RM7500 Subwoofer (psw650) Amplifier?

bumpruns

Hello. I'm a rookie here on the forum, so this is my first post. I've been the proud owner of an RM7500 series set of speakers for about 7 years now. Unfortunately, I have been completely confused about my lack of bass for some time now. I've messed around with my settings and configuration multiple times to no avail, so I finally went to CC the other day to have them hook the PSW650 up to one of their amps to see if it would work properly. Unfortunately the inevitable has occurred and it seems my amplifier is blown. (The speaker has power, the LED is on, and sound comes out of both speakers -- just no "drive" whatsoever). So I spoke with someone at the repair center today and I am now faced with the decision of spending $200 for a replacement amp.... -OR- purchase a new less expensive sub. My question is this, would I be better off replacing the amp in the psw650 understanding that I will only get a one-year warranty out of the new amp, or would I be better suited spending a little bit more money on something like a PS12 (on a budget) and getting perhaps (?) less performance but a full warranty??? FYI... I have the sub in a fairly large basement 15 x 30 with 9ft ceilings. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

My other question would be, if I go down the repair route are there any options other than the OEM amplifier in order to fix the problem. Suggestions?

Thanks,

KP

Jim Shearer

KP,

IF the drivers in the psw650 are both OK
AND
IF you like the performance of that sub,
Then it's probably worthwhile to replace the amp. I don't see how you can get equivalent performance for $200.

Is this the cost to buy the amp from Polk & install it yourself, or are you thinking of having it repaired by the dealer? If it's the cost to have it done at the dealer, then you might want to call Polk & ask what it would cost for you to buy the amp & install it yourself. (And remember to tell them you are a ClubPolk member!)

Cheers, Jim

bassaholic

Ditto what Jim said. I have 2 PSW650's and wouldn't think twice about spending $200 on a new amp if it needed it. I've home trialed a few different subs and you won't be able to replace the 650's performance for anywhere near $200. IMO

bumpruns

Thanks Jim and Bassaholic for your replies. When I wrote the post, I was thinking that the PSW650 was going to be hard to replace for a lesser cost... I just wasn't sure how much technology had changed in the last 7 years or so. $200 is going to be the price of the amp for me to replace myself. I was simply thinking that perhaps a $400 sub might be worth the investment since it would have the original warranty, etc...? My gut feeling was that the PSW650 was going to be the superior sub and would be worth the additional $200 investment. Thanks for making me feel comfortable in the gut. I think I will go down the path of replacing the amp for now and if it blows again I'll have to go another route. Thanks again! KP

soiset

Did you ever get the new amp? Do you know what was "blown" about the original amp? Was the transformer cooked?

Serendipity

It looks like the output transistors were shorted. Common problem on these amps.

soiset

appadv wrote:

It looks like the output transistors were shorted. Common problem on these amps.

Hmm, I think that is the same problem I have. I have requested a new output board. Do you know if Polk will offer them separately? Or do you have to buy the entire stinking amp?