Klipsch 5.1 THX static

[deafdog]

I am really glad I found this board/forum!

I acquired a Klipsch 5.1 THX system in a trade after trying to unload a Teac reel to reel that hasn't seen power in 15 years on EBAY. The guy asked me what I wanted in a trade, and I said some computer speakers would be nice. A couple cheap speakers would have been fine, but he sends me this Klipsch 5.1 system he isn't using anymore. Somebody got screwed here, but I am not sure who... Maybe me. I know Klipsch doesn't make it anymore.

Anyway, I am using the sub, and only two of the small speakers. I have the other small speakers but not a good place to put them so nothing is hooked up to 3 connections on the sub. I see there is supposed to be a 5th speaker that I do not have.

When the "control tower" volume control is in the 40s or above, I sometimes hear some static in the small speakers. Annoying, not constant static. Not so noticeable or nonexistent at low volumes. I am coming out of the audio from the motherboard.

Klipsch says maybe the DIN cable, but wiggling it around, unplug, replug that and the speaker wires doesn't change things one way or the other. My victim does not recall this being a problem, but he hasn't used this system in a while. I found control towers for 30-40 bucks here and there, but who knows what you are going to get. New, used, ?

I thought I would take the control tower apart, maybe remelt some connections, spray clean the pots with cleaner (as suggested here in a few places), wiggle, reseat whatever I find... I am not afraid to take things apart, have done plenty of soldering, have tools, etc. I just can't get the dang control tower apart. I just don't want to break it.

There is one small screw in the back which comes completely out and tightens back up, no screws under the rubber feet, the large control know will pull out about half way and then stop, but still functions (why this is I don't know). I only see the one small screw.

I would appreciate any suggestions, ideas, disassembly instructions for the control tower - whatever you all think, I would like to hear.

The static sometimes sounds like (as best I can imitate) eh-eh-eh-eh-eh... or almost continuous, never as loud as the music, and sometimes - not there at all! I love inconsistent problems.

 

[spaceman]

It probably is not the control tower. I am sick as hell and can't remember what this issue is but somebody does. Do you have an X-FI sound card or? I believe that the volume pot can be scratchy and cause issues and the amps have been known to fail.

 

[satchel]

I'm surprised Klipsch didn't come clean and offer their amp repair for $125. The amp in the subwoofer is notorius for burning out components. It's why they discontinued them.Some people have them only last days or weeks while mine went almost five years before the signs of failure started. Too bad because they are great when they work! Check the thread about Klipsch Promedia Ultra 5.1 repair on the second page of threads here in computer audio.

 

[deafdog]

Thanks for the info.

Sounds like Elliot has a good reputation!

I am going to do a little more fault isolation today when I can make loud noise.

I already know I have the same static when I use headphones plugged into the control tower.

I will have another computer to plug the stuff into today to see if It is only my computer or if the problem follows the Klipsch.

I have never plugged anything into the audio jack on my CD drive - would that be a good test to maybe isolate it to just the MOBO built in audio? (No sound card - yet).

Might there any reason only having two of the 5 small speakers hooked up might be it? I do have two more speakers (missing the center one) but no desk space. If this might be the problem, could I jut put some kind of other load (resistor, RC network or something) to fool the amp into thinking something good is connected?

Let me see what happens later today...

Thanks for the ideas, I will read more of them.