Community Discussions

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?

I have the same PC Sound System and have had no problems. The only reasons I can think of that your Sub is Rattling is that:

1. The internal amp may have screws loose.

2. If you were playing sound with loud bass the voice coils might be damaged.

3. The magnet in the back may be loose if improperly constructed.

By Removing the rear panel you may be able to access the inside but at the same time possibly voiding the warranty if you got one.

I highly doubt that the inner material would tear as it is constructed out of a heavy material and could possibly have a steel or aluminum cone (ALLUMINUM-Alumminum??).

What is the volume you play your music at and what level bass-Low/Med/High---

It could just be a defective Sub.

Thanks for replying. Glad to get help from a person with the same system! Wow, I feel lucky! I will answer your questions the best I can.

I usually play my music and games at the maximum level of under half way, and over one quarter. Base level in windows is 50% and the sub valume in the back is at maximum. Never had the rattling before. If I am to take off the back panel, do you think I can get to the amp? And what would the amp look like? Like ahh what shape? This way I know what to look for. Also knowing the width of that back panel being small, I think since you have the same system, you understand that it may be a little hard to get in there. I do have a 2 year warentee. I bought it on the 7th month of 2003. It would be still under warentee right?

I have another question. Lets say I was to return because I do have the warentee, I don't have the box it came anymore, do you think I can still return it to Best Buy as long as I show them the receipt? Thanks for your help in this matter.

Edited to add that recently I did hook up my music keyboard to the system and put it up to half way on main valume level. It only does the rattling sound when base is envolved. If I turn the base all the way down in windows, it stops doing it. Which tells me, the vibration must be doing something in there.

From the sounds of it (No pun intended) the sub is fine since it is not constantly running at max, therefore it is probably just a loose screw or something. The amp would look like a cube/rectangle encased in metal or it might just be and open amp with no case (components exposed).

You're right, it is a pretty tight fit so you might have a tough time reaching in but the amp should be bolted to the removable panel or at least close to it.

The system should still be covered by the two year warantee unless you open it up.

The back of the best buy bill/warantee states that as long as you have the bill/proof of purchase they will accept it. ""IF"" you don't have the box or other materials it came with they deduct a small amout from the money you get back or something like that.

There is still that small chance that the sub's "Voice Coils" (Copper wire coils) are rubbing against the magnet. Depending on what the humidity, temperature, and if it has been in the sun it may be damaged,causing the surrounding material holding the sub in place to be worn out causing a rattling sound, ( had the same problem with 20 year old speakers but your sub isn't 20 years old lol ).

Np with the help.

Thanks a bunch Nobium!

You have taught me a lot. Because now I know what voice coils look like. But, I am curious as to what the voice coils do? I did not keep the original box, but kept the receipt and warentee information card. I called Best Buy and they said it would have been better if I kept the box, but they said that they should be able to work something out. The trick is, if you still have a warentee, use it. Because as soon as you remove the back panel, you loose the warentee. So therefor, I will take it back and get a replacment.

You seem to have a good understanding of what is inside a speaker. Thumbsup to you!

Terminator,

I have the same system as well.  Do not open the subwoofer if it is still under warranty.  Even if you found the problem and fixed it, the sub is supposed to be in some type of vaccuum housing - you may damage that vaccuum when opening it (I never have so I can't say how easy it is to screw it up).  Best Buy should have no issues for a replacement unit.  Simply get a new box, open it up and take out the sub - then Best Buy can ship it back to Logitech with a defective slip on it.

Good luck - for a small computer sound system, they rock!  One of these days Velodyne will make a sub for computers and then we can truely celebrate high quality sub sound from our games!  Now back to Half Life 2.

--SnowRemover

I here ya. I have loved this sound system till now. I bought in on the 7th month of 2003. And speaking of Half Life 2, I love that game. You know, is an it amazing how some of us fokes here love computer, games, and OPE all at the same time lol. Thats why we have this community chat forum so I can mix them all together lol.

I haven't heard much luck with Logitech.  I have Microsoft keyboard and mouse.  I was looking for speakers, and choose the Cyber Acoustics CA-3001.  The provide great bass sound, and I only paid $10.00 for them.  They include a Sub-woofer.    What are your reviews with Logitech?  We should have a computer review area here. 

I live by Maximum PC.  They gave this system a Kick Ass reward, but it costs about $200.  The 8" sub doesn't bottom out until near deafening levels.  It is even better than the Klipsch.

Maximum PC is the only mag that will tear a product to pieces, even if the company just bought a 10 page ad spread.  Be advised, this is no "budget mag", with reviewed systems often costing over $5.000.

--SnowRemover

Well, I took my system back to Best Buy today. Unfortunetly, they do not sell that model of sound system anymore and could not replace it. So, instead, they credited the cost of it plus tax to a Best Buy Gift Card. I was looking at the systems they had there. And was looking at one that costs 200 dollars. A little steap mabie, but it produces way more bass than the other one. I just need to be a little more carful this time. I am going to look it up online to get th tech specs on it. Thanks for your guys help in the matter. Hay Ajace, how is your sound system?

I would like to try my Panasonic 800 watt TV surround sound system on the PC here. The z640's are not my favorite choice of surround sound. They are good to an extent of woofer power and bass quality. I find that as long as you don't put the bass up too high it will be good but it then gets distorted easily on higher volumes. My 900$ surround sound on the other hand has AMAZING sound! i play Bass techno and Blast it loud enough to knock the windows out lol :) the bass is incredible, no distortion even at max, only problem is that it annoys everyone else in the house at that level. The logitech has an 8 inch sub i believe, my panasonic system has a 7 1/2 inch sub with a 340 watt amp. Aluminum cast cone with rubber bushing around it. rear firing and front ported. I sit a foot and a half away from it, KABOOM!