Subwoofers give home theaters and other music systems a fantastic sound. But when subwoofers age, they tend to malfunction and start producing distorted or poor sound. Some of the subwoofer issues can be fixed at the repair shop, while others cannot be fixed.
A blown subwoofer is one of the main issues you can encounter with your music system. Sometimes it is hard to know whether the unit is blown or not. You need to learn some tips to know how blown subwoofer functions and looks like. Here is how you can tell that your subwoofer is blown.
If It Produces a Fuzzy, Distorted Sound
The sound coming out of your subwoofer is a great indicator of the extent of the damage. The subwoofer generally produces a quality sound that adds bass and sub-bass to the music system. If the subwoofer now produces distorted sound at low, mid, and high volume, that is a sign that it might be blown.
You should adjust the volume gradually to notice the difference in sound. If the subwoofer produces a static, fuzzy noise at a high volume, that is also an indicator that the speaker could be blown. Also, a weak, distorted sound can show that your subwoofer is having an issue.
No Sound at All
If your subwoofer is completely blown, it will not produce any sound. But other things can make your subwoofer not produce any sound. So, you should inspect the cables and audio source before concluding the subwoofer is blown. If the cables, audio source, and connection are just fine, you can conclude the subwoofer is blown.
Related: Common Speaker Problems and How to Fix Them
Test the Cone
Inspecting the cones of your subwoofer can help you know if it’s blown or not. Note that the subwoofer cones have a suspension system that allows them to move smoothly by the beats of the music. You can test the movement of the cone by using your hands. But be careful not to rip the cone or separate it from the surrounding fabric.
If the subwoofer cone doesn’t move when you lightly press it, that is a sign that damage has already occurred. If the cone moves around unsteadily, that is an indicator that the suspension system is compromised. And your subwoofer could be damaged. Additionally, if the cone produces a scratching sound when you light press or move it, that indicates that damage has already occurred.
Measure Subwoofer Voltage
Measuring the subwoofer voltage is another accurate way of knowing if the subwoofer is blown. A multimeter is a tool you need to use to determine if the coil of your subwoofer is damaged. If the multimeter reads zero, that indicates that the coil of the subwoofer is damaged. If the reading is not static or does not stay in one place, probably the coil is damaged.
What to Do If Your Subwoofer is Blown?
Finding out that your expensive subwoofer is blown can be heartbreaking. But it’s advisable to take action by disconnecting it from the music system to prevent further damage. After that, you should take the subwoofer to a repair shop to get an expert opinion about its state. If it can be fixed, let the expert fix it. If it is within the warranty period, consider taking it to where you bought it, and you can get a replacement.
Final Words
A good subwoofer should serve you for years, depending on how you use and take care of it. But no matter the quality and maintenance, your subwoofer can get damaged when you least expect it. The above information will help you know when your subwoofer is blown and what to do after that.
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