| Topic Review |
SPCOOLIN
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Jan 20, 2003
Posts: 3627
From: Tampa Bay FL.
 |  Posted: 2007-09-04 20:34
jbalt,
I looked at the connection drawings on the back of your receiver earlier and noticed that you had optical digital (toslink) 
Just so you know (if you didn't already)
Standard RCA connections   are analog only and will not give you the benefit of Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound (DD 5.1) or DTS surround...both have at least 5.1 discrete channels of info.
If you are only connected with analog connections (RCA) then the only way you are getting surround is for the receiver to process Stereo (2 channels) into a simulated surround signal and send it out to the speakers that way...This is known as Dolby Pro Logic or Pro Logic II.
If there is a problem in your receiver...it could be in the processor....Not that we can do anything about it here, but my next question would be does it happen with all sound fields such as Hall, Stadium, Cinema Studio EX A,B,C etc...
Sony receivers have a feature that is called Sound Field Link...When activated, it remembers the last Sound Field the receiver was in for that input (IE: CD/DVD, TV/SAT, Video1 etc) So if you are having a problem with say TV..which is set for say Cinema Studio EX A...Try switching to Normal Surround, AFD (auto format decode) Hall etc...
If the problem goes away, then you could get by, by using the sound field that works...and with Sound Field Link "on" it should return to that same sound field every time you switch back to TV....Do the same with the other input sources that have a problem...
I would look to see what sound field is linked to CD (since it works) and be sure to try that one with the inputs that have the problem....
If this does not help the problem...Then yes...You will need to consider repair or replacement of the receiver...
Steve~
-----------------
Spcoolin's Web Site:
http://marine-ac.com/
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SPCOOLIN
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Jan 20, 2003
Posts: 3627
From: Tampa Bay FL.
| Posted: 2007-09-03 23:53
What happened when you ran the test tone ?...Was the volume reduced out of that speaker ?
Have you tried one of the louder speakers (and wire) connected to that channel ?
Steve~
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Spcoolin's Web Site:
http://marine-ac.com/
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jbalt
Sony Buff
Joined: Sep 03, 2007
Posts: 11
From:
 | Posted: 2007-09-03 20:58
Hi. I own a str-k840p surround sound system. Recently, I noticed a significant drop in sound levels from my left front speaker. I still get sound, but it is barely audible. All other speakers seem to be working fine. I've tried adjusting the balance, switched the wires, & have performed test-tone - as far as I can tell, the speaker itself seems to be ok. I've also reset the system to factory settings to no avail. Any ideas on what the problem is?? Any help is appreciated....thanks.
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jbalt
Sony Buff
Joined: Sep 03, 2007
Posts: 11
From:
| Posted: 2007-09-04 08:55
the sound from the affected speaker was fine when I ran test-tone. I did switch my left & right speaker lines -- when I did, the problem shifted from my left front speaker over to the right front speaker. What's really baffling to me is that the sound from all speakers is fine when I play a CD...however, the low sound is always present when all other functions are used (e.g. watching tv).
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SPCOOLIN
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Jan 20, 2003
Posts: 3627
From: Tampa Bay FL.
| Posted: 2007-09-04 09:18
Are these two or three way speakers ? (Do they have more than one speaker in the cabinet)
If the problem shifts with exchanging a speaker...and does not show on test tone....It could be a problem with the speakers crossover or driver...(one, or one set of drivers not playing)
The part about it doing it on all other functions besides CD is strange...(especially when test tone is good)
When you say all other functions do you mean just the TV because that's all you have...Or have you tried it with say the tuner ?
If all you have tried is the TV...The problem could be the TV signal that is input to the Sony receiver...
Does the TV have a balance control that may have somehow been accessed ?
Edit: Now that I think about it...That would not cause the problem to shift with a speaker change....
I think I would try one of the surround speakers up front to see if the problem goes away...at least up front...(leaving out the speaker in question)
If so...Then that would point more to a problem with the one front speaker...
Steve~
Sony DA5ES Parasound HCA2205A (Bi-amping Mains and center)Sony TA-N9000ES (BTL+1 running Surrounds) Sony CX985 400 Disc DVD/CD Definitive Tech..BP30 MainsCLR 3000 Powered Center w/10" sub BPVX/P Surrounds w/dual 6.5" subs ea SVS 20-39PCi Sub
[ This message was edited by: SPCOOLIN on 2007-09-04 09:53 ]
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jbalt
Sony Buff
Joined: Sep 03, 2007
Posts: 11
From:
| Posted: 2007-09-04 09:46
Steve -- first off, I just want to thank you for your replies. Secondly, I apologize for being a moron with this sort of thing. To address your questions:
I'm not sure if I have 2 or 3 way speakers. They are the stock speakers that came with the system - Sony SS-MSP2.
When I referred to "all other functions", I was referring to the fact that CD's & DVD's work fine. TV & the tuner use both result in very little sound from the left front.
I'm not familiar with the speaker crossover or driver you referred to. Is this something that I can attempt to correct myself, or is a trip to the repair shop required?
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SPCOOLIN
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Jan 20, 2003
Posts: 3627
From: Tampa Bay FL.
| Posted: 2007-09-04 10:07
Sorry...But I don't come up with SS-MSP2 as a current or valid Sony model when looking for the owners manual....
Drivers mean speaker cones....Crossover means the board inside the speaker that splits the signal and sends it to the driver designed to handle the different frequencies (bass, mids, treble)
Not that it will help, but if you look thru the speaker grill you can probably count the speaker cones and see the different sizes...
I edited my last post...I think I would try one of the surround speakers along with the good one up front...That may help determine if that one particular speaker has a problem....If you then get strong sound from both front speakers....Then you have a bad speaker...
Is the Tuner built into the unit, or is it separate ?
Same with the DVD/CD ??
What I'm getting at here is....You may have a problem with External sources and not the ones built into the receiver unit...
Steve~
-----------------
Spcoolin's Web Site:
http://marine-ac.com/
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SPCOOLIN
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Jan 20, 2003
Posts: 3627
From: Tampa Bay FL.
| Posted: 2007-09-04 10:14
Ahhh....I found the str-k840p...
The DVD/CD player is seperate...as is the TV....but the tuner is built in.
Let's try the speaker thing first since they (surrounds & fronts) match.
Let us know...
Steve~
-----------------
Spcoolin's Web Site:
http://marine-ac.com/
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jbalt
Sony Buff
Joined: Sep 03, 2007
Posts: 11
From:
| Posted: 2007-09-04 10:49
I just tried switching the speakers, but it didn't make a difference. Still getting the weak sound from the left front.
You're right, the tuner is integrated into the receiver unit.
I'm stumped. Any other thoughts??
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SPCOOLIN
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Jan 20, 2003
Posts: 3627
From: Tampa Bay FL.
| Posted: 2007-09-04 11:26
Interesting....That's two speakers with the same result....
I would now try to remove the "louder" speaker and use the two that had the same result up front....See if they match in output....
Could be the Louder one is at fault... and is no longer matching the others in impedance (resistance)
It could be a speaker wire problem too...are you keeping the same wire with the same speaker all the time ? (another words...Taking the wire with the speaker) or are you leaving the same wire connected to the receiver, and just exchanging speakers ?
We need to eliminate the wire as the culprit too...
Got any cats ?....They are sometimes known to chew a wire to clean their teeth...You wouldn't know it unless you inspected your wires carefully all the time...
Steve~
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Spcoolin's Web Site:
http://marine-ac.com/
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boulderskies
Sonyphile
Joined: Dec 31, 2002
Posts: 760
From: Phoenix, Arizona
 | Posted: 2007-09-04 11:30
Hello jbalt,
You stated in one of your earlier posts that when you switched speaker leads, the problem moved from the left speaker to the right. This would negate a speaker-related problem.
Also, you stated that the problem only manifests itself with the audio from the TV. My first stop then would be the audio cable from the receiver to the TV. Move the connector on either end around and see if the sound changes at all. Also, try another cable.
Also, what's your source for TV? Cable, satellite? Look at the cable from your box or satellite receiver too.
-Scott
-----------------
SONY KDF-55XS955
SONY STR-DA5300ES Receiver
SONY BDP-S550 Blu-Ray Player
Scientific Atlanta Explorer HD Cable Box
Sub: Velodyne SPL-1500R
Center: JAMO
Fronts: B&W 805
Surround L & R: Def Tech BP2X
Surround Back: Def Tech Ceiling
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SPCOOLIN
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Jan 20, 2003
Posts: 3627
From: Tampa Bay FL.
| Posted: 2007-09-04 11:48
Scott,
I think if you read his posts a bit more carefully....You'll see he has the problem with the internal tuner also....
He also stated the problem moved with the speaker....
Let's eliminate one thing at a time
Steve~
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Spcoolin's Web Site:
http://marine-ac.com/
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jbalt
Sony Buff
Joined: Sep 03, 2007
Posts: 11
From:
| Posted: 2007-09-04 11:54
Scott, Steve -- I switched the "loud" speaker out with the other rear surround speaker. There was no change in sound output.
I haven't been moving the wires, just the speakers. However, I'm thinking that the wire to the right front is still intact since I do get full sound when I use the CD/DVD player (which is a separate component from the Receiver/Amp).
Scott (thanks for your reply)- I have digital cable. I'll try playing around with the tv wires as you suggested, but I'm not sure if that is the problem since I'm also having the low-sound issue when I use the stereo tuner.
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SPCOOLIN
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Jan 20, 2003
Posts: 3627
From: Tampa Bay FL.
| Posted: 2007-09-04 12:21
On 2007-09-04 08:55, jbalt wrote:
the sound from the affected speaker was fine when I ran test-tone. I did switch my left & right speaker lines -- when I did, the problem shifted over to the right front speaker. What's really baffling to from my left front speaker me is that the sound from all speakers is fine when I play a CD...however, the low sound is always present when all other functions are used (e.g. watching tv).
Maybe I need to read more carefully....The above statement would indicate a bad wire....
Still....The fact that it works with the CD/DVD player is what's baffling...
My initial thought to that was that maybe the speaker was having a response problem, and when you played something with more info (like a CD) it made it seem to have good volume (but just maybe not playing it's full range)
Steve~
-----------------
Spcoolin's Web Site:
http://marine-ac.com/
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boulderskies
Sonyphile
Joined: Dec 31, 2002
Posts: 760
From: Phoenix, Arizona
| Posted: 2007-09-04 12:48
I did read it carefully. And what I read was that he had switched his wires. But then in his last post, he says he didnt-that he switched speakers. So I think we probably need to verify if the wires were moved or the speakers. From there, we can isolate it to a speaker or to the receiver/source.
All that aside, its sounding like its internal to the receiver, being that the tuner manifests the problem too.
-----------------
SONY KDF-55XS955
SONY STR-DA5300ES Receiver
SONY BDP-S550 Blu-Ray Player
Scientific Atlanta Explorer HD Cable Box
Sub: Velodyne SPL-1500R
Center: JAMO
Fronts: B&W 805
Surround L & R: Def Tech BP2X
Surround Back: Def Tech Ceiling
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jbalt
Sony Buff
Joined: Sep 03, 2007
Posts: 11
From:
| Posted: 2007-09-04 12:55
At first glance, I agree with you in that the most logical culprit would be a faulty wire. However, since I get full sound from the speaker when I use the CD/DVD player, I'm assuming that the wire is fine & that the source of the problem must be something else.
Forgive my lack of technical terminology here.... I'm wondering if the receiver/amp processes inputs from different sources differently. In other words, does the receiver/amp use a different process or different internal components to route signal inputs from the tv &/or tuner, as opposed to input from the CD/DVD player. I'm just kind of talking out loud here trying to figure out why the CD player would work when nothing else does.
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jbalt
Sony Buff
Joined: Sep 03, 2007
Posts: 11
From:
| Posted: 2007-09-04 12:59
Scott,
sorry if I was a little unclear. When I was trying to diagnose the problem, I initially did switch the wires by running the right speaker wire to the left speaker & vice/versa. When I did that, the low-volume problem switched from the left side to the right side. After that, i took Steve's advice & switched the speakers themselves around, leaving the wires in place.
I'm starting to think I have a faulty receiver/amp as well.
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boulderskies
Sonyphile
Joined: Dec 31, 2002
Posts: 760
From: Phoenix, Arizona
| Posted: 2007-09-04 14:04
Yes, I'm inclined to agree. We can eliminate the speakers, crossovers, etc since switching the speaker cables also switched which speaker exhibited the problem.
Since the tv AND tuner reveal the problem, we can eliminate cable/sat. box and cables. Since the CD does not reveal the problem, it seems that its the circuitry inside the receiver, processing the tv and tuner signal.
Is there any possibility of switching out the receiver?
Also, when you say "tuner" you mean the receiver's radio, right?
-----------------
SONY KDF-55XS955
SONY STR-DA5300ES Receiver
SONY BDP-S550 Blu-Ray Player
Scientific Atlanta Explorer HD Cable Box
Sub: Velodyne SPL-1500R
Center: JAMO
Fronts: B&W 805
Surround L & R: Def Tech BP2X
Surround Back: Def Tech Ceiling
|
boulderskies
Sonyphile
Joined: Dec 31, 2002
Posts: 760
From: Phoenix, Arizona
| Posted: 2007-09-04 14:09
jbalt,
You might also connect a pair of headphones to your receiver and see if the problem manifests itself the same as the speakers do.
-Scott
-----------------
SONY KDF-55XS955
SONY STR-DA5300ES Receiver
SONY BDP-S550 Blu-Ray Player
Scientific Atlanta Explorer HD Cable Box
Sub: Velodyne SPL-1500R
Center: JAMO
Fronts: B&W 805
Surround L & R: Def Tech BP2X
Surround Back: Def Tech Ceiling
|
SPCOOLIN
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Jan 20, 2003
Posts: 3627
From: Tampa Bay FL.
| Posted: 2007-09-04 14:44
On 2007-09-04 12:59, jbalt wrote:
Scott,
sorry if I was a little unclear. When I was trying to diagnose the problem, I initially did switch the wires by running the right speaker wire to the left speaker & vice/versa. When I did that, the low-volume problem switched from the left side to the right side. After that, i took Steve's advice & switched the speakers themselves around, leaving the wires in place.
I'm starting to think I have a faulty receiver/amp as well.
That in itself still indicates the speaker should be good...but still puts the left speaker wire in question...also the first LF speaker being good, is confirmed by moving another good surround speaker to the left front wire....because it still plays lower volume from the LF wire connected to the receivers LF output
All I'm saying is that we have not completely tested or ruled out your cheapest fix...a what ?..50 cent wire ?...The wires that come with HTIB systems are not known to be the best quality...
My confusion was when you said that you moved the speaker...the problem moved...
That's why I asked if you were moving the wire with the speaker....or move the wire to known good output and speaker...or connect a known good wire/speaker combo to the LF output of the receiver...All of these options cost you nothing to do....except your effort...
On to the reason why the CD/DVD player does not exhibit the problem....How is it connected ? Digitally ? Like with a optical cable with ends like this ???
If so....Then yes there could be a problem with the analog input portion of the receiver and it will need to be repaired or replaced.
Steve~
-----------------
Spcoolin's Web Site:
http://marine-ac.com/
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boulderskies
Sonyphile
Joined: Dec 31, 2002
Posts: 760
From: Phoenix, Arizona
| Posted: 2007-09-04 15:15
Steve,
I'm not sure why you'd think there's a problem with speaker cable when the left front speaker works fine in CD mode.
-Scott
-----------------
SONY KDF-55XS955
SONY STR-DA5300ES Receiver
SONY BDP-S550 Blu-Ray Player
Scientific Atlanta Explorer HD Cable Box
Sub: Velodyne SPL-1500R
Center: JAMO
Fronts: B&W 805
Surround L & R: Def Tech BP2X
Surround Back: Def Tech Ceiling
|
jbalt
Sony Buff
Joined: Sep 03, 2007
Posts: 11
From:
| Posted: 2007-09-04 15:51
Steve,
Sorry for any confusion... the problem moved only when I moved the speaker wires -- moved left wire to right speaker & vice/versa. The problem remained on the left side when I simply moved speakers.
As far as the connection between the CD/DVD player and the receiver, I do not have the digital connection you described. The connection is made via a standard plug-in cable (analog??).
I want to thank both of you guys for taking the time to help me sort this out.
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boulderskies
Sonyphile
Joined: Dec 31, 2002
Posts: 760
From: Phoenix, Arizona
| Posted: 2007-09-04 16:37
Sure, that's what Agoraquest is all about.
By the way, I assume your TV has its own audio portion and that the sound is okay thru its own speakers, right?
-----------------
SONY KDF-55XS955
SONY STR-DA5300ES Receiver
SONY BDP-S550 Blu-Ray Player
Scientific Atlanta Explorer HD Cable Box
Sub: Velodyne SPL-1500R
Center: JAMO
Fronts: B&W 805
Surround L & R: Def Tech BP2X
Surround Back: Def Tech Ceiling
|
SPCOOLIN
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Jan 20, 2003
Posts: 3627
From: Tampa Bay FL.
| Posted: 2007-09-04 19:12
On 2007-09-04 15:15, boulderskies wrote:
Steve,
I'm not sure why you'd think there's a problem with speaker cable when the left front speaker works fine in CD mode.
-Scott
Scott,
I just wanted to eliminate the possibility of a wire making intermittent connection.....and would have moved on to the next possibility of a problem with the receiver after that...
Changing to a possibly stronger signal from CD could allow signal to pass thru a questionable wire or connection....a volume/gain increase when changing input sources can send a stronger signal out, and as we know all sources don't play at the same volume level....
Steve~
-----------------
Spcoolin's Web Site:
http://marine-ac.com/
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jbalt
Sony Buff
Joined: Sep 03, 2007
Posts: 11
From:
| Posted: 2007-09-04 21:51
Steve,
I found the optical digital link you described. However, I'm not srue if it's something I can use since I have an older model TV that doesn't have that link.
I checked the sound quality after switching thru all the different sound fields. There's not much difference in sound levels from the left speaker, although the sound does seem a bit stronger using sounds fields CSTEX A, B, & C. The sound seems weakest when using Normal Surround mode.
While I was checking the different sound fields, I re-ran test-tone. Believe it or not, now my rear speakers are malfunctioning also. I get extremely low sound levels from the right rear & absolutely nothing from the left rear. The last time I did test-tone all the speakers sounded fine.
I'm thinking I just need to give up on this receiver & make a new purchase.
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SPCOOLIN
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Jan 20, 2003
Posts: 3627
From: Tampa Bay FL.
| Posted: 2007-09-04 22:12
The optical link would be for a cable box or the DVD player...
Considering a new receiver would be your best option...
The newer model receivers have come a long way from the model you presently own...It only has one digital input so if you did get digital cable and wanted to use the DVD player to play 5.1 movies you would be out of luck with that receiver anyway...
Not to mention it does not have HDMI conectivity (Video & digital audio thru one wire) for if you move up to a HDTV in the future...
Steve~
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Spcoolin's Web Site:
http://marine-ac.com/
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jbalt
Sony Buff
Joined: Sep 03, 2007
Posts: 11
From:
| Posted: 2007-09-05 09:01
Looks like I'm off to Best Buy.
Thanks again for the help & advice.
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SPCOOLIN
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Jan 20, 2003
Posts: 3627
From: Tampa Bay FL.
| Posted: 2007-09-05 09:55
jbalt~
We may be able to help you with Your decision on what receiver best suits your needs....But will need to know some specifics...and Best Buy is a good place to get some ideas, but not always the best buy...or best place to buy...
What, if any, other upgrades do you plan..
What are your listening/watching habits...Music vs Movies, do you do more of one than the other...
Are you happy with the sound of the present system (when it was working correctly)
Did you have a specific budget figure in mind ?
Steve~
-----------------
Spcoolin's Web Site:
http://marine-ac.com/
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boulderskies
Sonyphile
Joined: Dec 31, 2002
Posts: 760
From: Phoenix, Arizona
| Posted: 2007-09-05 09:59
Steve,
I liked your advice on the sound fields and SONY's Link feature....good call.
Jbalt,
You might see if you can re-use that receiver in another room, garage, etc. You could at least use the CD input....
-Scott
-----------------
SONY KDF-55XS955
SONY STR-DA5300ES Receiver
SONY BDP-S550 Blu-Ray Player
Scientific Atlanta Explorer HD Cable Box
Sub: Velodyne SPL-1500R
Center: JAMO
Fronts: B&W 805
Surround L & R: Def Tech BP2X
Surround Back: Def Tech Ceiling
|
SPCOOLIN
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Jan 20, 2003
Posts: 3627
From: Tampa Bay FL.
| Posted: 2007-09-05 10:16
On 2007-09-05 09:59, boulderskies wrote:
Steve,
I liked your advice on the sound fields and SONY's Link feature....good call.
Jbalt,
You might see if you can re-use that receiver in another room, garage, etc. You could at least use the CD input....
-Scott
That's a good possibility...because I was going to suggest next that he try connecting digitally with Toslink to see if he had the problem that way...(although he apparently only has one digital source...being DVD/CD which works as it is)
I would say that he will be better off with a Toslink connection for his new receiver (so pick up a cheap cable with his purchase) and try it in the present system before disassembly...
If it works out he will enjoy better sound out of the present unit (in another room) and if not....He can use the cable with the new system, or buy a better one (if it does work) for the new system and transfer the cheaper one to the second room system.
Steve~
-----------------
Spcoolin's Web Site:
http://marine-ac.com/
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boulderskies
Sonyphile
Joined: Dec 31, 2002
Posts: 760
From: Phoenix, Arizona
| Posted: 2007-09-05 10:43
I'm pretty sure he's got something internal going on based on the results of his last test tone test.
-----------------
SONY KDF-55XS955
SONY STR-DA5300ES Receiver
SONY BDP-S550 Blu-Ray Player
Scientific Atlanta Explorer HD Cable Box
Sub: Velodyne SPL-1500R
Center: JAMO
Fronts: B&W 805
Surround L & R: Def Tech BP2X
Surround Back: Def Tech Ceiling
|
SPCOOLIN
Ultimate Sony Reviewer
Joined: Jan 20, 2003
Posts: 3627
From: Tampa Bay FL.
| Posted: 2007-09-05 11:35
I agree....but it seems to either be in the pre amp or processing section...not in the main output stage of amplification...
With the age of the receiver it could be as simple as bad (dirty) ground connections on the circuit boards...Like John (Jehill) has mentioned here before....simply backing off every screw you can find inside, and re-snugging them may do the trick...Bad grounds can cause some really strange symptoms...and he has some of those....
Then again it could just be some solder joints need touching up...But he really is better off with a new unit for his main system...
jbalt~
You may want to try the 2-channel feature for stereo only...It would at least let you know if the unit is worth using in another room for stereo only...You could also pop the top and do what I mentioned above...Can't hurt...and if it works...You have a decent second system....Plus you maybe learned something along the way 
Steve~
-----------------
Spcoolin's Web Site:
http://marine-ac.com/
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jbalt
Sony Buff
Joined: Sep 03, 2007
Posts: 11
From:
| Posted: 2007-09-07 10:36
Thanks guys for all your suggestions. Both of you have been a lot of help. Much appreciated.
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boulderskies
Sonyphile
Joined: Dec 31, 2002
Posts: 760
From: Phoenix, Arizona
| Posted: 2007-09-07 11:21
jbalt,
Please keep us updated with what you do next.
Thanks,
Scott
-----------------
SONY KDF-55XS955
SONY STR-DA5300ES Receiver
SONY BDP-S550 Blu-Ray Player
Scientific Atlanta Explorer HD Cable Box
Sub: Velodyne SPL-1500R
Center: JAMO
Fronts: B&W 805
Surround L & R: Def Tech BP2X
Surround Back: Def Tech Ceiling
|
