I Think My SubWoofer Is Shot!

[Terminator20]

I think that I may have a problem with my subwoofer. I have a Logitech Z-640 5.1 surround system for computer. Untill recently, my subwoofer is doing alot of rattling as if it has been blown up. So, I used a flash light to look threw the screen the best I can. So far that I can see, the material looks perfectly fine. I don't see any holes or tearing. I was thinking that mabie the rattling is being caused by something loose inside. The thing that I hate about this unit is that it looks like I can't take this apart! However, in the back where the electrical and audio connections are made, it looks like there are screws that I can remove to get to there. But see, not sure if that will help me or not.

In your experiance, could a subwoofer tear in the inside only? What do you think could be causing the rattling sound?

[stereoguy]

You can destroy a driver w/o there being any obvious damage to the cone or the surround. There may be screws under feet or stickers that will allow you to open the unit.

[Pilot Dane]

The cone (the part you can see) can tear away from the driver (the heavy part in back you cannot see).

[SafeWatch]

Considering you can buy a new set online for about $50 plus shipping - I would say it's not worth the trouble of even trying to take apart. More than likely it's something you can't fix anyway.

Do yourself a real favor and buy a nice surround receiver and decent pair of speakers - computer 5.1 sets are not meant to last very long. You're probably driving them too hard anyway.

Good luck!

[Terminator20]

Thanks guys. I have been seriously thinking about returning it to Best Buy. You see, I think I have a warentee on this thing. I bought this in 2003 and its lasted till now. How long are these things supposed to last Safewatch?

[SafeWatch]

It's not necessarily how long they are supposed to last - it's more of how much they can take. If you drive it hard all the time, it won't last. If you keep the volumes low and don't push it, then it will probably last forever.

Good luck!

[SKSuser]

I'm with safewatch. Computer speakers as a general rule aren't that great. If best buy won't take it back, I'd suggest ripping it open before you throw it away. If the speaker cone is indeed shot, you could probably go to a car audio place and get a woofer speaker of the same size but better quality that'd last a long time. If you installed it yourself, I bet you'd save some money and have an ok product.
If you decide to take it apart, tap gently on the middle of the cone. There should be a ring of porous screen looking stuff around the outside of the cone, and then a solid center that looks like its either made of felt or rubber. I like to tap on the felt/rubber part. If it buzzes when you tap it, theres your problem. If not, look for a loose screw or something.
I've taken "vintage" speaker boxes that were junk and fixed them this way. For around $30 I've gotten a stereo set that'll shake the windows.