Passive Radiater ?

S

snafu

New Member
I have an 18 year old Microsoft DSS80 sound system that needs help. It recently started to make bass fluttering sounds that has been tracked to the passive radiator. When watching the radiator work during a song with heavy base the foam seems to have an extraordinary about of movement. After disassembly for the case and careful inspection I see no cracks or imperfections in the foam on either side of the radiator. I have located replacement foam but if there is no apparent damage to the existing foam I'm not confidant that a new set will resolve the issue. Do these foams simply wear out - get soft- and vibrate too easily which makes the awful sound ?

Your thoughts appreciated.

Regards- Snafu
 

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Pics of the cabinet you pulled it from might be helpful...

How sure are you the rattle comes from the passive? Do you get that rattle, or flutter, with all sources? Is this from a stereo pair, so that you can observe the behavior of the other passive? Were there any wires hanging near the rear of the passive?

If it is a stereo pair, try the other speaker on that same channel and see whether you get the same thing. Tell us more about how you troubleshot.
 
Stereo satellites with single mono sub, amp is probably inside the sub cabinet. So no opportunity to switch channels.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Sound_System_80
Dss80.jpg


For the OP: The PR only reproduces what's coming off the rear of the active woofer into the cabinet, with some losses. As such it normally moves a bit less than the active woofer. Is the woofer making similar motions and noises? Sounds like it does not.

I'm leaning toward the amp distorting due to aging components, putting out some hinky very low frequency stuff that the PR is trying to reproduce.
 
toxcrusader has the correct unit in question. This is a non wired radiator that is making the terrible sounds. The active woofer appears to be working well. There are no peculiar sounds when the radiator is removed from the system. The foam movement is MUCH greater on the radiator then the active. I'll try to take a quick video with sound and post it when I return home. (can I post a video ?)
 
Videos you have to link from somewhere, like YouTube, AFAIK. It will play in a window right in the thread.

Very strange behavior. I have an idea. Can you play test tones through the system off your PC? Like from here. https://www.stompaudio.com/test-tones-c-6793.html

Play a 100 Hz tone at a reasonable level and observe woofer and PR behavior. Move to 90, 80, etc. Is there a point where it starts or does it gradually get worse?
 
F1nut said:
From your description I'd say the spider has become detached.
Click to expand...

If there is a spider behind that cone- this is VERY likely.

Time to pull out the PR and look inside the basket, for anything that's detached from either the cone or the frame.

Regards,
Gordon.
 
Left the office early and attacked the beast. I removed the PR from the case again and inspected the outer foam on the front and back sides. The back is almost identical the front just slight smaller in dia. NO signs of any peeling or glue giving away. I then for the first time noticed I could also inspect the inner sides to the foam through holes in the casing. Got a good flashlight and a 3X pair of reader and peeked in. BINGO. The insides of the foams are trashed. It amazes me how bad they are from the condition of the exterior. So I'm off to simply speakers for the foams $32 Really appreciate all your thoughts and comments.

Have a wonderful 4th
Fly the flag high
Steve
 
Kind of a collectible piece, it was the only audio system Microsoft ever made, so good on you for preserving it. Although I myself might have shopped for some cheaper surrounds, but that's just me.
 
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