Altec Lansing vs2221 issue
Aulren
-
caponicho Posted messages 1 Status Membre -
caponicho Posted messages 1 Status Membre -
Hello, I have a set of Altec Lansing vs2221 speakers. The sound is fine, but for some time now, when I turn the volume knob, the speakers crackle until I stop turning it.
What could be causing this and is it repairable?
Thank you
What could be causing this and is it repairable?
Thank you
Configuration: Windows XP Firefox 1.5.0.7 Sound card Sound Blaster Live 5.1
15 réponses
Hello, 6 years later, sure, but this might help others who have the same issue, and for little to no cost:
I’ve had these speakers for several years, and I started to notice this crackling noise some time ago, after long storage in a shed (cold, humidity).
The crackling potentiometers are often related to oxidation on the potentiometer track, which deteriorates the quality of the contact, so when the slider moves along the track, it crackles. You just need to remove this oxidation, and for that, a quick spray of contact cleaner will do the trick. If the crackling continues, it means the potentiometer is dead.
- Unclip the base of the satellite (where the wires go)
- Unscrew the 2 screws (Phillips) that are now exposed
- Gently pull off the potentiometer knob by tugging on it softly
- Using a flat screwdriver, remove the metal grille starting from the top and leveraging on the plastic edge (this might leave a mark, but given the value of the speakers, it’s tolerable)
- Unscrew the 2 small screws on top and the 4 screws around the woofer
- Remove the back part and take out the circuit board.
- The potentiometer is now accessible; with a can of contact cleaner (available at any hardware store), equipped with its nozzle (small thin tube): spray the potentiometer generously, targeting the underside of the contacts and all the small openings of the potentiometer)
- Let it dry, reassemble, and enjoy your music without crackling :-)
Note for anyone reluctant to buy a product costing 10 euros: it’s useful for everything, plugs, switches, jacks, trailer plugs, etc... essential for any DIY enthusiast :-)
I’ve had these speakers for several years, and I started to notice this crackling noise some time ago, after long storage in a shed (cold, humidity).
The crackling potentiometers are often related to oxidation on the potentiometer track, which deteriorates the quality of the contact, so when the slider moves along the track, it crackles. You just need to remove this oxidation, and for that, a quick spray of contact cleaner will do the trick. If the crackling continues, it means the potentiometer is dead.
- Unclip the base of the satellite (where the wires go)
- Unscrew the 2 screws (Phillips) that are now exposed
- Gently pull off the potentiometer knob by tugging on it softly
- Using a flat screwdriver, remove the metal grille starting from the top and leveraging on the plastic edge (this might leave a mark, but given the value of the speakers, it’s tolerable)
- Unscrew the 2 small screws on top and the 4 screws around the woofer
- Remove the back part and take out the circuit board.
- The potentiometer is now accessible; with a can of contact cleaner (available at any hardware store), equipped with its nozzle (small thin tube): spray the potentiometer generously, targeting the underside of the contacts and all the small openings of the potentiometer)
- Let it dry, reassemble, and enjoy your music without crackling :-)
Note for anyone reluctant to buy a product costing 10 euros: it’s useful for everything, plugs, switches, jacks, trailer plugs, etc... essential for any DIY enthusiast :-)
I have exactly the same issue with the same equipment.
Altec Lansing was supposedly good quality equipment. That seems to have changed...
Furthermore, it looks non-disassembleable...
Altec Lansing was supposedly good quality equipment. That seems to have changed...
Furthermore, it looks non-disassembleable...
Hello.
I have the same issue as all the buyers of this product.
Additional issue: unable to remove the potentiometer knobs to open the small speakers.
I have the same issue as all the buyers of this product.
Additional issue: unable to remove the potentiometer knobs to open the small speakers.
Hi, as you said, it's when you turn your potentiometer that you have noise; it comes from that infamous turning knob!
Indeed, many devices have this problem (all hi-fi systems combined)
Solution: change your potentiometer
Otherwise, I can offer you a subwoofer ONLY (without the satellites) from an Altec Lansing VS4121 (the model above yours) for €20
(my satellites are lost!)
I think the 3 connectors at the back of the subwoofer are the same as yours.
I can send you photos
Indeed, many devices have this problem (all hi-fi systems combined)
Solution: change your potentiometer
Otherwise, I can offer you a subwoofer ONLY (without the satellites) from an Altec Lansing VS4121 (the model above yours) for €20
(my satellites are lost!)
I think the 3 connectors at the back of the subwoofer are the same as yours.
I can send you photos
it's the resistance inside. dismantle the volume control knob and re-tighten the screws that seem loose to you
Hi! I have exactly the same problem... With a product that was less than 6 months old when the first symptoms appeared...
A question that might seem silly... Would WD40 do the trick?
Thanks
A question that might seem silly... Would WD40 do the trick?
Thanks
A big thank you for helping us with the disassembly. It has been at least 5 years or more that it's been crackling, and I was always afraid to turn the knob. After cleaning, it works like new, no more crackling.
While I was spraying the cleaner, I also turned the potentiometer at the same time; it cleans better, because the first time there were still some crackling sounds at the beginning of the rotation.
While I was spraying the cleaner, I also turned the potentiometer at the same time; it cleans better, because the first time there were still some crackling sounds at the beginning of the rotation.
A thousand thanks? samuel-29, his response is excellent, I just followed it ? the letter AND it works, no more crackling when turning this potentiometer! Without this help, it would have been very difficult to know how to disassemble this speaker, so once again BRAVO and THANK YOU and, even more than a year after his message, it has been very helpful.
Best regards.
MICPRE95
Thanks for your help,
No more buzzing but since I opened the speakers the sfx button doesn't work anymore,
Any idea where the problem might be coming from????