PSW50 Auto-On Threshold Issues

intangible

I recently picked up a PSW50 on Craigslist to go in my bedroom set, which is powered by my main receiver as the front-B speakers. The sub functions fine at moderate to high volumes, but at the low volumes I usually use at night to avoid disturbing the neighbors it does not turn itself on. I can turn it on "manually" by playing a 20-120Hz sine sweep, after which it will successfully function for other things, but, despite actively reproducing something, it turns itself back off after a couple of minutes.

I wouldn't mind using it as such, as sub-less might be better for low volume situations anyway, but the internal crossover is fixed at 130Hz, which cuts off way too much spectrum to be acceptable. Unfortunately, it does not have an "always on" option like most modern subs. Is there anything else I can do to correct this issue?

kawizx9r

I'd suggest a different receiver (one that has a sub out).

Your sub turns off automatically because the signal it's receiving is too low to keep it on, which is why it won't turn on in the first place (at low volume listening).

Might not be in your budget to buy another receiver, but if you look around long enough whether on craigslist/etc. I'm sure you'll find one that will provide a sub output as well as a few other features over your current AVR for not much money.

intangible

That's what I was afraid would be the answer; I had hoped there was another workaround I hadn't thought of. I'll likely just dump it back onto Craigslist where I found it. Thanks for the help.

samnor

can you try using a y-adapter.
there's a thread over at audioholics where the poster had a similar problem to yours with a a jbl sub and one of the suggestions was the above of using a y-adapter and running twin rca's to your left/right line inputs on the sub. worth a shot given how cheap it is to try out... just need another IC and a dirt cheap y adaptor...

kawizx9r

I hate audioholics....

And good suggestion with the y adapter however it doesn't pertain to this situation given that we can safely assume the OP has no sub-output on his receiver to even connect an rca cable/y adapter to.

He's utilizing the speaker terminal inputs on his subwoofer to receive a signal from the receiver via speaker terminal out's (front B speakers).

intangible

Yes, I should have been more clear in the original post. My receiver has a sub output, but it is connected to the sub in my living room. I have the PSW50 hooked up at line level on the front b speakers.

samnor

I missed the front b speakers part... havent had much experience with using the speaker inputs on the sub... maybe the receiver behaves somewhat differently with the B speakers instead of your regular A speakers. anyway good luck...