Stereo & Surround Sound Systems

Electronics-HandyMan

Troubleshoot Speaker Problems

Stereo Audio is a two channel system, made up of Left and Right channels. Surround sound is a method of processing the two channel audio signal into four or more channels. Surround sound makes the sound "appear" to have a 3-D quality. A good audio system is the heart of a home theater. So if you are having trouble with your entertainment system, or you just want to understand more about it, you should contact Electronics-HandyMan.com.

Troubleshooting Speaker Problems:

If you have a stereo that has some but not all the speakers working, follow the procedure below to determine were the problem is. . .

Determine if the problem is in the Amplifier, wiring or Speaker. Swap left and right speakers (either front or rear) If the problem follows the speaker then you have a bad speaker. If the problem remains in the same place then your next step is to eliminate the wiring. Swap the speaker wires at the rear of the stereo amplifier (remember to put the wire back were you found them after the test). If the problem remains in the same place you have a wiring problem, but if the problem appears to move to a different location then you have a problem with your stereo.

Speaker Problem: Some speaker systems have fuses (most do not). Try to determine your speakers have fuses (fuses are less expensive to replace than speakers).

Wiring problems: Wire can be crushed, broken or frayed, visually inspect the speaker wires if possible. If you can find an ohm meter then you can compare working to non-working channels to help identify the problem (Open / Broken wire or Shorted / Crushed wire. Make sure the wiring in wire clamps at the amplifier are not frayed. Also do not allow the conductor part of the speaker wires touch each other or chassis parts (insulated parts can touch).

Amplifier Problems: Some amplifiers have output fuses, so try to determine if your amplifier does or does not have speaker fuses. Also temporarily swap an active input (if possible), to make sure you aren't experiencing an input problem that is "fooling" you (Remember to put them back were you found them at the end of the test). Always try more than one type of input (CD, Radio, DVD, TV) before you condemn an amplifier. If have tried all the above test, and you still can't get sound out of a tested good speaker then your amplifier needs to go to the shop (or out in the trash. . .)

If you need help with a stereo problem please post your issue on our Electronic Help Forum. In the Roanoke, VA and Smith Mountain Lake areas E-HM makes housecalls (call 540-904-0470).