Subwoofer started rattling of late

[bhvm]

Hello Friends,
This is with respect to my Creative inspire 2.1 2400.
https://www.cnet.com/products/creat...2-1-channel-21-watt-total-black-series/specs/

It has been with me for some 13 or so years. Really love it. Of late the subwoofer has started a little rattle with bass notes. Firstly, I thought either the driver is bottoming out or Voice coil is rubbing somewhere, So I took the woofer out and tested it in Free air. Negative- the old woofer is still fine. Does not bottom. Surrounds are fine. Spiders are not torn. Tinsel leads are not rubbing anywhere.

So that traces the rattling to the enclosure. Next, I put a sock in the port. That reduced rattle a little. But only so much. So, anyone has any creative ideas on how to trace what is exactly rattling?

I did a physical inspection of Amplifier board. Bigger components like caps etc seem fine and are not loose. I am almost thinking to fabricate a new enclosure around this amp, upgrade to 10 inch sealed woofer and call it a day.

Good day, Folks!

 

[bhvm]

Anyone?
Kindly assist.

 

[tuff]

It seems you have checked everything that needs to be checked. Baffles me.

Sent from my HUAWEI P7-L10 using Tapatalk

 

[efernand1]

Hi

If the speakers are fine then it could be a sign that the components are getting weak....usually happens after 5 years plus...after all most of the electronics (rather 100%) are made in China....so wear and tear would cause this.....

 

[MaSh]

It has been with me for some 13 or so years.

I guess time to give the guy some rest. Use the opportunity to get a new system.

MaSh

 

[newlash09]

Is the sub rattling at only a particular frequency band or rattling continuously. I don't know much about this particular sub, but have you checked the spikes, are all making uniform contact with the ground. You could try placing your sub sideways, on a thickly folded towel and then run it and see, to deduce if the rattling is because of poor ground contact due to loosened or improper spike attachment. This worked for me in the past....

 

[bhvm]

I have the thread subscribed by email but its still not pushing me any updates. Strange.
Anyways.

It seems you have checked everything that needs to be checked. Baffles me.

Sent from my HUAWEI P7-L10 using Tapatalk

So what do you suggest next? Checking solders on Circuit board for any micro cracks?

Hi

If the speakers are fine then it could be a sign that the components are getting weak....usually happens after 5 years plus...after all most of the electronics (rather 100%) are made in China....so wear and tear would cause this.....

Electronic components? Hmm. I checked the large ones. Esp the capacitors and heatsinks. I'll check smaller ones next weekend.

I guess time to give the guy some rest. Use the opportunity to get a new system.

MaSh

No sir. Till death do us part!
Well. Anyways. Its not my Primary system. My Main system is a behemoth 16 speaker setup that runs 2 Sealed subwoofers. 4 way design etc etc..

There are compelling reasons my creative 2.1 is the perfect travel solution. You see sir, I am so spoiled by the bass from large sealed woofers that I can never stand to listen my Mobile or laptop speakers. Not even those dinky bose docks or bomboxes. Creative 2.1 can be packed neatly in a bag.

If you're staying in a hotel room for a day or 2, Give it just 2 minutes to install. Boom! Instant bass. The soundstage is great too.

Is the sub rattling at only a particular frequency band or rattling continuously. I don't know much about this particular sub, but have you checked the spikes, are all making uniform contact with the ground. You could try placing your sub sideways, on a thickly folded towel and then run it and see, to deduce if the rattling is because of poor ground contact due to loosened or improper spike attachment. This worked for me in the past....

It rattles more on deeper bass notes. Stuffing a sock in the port solves it 50%. The rattling is musical, Not electrical continious Humm or something. By Spikes, Do you mean tinsel leads going to the VC?

 

[bhvm]

OK guys, I got the rattling Figured out.
You see, these small Creative woofers come with Amps inbuilt.

SO I tore the whole amp down.
Checked Heatsinks- Nothing there.
Large capacitors- All fine.

Then I was almost preparing to unsolder the Ports (DC Jacks, RCA, Power switch etc).
My next step would be to Design a whole new box around this amp & Woofer.

And I removed the bass control Knob. Oh my! The Actual Potentiometer had a small metal washer that was rattling! Removed it and I'm feeling Blessed again...
Interesting to see how problems lead you, and turn out to be simpler than you can think.

 

[mpw]

Bhvm

Nice conclusion to the thread...

Can you put up a pic of your main system..

Am quite keen to see the 2 sealed subs...

If possible to hear as well..

I run a 2.1 with a sealed semi DIY 10 inch sub as well

Thanks

 

[bhvm]

Bhvm

Nice conclusion to the thread...

Can you put up a pic of your main system..

Am quite keen to see the 2 sealed subs...

If possible to hear as well..

I run a 2.1 with a sealed semi DIY 10 inch sub as well

Thanks

Thanks for the quick reply.
I keep moving subs out an In to my house. They're Car subs actually. But All sealed so they gel well with any kind of Amp and music.

SO my Car or My Home can accommodate upto 4 subs at a time. Depending on my Mood!
Below is the instructable-
https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Speaker-Subwoofer-Quick-Disconnect/
You can see my system and also the quick disconnects I use.
https://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Dual-woofer-setup-Hidden-and-Underseat/


About the auditioning, you are absolutely welcome. Just PM me.

I am interested in seeing your 2.1 and what exactly is a "semi Sealed" system?

 

[bhvm]

The system is now ready for further 13 years of service!
Improve the Bass Punch of Your Subwoofer: 5 Steps