Sunfire True Subwoofer - "static"

[pflyer]

Hello everyone. I have a Sunfire True Subwoofer (aprox 18 yrs old) that has been working great. It acts as it should in standby, but when it is active (on), I get a "static" (like wrong channel radio static) sound from it. It will still produce sound/music, but when the volume is lower I can hear the static. The static sound does not increase as volume increases though. I have detached the input source after the static has started and the static continues. After a few minutes without any source it goes back into stanby and the static ceases. Any ideas. Thanks Pete

Update on problem: I tested the driver (speaker), seems to operate fine. I tested a different driver (speaker) in the sub with the same static sound. I now noticed the voice coil is pushed out quite a distance while the static sound is produced. I didn't notice this on the driver that belongs to it because of the stiff nature of the driver, but once reinstalled noticed the displacement. Also tried sending music signal through it with the proper driver and noticed a significant reduction in what is normal volume from the unit. Tested signal going to sub, seems to be fine. Thanks again.

 

[thedelihaus]

For me, it was cleaning the switches on the back of my Mirage sub- the phase switch, the gain switch, the adjustment knobs.

Like receivers that need a cleaning with time, same for the control switches on the amp.

I used a product called DeOxit.

 

[toddalin]

I recently had Rita's Vintage Audio go though mine. It was turning on an off with a nice big thump, even with a signal continually applied. Rita and her coherts were the original Sunfire staff.

I sent it to Rita's and they fixed it right up for a flat rate fee.

When I got it back, I made a separate ventilated cabinet for the amp and a block-off plate with a speaker connector for the speaker cabinet. Seems that these things like to shake their guts apart from the inside and the actual components (mainly capacitors) break down internally loosing their connections. This actually increased the internal cabinet volume and maybe even helped the bass a little too. They replaced about a dozen components on mine and up-graded it at the same time.

 

[pflyer]

Thanks toddalin. Contacted Rita's they start with a flat fee of $270. Anything beyond they will contact me for authorization. One to two week turn-around. Since I know it's the electronics they informed me I could just send in the electronics plate (huge savings in weight and shipping!!!). Will see if I get any helpful info first. Will also do the same in removing electronics from the cabinet. Pete

 

[toddalin]

Thanks toddalin. Contacted Rita's they start with a flat fee of $270. Anything beyond they will contact me for authorization. One to two week turn-around. Since I know it's the electronics they informed me I could just send in the electronics plate (huge savings in weight and shipping!!!). Will see if I get any helpful info first. Will also do the same in removing electronics from the cabinet. Pete

That's what I did (sent in just the plate). Last year I think the price was $200 when I had mine repaired, but Rita said it would go up after Christmas.

 

[TNRabbit]

Update?

 

[pflyer]

No updated info so far. I think I'll end up sending it in. Can't send it in until next week with my schedule this week.

 

[pflyer]

Update

I sent the power board to Rita's. They informed me there were several bad caps at least one i/c chip, and beyond that I lost track. Like taking a favorite pet to the vet to find out it needs major sugery! It's going to cost extra $$$, but I really like my Sunfire. I guess 15 years of earth-shaking use is not fun for all those parts. I will definitely separate the power board from the cabinet.

 

[markd51]

Of course it's always "more money".

I got stuck (suckered is a better word) about a year ago, sending my True Sub Mk-IV to Sunfire's repair center, at which time, the Sub was 6 years old, and as well, there was no such thing as "Bob&Rita", or Rita's.

Flat rate fee was $350, and had it been one year older, the flat rate fee would've been $450. And nope, they would not let me just send the Amp Board alone, I had to send the entire Sub, and was at least glad I kept all my original packing-boxes.

The problem was auto turn on, it then wouldn't come out of standby. So stupid this was, as shipping would've been a hell of a lot cheaper for me shipping it to them.

And it came back not properly repaired. The sub barely had 1/2 the output it did before the problem. So back again it went to them. I was really sweating, figuring I really cheated fate, that the UPS goons, or Sunfire didn;t damage it the first time, and figured on the second try, they'd try even harder to make sure I'd either have a worthless box, or a gouged up one.

It was unbelieveable, that the sub survived two sets of trips across country with absolutely no damage.

But as I conclude, I am not at all happy with companies that play these "flat rate games", and should this sub ever go out again, I'm taking an axe to it, and throwing it in the garbage. And I as well will never buy another piece of Carver, Sunfire, or any other equipment like it, in which the manufacturer bilks its customers with such fees (mark levinson comes to mind) PS: From now on, if any equipment I buy doesn't say "McIntosh" on it, fougettabouitit! lol
Mark

 

[toddalin]

Of course it's always "more money".

I got stuck (suckered is a better word) about a year ago, sending my True Sub Mk-IV to Sunfire's repair center, at which time, the Sub was 6 years old, and as well, there was no such thing as "Bob&Rita", or Rita's.

Flat rate fee was $350, and had it been one year older, the flat rate fee would've been $450. And nope, they would not let me just send the Amp Board alone, I had to send the entire Sub, and was at least glad I kept all my original packing-boxes.

The problem was auto turn on, it then wouldn't come out of standby. So stupid this was, as shipping would've been a hell of a lot cheaper for me shipping it to them.

And it came back not properly repaired. The sub barely had 1/2 the output it did before the problem. So back again it went to them. I was really sweating, figuring I really cheated fate, that the UPS goons, or Sunfire didn;t damage it the first time, and figured on the second try, they'd try even harder to make sure I'd either have a worthless box, or a gouged up one.

It was unbelieveable, that the sub survived two sets of trips across country with absolutely no damage.

But as I conclude, I am not at all happy with companies that play these "flat rate games", and should this sub ever go out again, I'm taking an axe to it, and throwing it in the garbage. And I as well will never buy another piece of Carver, Sunfire, or any other equipment like it, in which the manufacturer bilks its customers with such fees (mark levinson comes to mind) PS: From now on, if any equipment I buy doesn't say "McIntosh" on it, fougettabouitit! lol
Mark

The first time I had a problem (my woofer delaminated and was flopping), even though it was several years old, and I bought it used, Sunfire was still fixing them in-house for a flat rate fee of $150.

This fee included them sending me a new box in which to pack the sub in (I had to send it in whole), the repair, and the return shipping.

For the $150, Sunfire put in a brand new amp (because the prior owner had simply cut off the ground lug from the plug), and and replaced the woofer.

I had absolutely no complaints with that arrangement.

 

[pflyer]

Final Update

I have been busy with other projects and not much extra time for AK. I believe my total was around $420. Many caps and other parts replaced. Also took the advice and built a vented box for the electronics. Have been using it for 4-5 months with no issues. I have my sub back!!! Sounds great!! Currently finishing basement for placement of my system. Will post pics when finished. Hopefully by April.

 

[Turborusty]

I need to clean all my pots and switches on my Atlantic Technologies sub, I'm getting the same low-volume scratchy sound.



Turborusty

 

[toddalin]

If it's of any consolation, mine runs a minimum of 3-1/2 hrs a day everyday and has since repaired.

In all this time, it has been working without incident. I think that taking the amp out of the cabinet and ventilating it will go a long way in ensuring its longevity and I would recommend this of any high powered sub.

 

[pflyer]

I think that taking the amp out of the cabinet and ventilating it will go a long way in ensuring its longevity

So far I agree, I guess time will tell on this one. Thanks for the idea.

I made a filler plate (to replace the opening made by removing the electronics plate) out of 3/8" plexiglass (only thing I had around that might work) and at first had an air leak, but made a seal out of electical tape, torqued it down a bit and no leak.

So far the plexiglass is holding strong. I figure it must flex somewhat, but I can't really notice. It might induce a resonance, but it still sounds good. I can't tell.

 

[toddalin]

So far I agree, I guess time will tell on this one. Thanks for the idea.

I made a filler plate (to replace the opening made by removing the electronics plate) out of 3/8" plexiglass (only thing I had around that might work) and at first had an air leak, but made a seal out of electical tape, torqued it down a bit and no leak.

So far the plexiglass is holding strong. I figure it must flex somewhat, but I can't really notice. It might induce a resonance, but it still sounds good. I can't tell.

I used fiberboard and the existing gasket. I also used one of those round plastic terminal caps, but covered the inside of it with chalk so it can't leak, vibrate, or shake loose.