I CAN GET A DEAL TO GET MY SUB UP AND GOING AGAIN. I DON'T KNOW YET HOW TO PROCEED.

[MxStYlEpOlKmAn]

Originally posted by bingofuel
Definitely coming from the sub, and it almost sounds like something is loose. It's not a pop, more like a distorted rumble. The speakers seem to be operating normally as well.

all that sounds familiar....:rolleyes: :lol: :lol:

[steve chalupka]

Got my new driver today. Guess what ? After waiting for it I open the bubblewrap to find it is (I think) the wrong driver. Pick slip is marked MW 1081. Sticker on driver is marked MW 1083. I've already got a call into Ken.
Can anyone answer this question. When I pulled the blown driver (MW 1081)out of my PSW 300 it looked EXACTLY like the one I was sent which was labeled MW 1083. According to Polk's parts list the MW 1081 is for PSW 150 sub. Is it the same speaker (physical appearance) or is the one they sent me really a MW 1081 marked incorrectly?
Need help
S -

[ErDrRon]

I realize this is a very old thread but I am now experiencing the same problem with my PSW300. When I look at the actual speaker (MW1081) it looks like the orange/brown paper cone that is attached to the black speaker cone has come unglued from the metal frame. I also purchased this subwoofer bundled in a Polk Audio Home Theater Surround Sound system (RM 7300V, I think) back in the mid-90's. Any advice on where to go from here?

Thanks,
Ron

[ErDrRon]

Bump

[Kenneth Swauger]

Hello Ron,
It sounds as though the glue bond linking the voice coil former and the cone has separated. The woofer would have to be replaced. We no longer have any of the MW1081 woofers remaining, however we do have a solution. The 10" woofer that is used in the PSW202 works very well in the older PSW300. A small amount of installation effort is needed since the new woofer has a slightly larger diameter basket than the original the mounting hole will need to be slightly enlarged. This can be done with a wood file or a sanding block and takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The new part is RD2020-1 and the Club Polk price is $56.00 and please mention your membership when calling us at 1-800-377-7655.
Take care, Ken

[ErDrRon]

Ken,

I've looked at several technical websites about subwoofers and they refer to this particular structure as a 'spider'. I've "super-glued" the outside edge of the spider back to the metal basket and it seems to be working well now. Should it break down again I will be sure to take up your offer. What would be the approximate shipping cost to the Denver, Colorado area for the replacement subwoofer?

Thanks,
Ron

[emcrites]

Ken,

Are the woofer params similar enough between the MW1081 and the RD2020-1? Would you reccomend repairing the MW1081, or buying the PSW202's driver as a replacement? What is causing this problem in this particular woofer? Old glue on the spider? A weakened surround? Thank you in advance.

[ErDrRon]

The Superglue worked wonderfully and the sub continues to function well.

Ron

[Avedis]

I too have a PSW 300 and had the buzzing noise as mentioned at the beginning of this thread. I found the spider had separated from the basket because of glue failure.

Instead of super glue I wanted to use something that would remain flexible in order to survive the movement of the spider. Over time, glues become brittle and fail. I used 50 year silicone sealant all around the spider. Laying a nice bead around the basket was a challenge but taking my time I was able to permanently fix the problem.

I have this sub matched with a pair of LS-70's, a CS350-LS and a pair of M5 surrounds. 11 years old and they all look and sound brand new!