Get a cheap 3 LED outlet analyser in the electrical section. For @$8.00 USD it will tell you the status (reversed polarity, no ground, etc.) of every outlet you have.
Help: power problem with Vandersteen 2Wq subs
I have a strange situation that I can't figure out, and thought maybe I'd get some help from other A-gon members. I have a pair of Vandersteen 2Wq subwoofers (great subs) which work fine. Earlier this week, I re-arranged my system a bit, and needed to plug the subs into a different power outlet than before. For some reason, they wouldn't operate when plugged into the new outlets. When first plugged in, both subs had the usual turn-on "thump", but then nothing happened, as if the sub's internal amp turned off. This happened with both subs.
After I re-arranged the subs' location, I plugged them into the Monster Power HTS2000 line conditioners that I use for all the rest of my audio/HT system. The sockets that I used on the HTS2000 work fine -- any other piece of equipment draws power with no problem. I then tried plugging the subs into an adjoining wall outlet (which may not be grounded -- not sure), but the subs still didn't work. I got the turn-on thump, and then nothing... So, I went through a series of diagnostic measures, and eliminated every cause I could think of -- I even checked the connections at the power amp just to be sure no wiring had gotten jiggled loose. I also checked the prongs on the plugs of the power cords to be sure that they were straight and making good contact inside the outlet sockets.
At this point, I moved both subs back to their original setup and plugged them back into their original wall outlet. This solved the problem, and they worked fine, just like before I re-arranged them. I'm thoroughly baffled. I looked through the troubleshooting section of the user's manual, and there is nothing that explains this anomaly.
I am going to call Vandersteen to get their input, but I was wondering if anyone who owns Vandy 2Wq subs has experienced a similar problem. The only thing I can think of that might cause this problem is some aspect of the circuit design for the internal amp that perhaps has to see a certain grounding arrangement to operate.
Any thoughts and comments are appreciated. I'd like to be able to re-configure my speaker setup, but can't do that given this odd problem.
Thanks -- Scott C
After I re-arranged the subs' location, I plugged them into the Monster Power HTS2000 line conditioners that I use for all the rest of my audio/HT system. The sockets that I used on the HTS2000 work fine -- any other piece of equipment draws power with no problem. I then tried plugging the subs into an adjoining wall outlet (which may not be grounded -- not sure), but the subs still didn't work. I got the turn-on thump, and then nothing... So, I went through a series of diagnostic measures, and eliminated every cause I could think of -- I even checked the connections at the power amp just to be sure no wiring had gotten jiggled loose. I also checked the prongs on the plugs of the power cords to be sure that they were straight and making good contact inside the outlet sockets.
At this point, I moved both subs back to their original setup and plugged them back into their original wall outlet. This solved the problem, and they worked fine, just like before I re-arranged them. I'm thoroughly baffled. I looked through the troubleshooting section of the user's manual, and there is nothing that explains this anomaly.
I am going to call Vandersteen to get their input, but I was wondering if anyone who owns Vandy 2Wq subs has experienced a similar problem. The only thing I can think of that might cause this problem is some aspect of the circuit design for the internal amp that perhaps has to see a certain grounding arrangement to operate.
Any thoughts and comments are appreciated. I'd like to be able to re-configure my speaker setup, but can't do that given this odd problem.
Thanks -- Scott C