Crackling/Popping noise from Sub

[nchdtv]

All,

I've purchased a Velodyne Sub last month and for the most part it is awesome.

I have noticed sometimes when I watch a DVD that there is an intermittent crackling & popping sound (sounds like static) coming from the unit.

I don't seem to get this issue when watching Satellite TV. I have the sub connected to the receiver with a Monster Sub Cable.

Has anyone experienced something similar?

[pcoffman]

I haven't had that happen before but you may try first either switching what audio input you have your DVD player hooked into to a different one just to see maybe if it a faulty signal in that input and if that doesn't fix it maybe see if they will let you try another cable, I don't think it would be the cable though since you said it works fine with the satellite audio. The only other thing I could think of is if it is turned up to much to where it is trying to pull to much power the sub maybe bottoming out but I doubt that is the case either because I don't think you have the sub turned up all the way do you?

[nchdtv]

I noticed last night that I'm also now getting the snap, crackle, pop sound when watching Satellite as well. It is intermittent and comes and goes.

My sub (Velodyne) has a switch on the back to allow for a direct or external crossover. I've tried both positions, but that does not seem to work. The instruction manual suggests using direct crossover.

I've also varied the volume of the sub, but that does not seem to work.

I've got the sub connected with a Monster Bass cable. Leading into the sub I'm using a Y connector to the input plugs. I've got the other end of the cable going to my Sony receiver Sub outlet.

The only other thing I can think of (other than a bad cable), is that the cable is snaked behind the TV and crosses through a tangle of cables from my speakers/TV etc. Is it possible that what I'm picking up is just interference? I wouldn't think so since I'm using a good quality cable.

Any other advice would be appreciated.

[Paleface]

You may be hearing clipping of the audio signal. Is the output on the Sony pre-amped? (not amplified)

Also.. is the output on the Sony already filtered for low freqs? If it is (ie: 100 Hz and below), set the active crossover on your sub to its highest setting.

What model Velodyne and Sony do you have?

[nchdtv]

Paleface,

I have the Veloydine CHT-8. It is the 8" sub. I have a Sony surround reveiver STR-DE845 (it is about 2 years old).

I have lost the manual to my Sony receiver, so I'm not even sure how to set the crossover on the receiver. I'll have to play around with it tonight when I get home.

[Paleface]

There should be a knob on the back of the sub that says "Low Pass" or "crossover" or something to that effect. From they're website it looks adjustable from 40 - 120 Hz

Here is the Sony owners manual: http://129.33.22.12/release/STRDE945.PDF

Your sub should be connected to the SUB OUT, obviously.

Try turning the sub level down (see page 39) on the Sony a little and turning the volume knob on the Velodyne sub up a little. See if that helps.

I think the Sony is overdriving that sub a bit, by turning down the output on the Sony, that should solve it. And then by upping the volume on the Velodyne a bit, you wont lose any bass.

Good luck.

[nchdtv]

Paleface,

Thx for the response. I spoke with a Velodyne tech. via email a week or so ago about this problem.

After he chided me for having too small a sub (he claimis that the 8" inch is woefully inadequate for my room), he had me turn the sub volume to about 40% of max and I've got my Sony receiver sub volume at about +2db.

That seems to have solved the static problem, which was from the sub overdriving the subwoofer.

Overall, I'm not knocked over by the sub perfrormance. I've been in other's homes were the floor rattles when the sub goes off. Mine is more of a low rumble.

[Paleface]

Overall, I'm not knocked over by the sub perfrormance.

Yeah, comparatively, 8" subs are limited. But, at 350 watts, you should be able to feel something I would think. I have a meager home-made 8" 50 watt sub (http://paleface.topcities.com/mcmsub.html) in my family room. I forget the dimensions, but it's a good sized room with a vaulted ceiling. I have it wired to a simple 2 channel setup just for casual listening (using the high level inputs on the sub amp). I can make the picture across the room rattle.

Positioning of the sub is also important. Try to place it in a front corner of the room about a foot or so away from each wall. This minimizes diffraction loss and should give your sub a little boost.

If you're in a basement, you're obviously not going to feel that "floor-shaking" you're looking for. You may want to look into some Aura Bass Shakers for that.

I still think you should play around with the sub out level and sub's volume knob.

If you're considering a new sub... and if you're halfway handy with power tools.. for the $ spent on the 8" sub, you could easily build a monster 12" or 15". Just do an internet search for DIY subwoofers... there's gobs of info.

[57U]

If you have the room, I've always been a proponent of large subs. They're a lot easier to build and "make work" than a smaller unit. Look at the HT1 & 2 links in my siganture to see what I'm using.

It was not expensive, yet it will "woof".