I cannot get my subwoofer to work

[admin_exported]

I wonder if I am not doing something really basic.

I have Boston Acoustics Soundware 5.1, plugged through a Sony STR-DH810 using a phono cable and all hooked up to V+HD, an LG 50PK990 plasma and Sony BDPS370. I have tried it with same connections in a Sony STR-DH510 and have changed the phono cable too. The AVRs have been set for surround sound and appear to be telling me they are ready to drive the subwoofer (the icon appears on the AVR screen). The small speakers all work fine but the SW fails to make any noise whatsoever (and the cone isn't vibrating, which I suspect is a bit of a giveaway).

Is there anything else I am obviously failing to do, or appear to be doing wrong from the info I've given? Alternatively I wonder if there is a way of testing the actual device to see if it is functioning.

 

[strapped for cash]

Sorry if I'm stating the obvious, but you have double checked all the connections are OK: no loose connections between receiver and sub, the sub cable is definitely connected to the right output on the receiver and the right input on the sub?

If you run an auto set-up, does the receiver recognise that the sub is connected; and/or can you hear a test tone frequency?

I don't know if the Boston sub has a power light; but, if so, presumably this lights up to indicate it's neither off nor on standby?

If you've been through each of these checks and nothing's happening, it's time to contact the dealer as you might have a faulty sub...

 

[Petherick]

May be a silly question, but have you set the source components to output 5.1? I don't have experience of the Virgin box, but with the Sky HD box you have to set output to Dolby digital to actually get surround sound and I expect it's similar.

 

[Anonymous]

As far as I can see all connections are tight

Phono cable between SW and AVR goes into only connection on back of SW and the one labelled SW on AVR. I've tried a different phono cable too, so isn't that.

Power cable goes into wall and I've changed plug fuse just in case. Isn't that. don't have another cable to try out, unfortunately.

AVR can be switched between speaker patterns which include or exclude x.1 - with 3/2.1 being 2xfront and 1xcentre / 2xrear . SW. This produces no noise. Sadly no LED on the Boston SW, so no idea if power is going to it or not. I have even tried a different AVR, as we have 2.

Guess it must be the SW. Bah :-(

 

[True Blue]

Hi,

Is the unit new? If so can you return it to the retailer? alternatively contact Boston direct, they should be able to help

 

[True Blue]

Hi, there appears to be a bit of setting up required as per manual: See below

Subwoofer Connections

NOTE: Power is always supplied to the subwoofer electronics unless it is unplugged or switched to the off position using the power switch located on the rear panel. The auto-on circuitry only activates or deactivates the power amplifier. Make sure your subwoofer and receiver are unplugged when making the connection.


Power: When plugging your subwoofer in be sure to use a wall outlet, or dedicated electrical outlet. Some receivers will provide a switched outlet. Do not use this. These on board electrical outlets do not offer the amount of current or proper isolation required by a power amplifier, such as the one in your amplifier.

Select "subwoofer-yes" from your receiver's set-up menu. If the receiver gives a choice of crossover filter frequency, use 150Hz or 120Hz. Hooked up this way, the receiver's amplifier is relieved of having to reproduce the difficult low bass signals that can drive the receiver into audible distortion. In some cases, it can also depend on several other settings within a receiver. We recommend consulting your receiver manual for further assistance in this area.

Turn off all power. Use the subwoofer cable, as shown, to connect your digital receiver's LFE subwoofer output to the subwoofer. Connect the other end to the Line In.


Adjusting the Crossover Control


Set the crossover control on the subwoofer to 180Hz. Fine-tune the crossover setting by ear for the smoothest blend with your main speakers. The best setting of the crossover control will depend on speaker placement and personal preference.pivots down 40øpivots 20øeach way Digital ReceiverSubwoofer Amplier


Operation

Power On/Off


Plug the subwoofer's AC cord into a wall outlet. Do not use the outlets on the back of the receiver. Set the power switch to the desired setting.


OFF - The subwoofer is off and will not produce any sound. You may want to turn your subwoofer off if you will not be using it for some time or wish to conserve electricity.


ON - The subwoofer is always on.


MUTE - If no signal is detected after several minutes, it will automatically enter the Mute mode.

An LED indicator between the Power switch and the Polarity switch indicates what mode the subwoofer is in.


OFF - The subwoofer is off


RED - MUTE (No signal detected, Audio Off)


GREEN - ON (Signal detected, Amp On)

The subwoofer will automatically enter the Mute mode after several minutes when no signal is detected from your system. The subwoofer will then power ON instantly when a signal is detected.


Crossover Control


Adjusts the frequency of the low pass filter for the subwoofer. Set the crossover control on the subwoofer to 180Hz.


Volume Control


Turn the subwoofer Volume control to the 11 o'clock position. If the subwoofer makes no sound, check the AC-line cord, Power switch, and input cables. (Are the connectors on the cables making proper contact? Is the AC-line cord connected to a "live" receptacle, is the subwoofer in either the Auto or On position?)

Adjust the subwoofer Volume control until you hear a match between the main speaker and subwoofer. Bass response should not overpower the room but rather be adjusted so there is a natural blend across the entire musical range.


Polarity Control

(0ø or 180ø): Selects regular (0ø) or inverted (180ø) phase for the subwoofer. Set this switch to provide the fullest, most dynamic bass. The effect of phase will be most audible on low-frequency percussion instruments or music with a continuously repeating bass line.


Maintenance and Service


All wiring connections should be inspected and cleaned or remade at least once a year.

If a problem does occur, make sure that all connections are properly made, secure and clean. If a problem occurs in one loudspeaker, rewire that speaker in a different location within the system. Should the problem persist in this speaker the problem is within the speaker. If the speaker sounds fine in the new position it is a strong indication of a more in depth issue with the electronics in the system. In the event that your SoundWare XS 5.1 ever needs service, contact your local Boston Acoustics dealer or visit bostona.com for a list of dealers in your area.

If your subwoofer does not play, check that all the connectors on the cables are making proper contact and that the AC plug connected to a "live" receptacle.

142-

 

[Sorreltiger]

I just read that too, True Blue! The other issue is that - so far - the OP hasn't said anything about running the auto set-up on the receiver. If the connections and settings on the Boston sub are correct, there should be a test signal or error message. We need to know what happens!

 

[Anonymous]

I gave this suggestion to a previous poster, dont know if he tried it as there was no feedback.

With the sub cable disconnected from the amp end, power up the sub and touch the end of the sub cable, you should hear noise through the sub.

If not its a fault with the cable or sub, if Ok it is as a problem with the amp

At least it might point you in the right direction

 

[Anonymous]

Hello Chaps

I believe I have set the SW up according to those instructions, which came in the SoundWare XS 5.1 box: Connections made, SW plugged in, switched on, crossover at 180, volume at 11 o'clock. That said, the SW I have does NOT have an LED indicator light as indicated in that document, which is a shame. I believe the connections are all tight - there is only one on the SW and one on the AVR. The power cable has been connected directly into a wall socket which I know works.

I used the autocalibration feature and received, if I recall correctly, only the following warning:

WARN. 72 The centre speaker distance is out of range. Reposition your centre speaker.

Sadly, the manual also mentions this:

Auto Calibration cannot detect the subwoofer. Therefore, all subwoofer settings will be maintained.

Thank you all for taking the trouble to help me out. Appreciate it.

 

[Anonymous]

The control panel looks like this:

I've not seen an LED here in the flesh, certainly nothing lights up, although this image has a little white dot between the line in socket and crossover dial. The manual suggests the LED should be between the on switch and polarity switch; I can't see anything:

 

[Anonymous]

lesmor:

I gave this suggestion to a previous poster, dont know if he tried it as there was no feedback.

With the sub cable disconnected from the amp end, power up the sub and touch the end of the sub cable, you should hear noise through the sub.

If not its a fault with the cable or sub, if Ok it is as a problem with the amp

At least it might point you in the right direction

Thank you, I'll give it a go this evening. I have tried more than one phono cable, so suspect this isn't the specific problem.

 

[Anonymous]

Having looked at the 510 manual I thought I have a peek at the 810 manual which says the following about autocalibration and subwoofers. The -810 WILL detect an active subwoofer so I think I'll try plugging it through the -810, trying the autocalibration and seeing what happens.

On setting up the active subwoofer

When a subwoofer is connected, turn on the subwoofer and turn up the volume beforehand. Turn the MASTER VOLUME knob to just before the mid-point.

If you connect a subwoofer with a crossover frequency function, set the value to the maximum.

If you connect a subwoofer with an auto standby function, set this function to off (deactivated).

 

[Anonymous]

My soundware sub has stopped working too ... get the green light on saying that a signal is detected even when the input cable is not connected ... no sound at all!

I bought my speaker set in the UK from Richersounds and took them back to Australia where I live. Unfortunately it is a bit of a distance to take them back to the retailer

Is the sub knackered?