[gqmagic]

I have a 5 yr old VR-S1 that has been flawless until I noticed Sunday no sound coming. Monday morning I was going to look at the connections, turned it on 1st and it worked, so turned it off and later in the day went to watch the game and no sub sound again. Checked the fuse, looks intact. Called Schweikert and left a message (2) have not heard back yet.

Any ideas?

[JackD201]

Hi GQ

Looks like an auto sensor problem. Please try cleaning the contact points on the plate amp and interconnects first and see if this helps. I am sure the factory will contact you shortly.

Cheers!

 

[garyleg]

Hello,

  Funny this post just came up. I was able to get a incredible bargain on a S/3 sub that was not working and am in the process of getting it repaired right now. I live local to Von Schweikert and Albert gave me the # of a guy locally that he recommends for doing repairs. Your problem is most likely the power control sensor IC, as this was a common problem for these subs and was the problem with mine. If you have any soldering skills it will be a cheap fix as the part is only 93 cents. I am not sure if your sub amp is exactly the same as mine but I would guess that it’s a good possibility that the same IC was used. The repair man told me these chips are very sensitive and would go out often. I just ordered the parts for mine and they should be arriving in the next day or so. I ordered 4 just to have a few extra because they were so cheep. I can send you one if you like. If you can wait, I will be picking my sub amp up by Saturday most likely and can take some picks of my amp and where the IC is located for your reference. If you don't feel comfortable doing the repair yourself I can give you the contact info of the repair man. This will be the same referral that Albert will give you.

Good Luck,
Gary

[gqmagic]

I tried to exchange the fuse today. couldn't get the right size one. Mine is still good.  I did talk to Albert today and he thinks the amp may need to be replaced. Though I will ask him about chips, and take it apart in the next few days.

[Albert Von Schweikert]

Hello VR-S/1 subwoofer owners,
We had two different manufacturers build the subwoofer amplifiers at different times in the production cycle. One vendor had problems with the control IC chip that the former poster describes, and this repair isn't common to many models, it only happens to the amp in the VR-S/3 model, a larger sub we discontinued when the S/1 came out.  The amp in the VR-S/1 tends to run very hot due to the small internal volume, so the amplifier output chips and power supply actually wear out between 4 and 7 years.  The amp is easily replaced by the end user and we sell the new American-designed replacement amp at wholesale to our customers.  The VR-S/1 sub had a Chinese amp that has non-standard parts, so this amp is not repairable, it has to be replaced, but is relatively inexpensive.

[JoeyGS]

I also own a VR S/1 and would like to know how would you distinguish the china made amp or do all VR S/1 amps are made in china? would also like to know how much is the replacement amp.

thanks and regards,
JoeyGS

[nurxhunter]

I have a pair of VR-S/1 subs, which mate nicely with my VR3.5.  I must say the support from Albert at VSA has always been impressive to me.  Al was willing to work with me to replace, but, I went another route.

One of the subs went down, loud hum and distorted sound.  I seemed to me the sound deteriorated some weeks (months--too busy to recall) before failure.  After removing the module, I saw two PS caps were clearly blown.  My go-to tech nearby replaced the main PS caps and all the other caps on that board for a reasonable price.  Sounds as good as ever.  He predicted the other amp module would also go.  Sure enough, I just inspected it and the caps are bursting.  It is now in the shop for repair (usually FAST turnaround--like 2 days!).  Higher rated Panasonic caps were put in all around.

This path might be an option for those with these subs.  If pictures are deemed helpful, I could post them.

I guess this issue is not uncommon, and it's nice the fix is straight forward.  Of course, replacing the modules is also an option, and VSA will work with you to do so.

[Danberg]

I am curious what "blown caps" look like.  I'd appreciate a photo.

[nurxhunter]

I dropped the amp off on Friday afternoon, I just got an email (Sun Eve.) that it's ready for pickup.

Amp repaired just fine.  The subs sound better than ever.  I highly recommend prodigital in Broomall PA for this repair, which was reasonably priced.

Of all the subs I have had in my home (10) these are THE BEST with respect to tight bass.