How to Fix A Blown Subwoofer

In a stereo system, a subwoofer enhances the record levels and midrange. It’s natural to feel like you landed the raw end of the deal when your subwoofer blows up soon after you buy it! This is particularly true if you just bought a new loudspeaker and put in the time and energy to set things up. 

Several causes can lead your speaker to blow, including too much intensity or an amplifier that has clipped to underpowering. A blown-up speaker, thankfully, does not make it outdated! So, before you choose to disassemble or abandon your subwoofer, check to see if it can be repaired.

Causes of Blown Subwoofer

Subwoofers can rupture for a range of factors. There are many powered subwoofers under budget available in the market, but not all perform the same way. Now let’s see the major causes for the subwoofer to get blown.

Excessive and far too much voltage is one of the most common reasons for a blown subwoofer. You will likely wind up with a blown loudspeaker dome or subwoofer if you elevate the loudness and bass beyond a particular point for an extended length of time. 

The RMS wattage is the maximum safe power at which you can stream your media for an extended period of time. The peak power, also known as max power, is the maximum amount of energy your subwoofer can withstand in response to stimulation, and it’s not recommended to use it for long periods of time.

Your subwoofer may possibly blow due to twisted transmissions. You begin to switch up and raise the level and bass to get a clear conception of what’s amiss when you hear a corrupted output, which means you need to crank up and raise the loudness and bass to get a greater understanding of whatever is wrong. Nevertheless, it will just worsen the situation and may increase the damage.

The Characteristics of a Blown Subwoofer

How can you determine if a subwoofer has been damaged or if it’s just an issue with the exterior amplifier? There are several methods for determining whether or not your subwoofers are partial or total-blown. Trying to listen to the sound is the first stage of the testing. Contorted sound signals are the first indicator of blown speakers or subwoofers. Beeps and snaps indicate a problem with the sound or audio.

If you don’t hear anything from it, it’s fully broken and needs to be replaced. If you can only hear part of the sound or audio, the speaker cone has partly blown. By opening the lid, you can visually assess the damage and check the motion of the subwoofer. By getting access to the speaker cone, speech coil, and spider, you can put this idea to trial.

The impedance voltage can then be measured using a multimeter. One approach to inspect your sub is to check the resistivity. A multimeter helps in measuring current, voltage, and resistance in the dome of a speaker. If the meter reads zero resistance, the voice coil cables are likely to be damaged.

The pressure below your subwoofer is generated by the voice coil. If the gauge registers any resistance, the circuit is still operational. Once the voice coils have blown, the entire subwoofer must be replaced. Because replacing the voice coil might be a complex task, it is preferable to purchase a new subwoofer.

How to Fix a Blown Subwoofer

Ensure you have all the appropriate tools before you start repairing your blown speaker:

  • A screwdriver is required.
  • Iron for soldering
  • Compressor for air
  • Multimeter
  • Knife for applying putty
  • Glue

Step 1: Examine the Voice Coil.

When you start, make sure you thoroughly inspect every aspect of your subwoofer. To begin, examine the voice coil to determine whether it has blown. The vocal coil is a critical part that amplifies the power flow through the speaker. 

A practical approach involving a multimeter can be used to examine the voice coil. Directly attach the speaker leads to the multimeter and observe. If the meter displays any impedance, the voice coil is still working; however, if the meter shows no motion, your coil is most likely damaged.

Step 2: Make sure the Speaker Cone is in good shape.

If the vocal coil is still in good condition, you can proceed to the next part, the speaker cone. Because the cone is normally built on a rear suspension, it will be simple to inspect. Try gently moving the cone around the edges and around the speaker’s diameter. The cone is designed to fall in and return to its original position. If it remains firm, though, your speaker cone is most likely ruined.

Step 3: Remove the Speaker from the Speaker Frame.

You should now have a fair sense of where the issue is based on the outcomes of the voice coil and speaker cone tests. It’ll be much simpler to begin the repair procedure from here. The first step is to remove the speaker from its container. It’s worth noting that if the cables aren’t connected correctly, the speaker may generate a harsh sound. Also, make sure you keep all of the installation screws in one location, so you don’t lose any.

Step 4: Disconnect the Surround Speakers.

You’ll need to detach the border from the speaker casing once the speaker has been fully freed from the framework and its wires have been disconnected. Look for a sharp blade, such as a craft knife or a tester blade, to cut through the glue that binds the surround to the speaker framework to accomplish this.

Loosen the surround, as well as all of the glue from the frame, using care. When doing this, be extremely cautious to prevent perforating the frame’s edges, which are quite delicate. You don’t want to harm the speaker before attempting to repair it.

Step 5: Disconnect the Speaker Cone and Voice Coil.

The next step is to extract the speaker cone as well as the voice coil. You’ll have to have a sharp instrument you used in the last step for this. Disconnect the voice coil and speaker cone from the subwoofer one at a time. When removing the coil, cone, and spider, ensure to snip the terminal wires delicately and cautiously. Make careful to keep all other parts in their proper places.

Step 6: Replacement of the Voice Coil.

The voice coil is such an important component of the subwoofer, so it should be given top priority. This is where the real mending happens, and you’ll need to get a new coil ready to replace the existing one. 

But first, clean the region around the voice coil space of any dust, grime, or other debris. While clearing the coil, compressed air should come in helpful. Install the entire voice coil within the gap and cover it with a new spider. Apply a generous amount of glue to the cone and insert it in the middle of the new voice coil with caution.

Step 7: Put the Speaker Frame Together.

After you’ve installed the replacement coil, the next step is to replace the speaker’s shell. Apply enough glue over the corners of the enclosure that will be in touch with the speaker frame to accomplish this. Connect the surround to the cone’s and speaker frame’s sides.

Step 8: Connect and Repair Other Components.

The final step is to assemble all of the remaining components so that the speaker is prepared well. Note that the wires you removed in step 3 must now be reattached. Easily plug the terminal wires on the new voice coil to the connections on the previous voice coil. 

Make sure they’re held in place using the soldering iron. Try gently moving the cone around the sides and across the speaker’s diameter. The cone is designed to fall in and return to its original position. If it stays firm, though, your speaker cone is most likely ruined.

Conclusion

A subwoofer makes sure that your sound has adequate bass to level out the high-frequency woofers. This would only be feasible if it is in excellent condition. If your subwoofer has blown, don’t toss it out or repair it immediately; it may still be usable.

The steps outlined above will assist you in restoring your broken subwoofer and converting it into a usable speaker. Simply follow the instructions outlined above to reactivate your subwoofer. You’ll save money by not having to take it to a technician, and you’ll develop your DIY skills as well.

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