Need very beginner help...

[babz]

Hello everyone. I'm using a pioneer vsx 9300 receiver with hopefully these bose 201 series IV speakers that I just bought. Only problem is that I'm really not advanced with this audio stuff and all I've wished for the past couple years is to finally get a pair of speakers to work.



This is my current setup: Imgur: The magic of the Internet



The issues I'm having: Music is only playing out of the right speaker (nothing out of the left), and I can barely hear it (it's super quiet), even when all of my sources are at max volume.

Edit: more details: when I plug my RCA to Aux into PHONO instead of CD it gives me really shitty volume out of both speakers. Hey, at least it shows me the left one is getting powered. Idk if that's relevant or not but it's something I picked up on.

 

[nenad88]

Did you try to switch speakers to A set instead of B?

 

[babz]

Did you try to switch speakers to A set instead of B?

I have, but I'll do it again and see if there's any difference this time.

Update: yeah, the same thing. It's super duper quiet even though I am playing it on the highest settings.

 

[nenad88]

Have you checked on front:

Is balance in middle, right set of speakers selected, right input selected?

 

[babz]

Have you checked on front:

Is balance in middle, right set of speakers selected, right input selected?

Balance is in the middle. The correct set of speakers are chosen. A and B that is. B, the one that is playing music quietly, seems to be more highlighted than A (on the display). The right input is selected if that means my RCA to Aux cable is plugged into the CD input.

 

[GM]

OK, have you swapped the speakers to see if one is bad?

GM

 

[Galu]

...these bose 201 series IV speakers that I just bought.

Sounds like the speakers are working, but are you sure?

 

[babz]

OK, have you swapped the speakers to see if one is bad?

GM

Whatcha mean? I was able to determine that sound is coming out of both of them. It's god quiet, but it's sound... I changed the speaker wires and same thing

 

[babz]

Yes, perhaps we should first of all focus our attention on the speakers.

Tell us more about them.

I don't have much more information to tell you than that I bought them at a thrift store and the model they are is Bose 201 Series IV. I'm honestly not sure what other kind of details you want to know. The speakers are not blown out, and overall they seem to be in pretty decent shape.

 

[rayma]

Try all the front panel controls with the volume knob turned up only a little.
Maybe the tape monitor switch, or some other control, is set wrong.
You are probably hearing bleed-through (crosstalk), not the actual input directly.

 

[babz]

Try all the front panel controls with the volume knob turned up only a little.
Maybe the tape monitor switch, or some other control, is set wrong.

I must've pressed every button on receiver at least twice at this point, any in specific you would suggest?

 

[Galu]

As well as plugging into the CD and phono inputs, have you tried plugging into the other inputs e.g. Tape 1 and Tape 2?

 

[ahankinson]

Just to rule it out, have you tried it with other speakers? Are you sure the receiver itself works?

Don't use PHONO for CD players -- it goes through an extra amplifier and may distort the sound.

 

[babz]

Just to rule it out, have you tried it with other speakers? Are you sure the receiver itself works?

Don't use PHONO for CD players -- it goes through an extra amplifier and may distort the sound.

Not with these kind of speakers. Only with my bookshelf speakers Edifier 1280T's. But they connect with an RCA cable so different inputs.

 

[Galu]

Phono input only mentioned as babz has already tried it as part of the trouble shooting process.

 

[Galu]

I don't have much more information to tell you...

That's OK babz, I quickly edited the post to which you refer - it appears the speakers are not to blame.

 

[Dave Bullet]

People are quick to suggest swap speakers but I'd proceed with caution. If your left speaker has shorted you'll risk blowing your right channel and think you have a faulty speaker... Correct but now you have a dead amplifier too.

First you need some basic tools. Using a multimeter check the DC resistance across the non working speaker terminals. You should get a figure close to the rated impedance. If you get infinite impedance i.e open then there is break within the speaker. If you get a very low impedance you have a short. Do not plug it into the amp. If however you have close to the nominal impedance it is safe to use the speaker to connect to the working right channel to make sure the speaker works. If it does you've proven both speakers so the fault lies upstream on the left channel... Either cabling or amplifier or source

 

[Galu]

Edit: more details: when I plug my RCA to Aux into PHONO instead of CD it gives me really shitty volume out of both speakers. Hey, at least it shows me the left one is getting powered.

Yes, babz, this would imply that both speakers are working.

Well worth following the wisdom of Dave Bullet though!

 

[MAAC0]

Ok it's a surround amp without mechanical pots. You are getting shitty sound on phono because You are overloading the phono stage and hearing scratched (distorted) sound.
Do the VU's move ? I mean full scale. If yes, I would say the problem is on the output stage. If they don't even move... You need a service manual to trace the signal. There are jumpers on the backside. Remove them and connect to the power amp in but lower the volume on the source. Do You get sound ? Now You know the problem is on the pre-stage.

 

[rayma]

If yes, I would say the problem is on the output stage. If they don't even move...
You need a service manual to trace the signal. There are jumpers on the backside.

This person is a novice and should not open the unit.