KEF PSW 2010 Subwoofer - faulty?

Ged · 23-08-2010, 2:54 PM

I have had one of the 2010 subs in storage until recently but decided to maximize living space and replace the Paradigm PS1000 that I have used for a few years.
The sub was set up to use the auto power feature but this seemingly is not working as it should; it doesn't come on immediatley, a test of music with strong bass didn't turn it on at all. Switching it to manual "on" is OK but I don't want to leave it on all the time. Does anyone have any clues as to a particular setting I should set?
The Paradigm behaved fine and may have to go back.

Frank1471 · 23-08-2010, 3:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ged

I have had one of the 2010 subs in storage until recently but decided to maximize living space and replace the Paradigm PS1000 that I have used for a few years.
The sub was set up to use the auto power feature but this seemingly is not working as it should; it doesn't come on immediatley, a test of music with strong bass didn't turn it on at all. Switching it to manual "on" is OK but I don't want to leave it on all the time. Does anyone have any clues as to a particular setting I should set?
The Paradigm behaved fine and may have to go back.

It is possible that the "auto" mode is faulty.
However, with this model, you should just use the mains on/off switch instead of relying on the "auto" mode. (leave it in Manual)
In fact there is no power saving when used in auto, the function merely mutes the loudspeaker and leaves the electronics powered which wastes energy and shortens the life of the sub.

Frank

Ged · 23-08-2010, 4:18 PM

Thanks Frank,

I am looking into buying an IR plug/switch as the power switch is not accessible (in a lattice type box).

jonplace · 23-08-2010, 6:20 PM

just a big thumbs up to frank for sorting my KEF PSW2010
i thought it was a bin job but frank has replaced several components and its now happily reunited with its owner in full working order

(not so happliy for the neighbours)
thanks again, a credit to the forum

Wolfboy · 26-08-2010, 6:18 PM

Thanks to all posters, old and new, who made my buzzing go away. Yet another PSW2010 back in working order.

Frank1471 · 27-08-2010, 5:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfboy

Thanks to all posters, old and new, who made my buzzing go away. Yet another PSW2010 back in working order.

That's what we like to hear

jds · 27-08-2010, 10:44 AM

Frank - PSW2500 now up and running - a big thank you for the prompt repair at less than a third of the cost quoted by KEF even after postage! Great work.

Zamzia · 27-08-2010, 10:52 AM

Hey Frank, finally hope to have mine ready to send later today! Think Parcels2go is the cheapest like you had said. I'll PM when I have collection arrange so you know roughly when it'll turn up.

aelangford · 27-08-2010, 4:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Wizard

If anyone wants to send me their faulty KEF amplifier i would be more than happy to repair it for the price of the parts and carriage.

Chris

Hi Chris: does this offer still apply and if so to a Celestion S8 amp which I believe is similar? Please!!

Frank1471 · 27-08-2010, 4:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aelangford

Hi Chris: does this offer still apply and if so to a Celestion S8 amp which I believe is similar? Please!!

I think that Chris has stopped this service now but maybe I could help?
Tell me all your problems...I'm a good listener

See my sig and PM me.

Frank

*iaTa* · 28-08-2010, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank1471

There are safe ways of achieving a "ground lift" if you need this and the amp. doesn't have the facility

Hi Frank. I have a PSW-3500 hooked up to a Yamaha RX-V1900 and I'm experiencing an earth loop via my HTPC. The Yamaha is not earthed. What would be the safest and easiest option to fix the problem as I was planning on disconnecting the earth pin on the 3500 plug.

Frank1471 · 29-08-2010, 6:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iaTa

Hi Frank. I have a PSW-3500 hooked up to a Yamaha RX-V1900 and I'm experiencing an earth loop via my HTPC. The Yamaha is not earthed. What would be the safest and easiest option to fix the problem as I was planning on disconnecting the earth pin on the 3500 plug.

I am not familiar with the 3500 but certainly, the earlier models have a "Ground in/out" switch.
I presume the 3500 doesn't have this?
By all means try disconnecting the earth pin to see if that cures the problem but be aware that this then presents a real safety hazard. You will have no protective earth conductor. Apart from that provided by the interconnecting cable screen which can be removed.
Your Yamaha will be a "Class 2" device which is safe without a protective earth. Your HTPC and 3500 will be "Class 1" (Class 1 insulation requires that the metal body and other exposed metal parts of the device is connected to earth via a "grounding" wire which is earthed at the main incomming supply terminal)

The safe way to acheive this is to incorporate a few components within the "offending" unit to "lift" the earth and still maintain the protection from a Line to earth fault.

There is a very good article here which explains things well, together with the circuitry.
Earthing (Grounding) Your Hi-Fi - Tricks and Techniques

Frank

*iaTa* · 29-08-2010, 1:58 PM

EDIT: Sorry there is a ground in/out switch - it was set to out. I'll test with it set to the in position now.

Other than the obvious safety risks could disconnecting the earth damage any of the internal circuitry inside the sub?

Thanks for the article link - I'll have a good read of it now.

Frank1471 · 29-08-2010, 2:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iaTa

EDIT: Sorry there is a ground in/out switch - it was set to out. I'll test with it set to the in position now.

That's sad, its already out and they do work to cure an earth loop.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iaTa

Other than the obvious safety risks could disconnecting the earth damage any of the internal circuitry inside the sub?

The only risk is to your life

Frank

richard plumb · 29-08-2010, 10:19 PM

Hmm. I've been having problems with my sub (Kef 2010) behaving itself for a while, and then suddenly a really loud humming noise coming out of it. Sometimes while listening to a movie with the sub on, sometimes with the amp switched off (but the sub in auto mode). I've tried with both sub connections to no avail.

I'd assumed it was a ground loop thingy, but seems not? I think I bought my speakers back in 2008.

Frank1471 · 30-08-2010, 9:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard plumb

Hmm. I've been having problems with my sub (Kef 2010) behaving itself for a while, and then suddenly a really loud humming noise coming out of it. Sometimes while listening to a movie with the sub on

Hi Richard.
Have you tried replacing the line input lead?
Could it possibly be that this has an intermittent screen connection?
When you get the humming, disconnect the input lead to the sub. line input.
Do you still get hum?

If you leave the sub powered 24/7 then 2 years is about what it will last as the auto on/off is not what it seems. It merely mutes the speaker and leaves all the electronics steaming away wasting power.
Frank

aelangford · 31-08-2010, 3:09 PM

Many, many thanks for tip ref capacitor replacement on dead amp. On this particular amp it was C58 and I replaced it with a 47mF, 50v componnt from Maplin for the princely sum of 21p. ACE!!!

Frank1471 · 31-08-2010, 3:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aelangford

Many, many thanks for tip ref capacitor replacement on dead amp. On this particular amp it was C58 and I replaced it with a 47mF, 50v componnt from Maplin for the princely sum of 21p. ACE!!!

Well done

It's C58 (instead of C52) on the older amplifier boards as fitted to the PSW-1000's but some of this vintage amp. boards have been used in later models.
Frank

aelangford · 31-08-2010, 5:26 PM

Thanks Frank for info ref C52/C58. I bought this sub some time ago, secondhand, and have no manual for it. Can you tell me what the auto/manual switch does please? Volume and Phase self explanatory. Tony

Frank1471 · 31-08-2010, 5:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aelangford

Can you tell me what the auto/manual switch does please? . Tony

Hi Tony,
The auto/manual switch is the cause of many problems with the PSW series subs.
Although one would assume that its function is to automatically switch-on the power to the amplifier on receipt of an input signal, it does nothing of the sort.
It merely operates a speaker mute when there is no signal.

The amplifier remains powered, getting hot and wasting energy.
(One may also ask why the speaker needs to be muted if there is no input signal?) Ask Kef!

So disregard it.
Leave it on manual.
Switch the power off with the on-off switch.

Frank

ginettag33 · 03-09-2010, 1:24 PM

I have a Celestion S10 sub which seems the same Amp as the Kef 2010 and after very little use it blown. I'm so annoyed that its out of warranty and I think Kef/Celest should be fixing them all as they were obviously faulty from new. I only use it a few times a year!
On inspection of the Amp board there are quite a few burnt / melted resistors and those white box resisters have both twisted. So is it too badly damaged? It smells pretty bad too!
Sadly I am not up to fixing myself but could anyone else help to save me having to buy another Sub?
I'd happily pay for a repair if likely to fix it.

My last resort would be to make it into a passive sub as the speaker seems ok?
Harvey

Frank1471 · 03-09-2010, 1:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ginettag33

I have a Celestion S10 sub which seems the same Amp as the Kef 2010 and after very little use it blown. I'm so annoyed that its out of warranty and I think Kef/Celest should be fixing them all as they were obviously faulty from new. I only use it a few times a year!
On inspection of the Amp board there are quite a few burnt / melted resistors and those white box resisters have both twisted. So is it too badly damaged? It smells pretty bad too!
Sadly I am not up to fixing myself but could anyone else help to save me having to buy another Sub?
I'd happily pay for a repair if likely to fix it.

My last resort would be to make it into a passive sub as the speaker seems ok?
Harvey

Hi Harvey,
I'm sure we can get it going again.
Have a look at the T&C in my sig. then send me a PM

Frank

ginettag33 · 03-09-2010, 2:22 PM

Thanks, I've Sent you a email Frank so let me know if it does not arrive?
Harvey

Frank1471 · 03-09-2010, 7:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ginettag33

Thanks, I've Sent you a email Frank so let me know if it does not arrive?
Harvey

Quote:

Received and replied to.

Chrizy_D.uk and myself have written a guide to replacing the (in)famous C52.
See my sig for Kef Manuals, mods etc.

Frank

SniperFC · 03-09-2010, 8:32 PM

Hi this is a message for Frank really.

I have had the same problem with my SUB as explained in this thread with the relay buzzing. (S8)

I have tried replacing 3 capacitors in total but no luck. I don't have access to a multi meter to check the big ones and I don't really want to buy them if they turn out to be fine.

But I live in Plymouth

Could you PM me so we can discuss getting a repair job sorted obviously I can drop it off and pick it up.

Thanks.

Frank1471 · 03-09-2010, 9:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SniperFC

Hi this is a message for Frank really.

I have had the same problem with my SUB as explained in this thread with the relay buzzing. (S8)

I have tried replacing 3 capacitors in total but no luck. I don't have access to a multi meter to check the big ones and I don't really want to buy them if they turn out to be fine.

But I live in Plymouth

Could you PM me so we can discuss getting a repair job sorted obviously I can drop it off and pick it up.

Thanks.

Hi, Your PM isn't enabled yet but if you look on my sig for the T&C for Kef repairs, my email address is on the top of the pdf.
You may be able to send me a PM though?
EIther way, no problem, the sooner you drop it off, the better. I've nothing to repair this weekend as my latest Ebay purchase didn't turn-up

Frank

**IronGiant** · 03-09-2010, 9:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank1471

The demand for repairs has been such that I have had to take on more staff.
Here is my new employee. According to his CV, his interests are eating, sleeping and sitting in the sun.

Hi Frank, I don't know how you enticed the chief engineer away from KEF's repairs department but didn't he have to sign some sort of non-disclosure agreement before he left?

Frank1471 · 03-09-2010, 9:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IronGiant

Hi Frank, I don't know how you enticed the chief engineer away from KEF's repairs department but didn't he have to sign some sort of non-disclosure agreement before he left?

I had to let him go unfortunately.
Too much sleeping by the hot heat-sink

and his soldering was abysmal.
He was good at smothering things in heat-sink paste though. (Years of experience at the Kef factory no doubt)

Frank

ginettag33 · 04-09-2010, 1:33 PM

[QUOTE=Frank1471;12918966]
No email came back Frank? Just wanted to know best way to post ie complete Amp on the plate or just the 2 PCB's?
Harvey

Frank1471 · 04-09-2010, 1:47 PM

[QUOTE=ginettag33;12922513]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank1471

No email came back Frank? Just wanted to know best way to post ie complete Amp on the plate or just the 2 PCB's?
Harvey

Strange, its in my "sent mail" and didn't bounce.
This is what I sent.
----------------------------------
Hi Harvey.
I wouldn't dismantle it any further. I need the amp. plate complete to make
sure the whole thing is tested properly after repair.

If you've had a look at the T&C, then by all means send it off.
Let me know when its on its way and when I can expect it.

I use Parcel2go.co.uk and DHL 48hr service.
The basic insurance is £50 so its up to you whether you insure it for more.
I usually insure for £100 as this will buy you a second-hand sub if they loose
it!
What were the symptoms of the fault?

Frank

Contact me direct, the email address is on the top of the T&C pdf.

Edit: the reply was sent to your york.gov address.