11
Troubleshooting
Problem:
No output from woofer in individual speaker
Cause:
Bad connection or defective woofer
Solution:
Check connections from crossover board to woofer. If this is OK, check solder connections in the
crossover, particularly on inductors. If this is OK, directly test woofer by hooking it up to stereo system at low
volume setting. If sound comes out of the woofer, then go back and check connections. If there is no sound at
all, then woofer is likely defective. Call 1-800-338-0531 for service.
Problem:
No output from tweeter in individual speaker
Cause:
Bad connection or defective tweeter
Solution:
Check connections from crossover board to tweeter. If this is OK, check solder connections in the
crossover. If OK, it is possible to carefully test the tweeter by directly connecting it to your stereo. Test at a very
low volume for a brief period of time, at the level of a loud whisper. If there is high-frequency sound, then go
back and check connections. If no sound at all, then tweeter is likely defective. Call 1-800-338-0531 for service.
Problem:
There is sound from the speaker, but it is very quiet and seems to be mostly treble or midrange.
Cause:
Woofer and tweeter are wired backwards
Solution:
Immediately cease testing to prevent damage to the tweeter. Check connections from crossover
board to woofer and tweeter, making sure the T terminal goes to the tweeter and the W goes to the woofer.
Problem:
There is sound from the speaker, but it doesn’t sound normal.
Cause:
Crossover board is wired incorrectly
Solution:
Double check that the input from the speaker terminals is connecting to the inputs on the crossover
board. If this is correct, check that all components are of the correct value and in the right location.
Problem:
Intermittent output of entire speaker, woofer, or tweeter.
Cause:
Bad connection in wires or crossover board.
Solution:
If entire speaker is intermittent, then check connections between the input terminals and the cross-
over board. If just woofer or tweeter is intermittent, check the wires going to the drivers. If these are OK, check
the connections of the components within the appropriate section of the crossover.
Problem:
In stereo, speakers lack bass or image is unfocused.
Cause:
Speakers are out of phase
Solution:
Check connections from amplifier to the speakers. Make sure polarity is the same on both speakers.
If correct, check the polarity of connections going from binding posts to input on crossovers. If this does not
correct the problem, check polarity throughout the rest of the system, looking for one driver that is wired incor-
rectly.
Problem:
One speaker appears louder than the other
Cause:
Amplifier settings, environmental factors, psychoacoustics, poor connection in crossover
Solution:
Check amplifier that balance is set even. Next, check that one speaker isn’t closer to a wall, window,
couch, or other acoustically important object. This may affect perceived loudness due to the addition or reduc-
tion of extra sound reflections. If this is the case, physically switch the left and right speakers, and re-observe. If
the same location still sounds quieter, then it is the environment. If the quiet speaker moves, then you may have
a problem within the speaker. Often, if you think one speaker is louder than the other, it will appear so. Have
someone help you do a blind test or take a break and allow time for your brain to relax. The next day, if one still
seems louder, investigate all connections within the crossover.
Problem:
Speakers play well, but amplifier shuts down.
Cause:
Amplifier does not have enough power or cannot handle speaker impedance
Solution:
If using 4 ohm speakers, check receiver/amplifier manual to see if it can handle 4 ohm speakers or if
it has a low impedance setting. If not, upgrade amplifier. If receiver/amplifier can safely handle the speaker load,
then it may simply not have enough power.
Parts Express 725 Pleasant Valley Dr Springboro, Ohio 45066-1158
