Fixed: Subwoofer Not Working But Amp Has Power

Subwoofers are excellent gadgets to amplify the sound quality of your audio system, whether in your car or home theater. But if your subwoofer stops working but the amp has power, there’s no need to replace it yet. 

In this guide, we’ll explain all the troubleshooting steps to fix this issue:

What to Do First: Basic Troubleshooting

If you have turned ON all the pertinent devices, but the subwoofer fails to function, it might be best to check other components of your setup. 

If no sounds are coming out from the subwoofer, it is best to do initial troubleshooting by following the steps: 

• Step 1: Check the amp’s input and check if there is power.
• Step 2: If the switch is ON and yet the power lights are OFF, the problem could be the amplifier’s internal circuits. Continue to check that the amp has not entered protect mode.
• Step 3: If the amp is successfully powered and the switch is ON, the problem could be the subwoofer. Continue to check the sub’s power cables and ensure they are connected properly to the socket. 
• Step 4: If the switch is ON and yet the subwoofer is not working properly, continue to check the power button or the power switch of the subwoofer if it is turned ON.

If these steps fail to fix your subwoofer issues, continue to the next section of this article. 

How to Fix a Subwoofer That’s Not Working Even When the Amplifier Has Power

If you have little to no experience when it comes to troubleshooting your subwoofer and any of the devices from your setup, then it might be time to seek professional help. However, if you want to try and fix it yourself, continue reading and following these easy steps to help you fix your subwoofer.

• Step #1: Check all the Control Knobs 

Some users tend to forget to check the volume knobs for the amp and the subwoofer, gain, and bass knob. Make sure to check these knobs once you have them powered up.

 

If the volume level is low, just turn the volume control up. These can be the reason why there is no sound coming out from the device. Also, check the gain knob of the subwoofer and turn them up to adjust the output levels. The gain knob is responsible for the volume that comes into the channel. Lastly, check the bass knob and continue to make the necessary adjustments.

 

• Step #2: Check the Input Cables  

When you find that the amp is working properly and the subwoofer does not produce any sound, check the input cables. Any cable issue will lead to transmission loss and result in audio issues. 

 

Continue to check and ensure that the input cables are properly plugged in, and loose cables are correctly fixed. Remove the input cable from the head unit and continue to inspect it for breakage, cuts, or any open sections. Connect it back once you see no damage. Once properly connected, switch the unit ON once the input cable is connected. If no sound is produced from the subwoofer, change the cables.  

• Step #3: Check the Wires  

There are two (2) wires connected to the subwoofer, and these include the power wire and the speaker wires. Check these wirings. Faulty wiring or a wiring issue can lead to an unresponsive subwoofer despite properly powered amps.

• Step #4: Check the Subwoofer Fuse  

Also, check the subwoofer fuse. The fuser can get busted whenever a power surge occurs. The fuse blows with the surge, resulting in a short circuit where electricity cannot flow from one component to another. Locate the fuse using the user manual, check the subwoofer’s fuse, and replace it once you detect that the fuse wire has been blown off.

• Step #5: Check the Speakers Closely 

A failing speaker wire is also a common issue when the subwoofer overheats. The speakers can also be the cause of the unresponsive subwoofer. Replace your speakers if you suspect that they are already damaged. Make sure to purchase speakers with similar specifications to your current one to match the requirements of your home receiver.

• Step #6: Check the Subwoofer’s Settings  

Ensure that the subwoofer is not mute and the volume is not too low. Ensure that the amplifier and subwoofer settings are in proper order. It might be possible that these setting-related issues can resolve the problem.

• Step #7: Ensure that the Subwoofer and Amp are Grounded (For Car Subs) 

Also, check the ground for both the subwoofer and the amp. This can be accomplished by disconnecting the battery’s ground terminal, setting the multimeter to Ω setting, and touching the test leads to check resistance. Proceed to subtract the obtained readings from further measurements for better accuracy. Lack of ground can lead to a hissing or humming sound and damage both devices.

• Step #8: Check the Voltage Requirements of the Subwoofer and Amplifier  

Check the required operating voltage of your amplifier [1]. Make sure that enough power is flowing to the amplifier. Many amps power on 6-10 volts but would require at least 12 to 14 volts.

Conclusion

Having a subwoofer is a good device to enhance your entertainment experience by adding power and bass to the audio system. However, like any gadget, it may come with some issues. We hope these troubleshooting and accompanying tips mentioned in this article can help you with your subwoofer issues. 

The post Fixed: Subwoofer Not Working But Amp Has Power appeared first on The Product Analyst.

from The Product Analyst https://theproductanalyst.com/subwoofer-not-working-amp-has-power/