Dead Center Channel - Help - Dissappointed in Warranty Service

A month ago or so, I started noticing that the center channel on my 990 (purchased Summer of 2007) was fading in and out and there were frequent pops and other static. I did a search in the Saloon and picked up some trouble shooting tips. By swapping interconnects, I determined that it wasn't the amp. I uploaded the latest software, but that didn't correct the problem. I switched out interconnects, but that didn't work either.

So, I called the Outlaws and spoke with customer service. I was issued a return authorization and I shipped the 990 (at my cost) 2 day FedEx. (I was eager to get the process started). The CSR was very polite as he spoke with me about my situation. He said it could take up to a month to repair and return.

To my surprise and joy, I received an email 6 days after Outlaw received the unit, that the unit was being shipped back. I was thrilled it wasn't going take a month.

To my great DISSAPOINTMENT, though, my 990 was not been fixed. The center is now completely DEAD!! No sound whatsoever. I am so frustrated. The worst thing is I couldn't set up the unit until tonight because I didn't have time during week, so now I can't talk to anybody until Monday because customer service is not open over the weekend.

ARRRRGGH!

Hi Bass,

Is it possible that it's the speaker itself? Have you run that center from the left or right channel of the amp? (presumably those other channels aren't having any problems).

How do you mean by "by swapping interconnects, I determined that it wasn't the amp"? Does that mean that you sent the center output of the 990 to a different channel on your amp, when then fed the center channel speaker? Essentially trying a different amplifier channel?

You swapped interconnects, and it didn't solve the problem.

How about checking for stray or loose speaker cables? From the amp to the center channel itself, are all connections tight? Is it possible that there's a stray strand of wire that's intermittently shorting between the + and - (most likely red and black) connections, either at the amplifier end or the speaker end?

Anyway, just some ideas for troubleshooting.

Thanks for the comments, Otto.

I took the center channel interconnect from the 990 and connected it to the right channel of the amp and then took the right channel interconnect from the 990 and connected it to the center channel of the amp. As a result, I had complete and full sound coming through the center speaker but then nothing coming through the right speaker. I did the same to the left channel, same result. There is no signal at all coming from the center channel output of the 990. The center speaker works fine if a signal gets to it.

Very frustrating.

Best,

And since you swapped cables to make sure they weren't the problem, it sounds like your 990 has a dead center output. Time to call Customer Service again...

I am guess my unit fell through the cracks and was never serviced and somehow someone made a mistake and put it in the repaired pile, though when it was returned to me it contained a pack of Outlaw playing cards . . .

I just hate the thought of having to pay for outgoing shipping again . . .

Thanks for your thoughts, Otto.

Yeah, take that up with them. I bet they'll cover shipping since the first attempt didn't fix it.

That is what I hope. Thanks.

Does your amp have both XLR and RCA connections? If so, you might try the interconnect you're not currently using to see if that fixes the problem. Not an ideal fix, but might get you by until Outlaw resolves the issue.

AvFan . . That's a great workaround idea, but I have the 7075.

Probably you have already checked this one up, but it won't hurt asking...
Isn't the center speaker, by any chance, set to NONE in the speaker setup menu?

Hi, Alexandru,

I checked that. I've tried it set to both large and small, but still nothing.

Edward, from customer service, contacted me and suggested I try a new interconnect. I'll pick one up on the way home from work. If that doesn't work, he said they would arrange for it to be taken care of.

A quick update: Edward in customer service has been assisting me with this problem. He's been very responsive and after a little further troubleshooting, he is providing me with a label to ship the unit back.

While Outlaw's records reflect the center channel was operational when it was sent to me, something has definitely changed because it is dead now.

I just want to get the unit back fully operational. Watching Ratatouille with my 5 year old in just stereo just doesn't cut it.

Good luck, Bass, and I hope Outlaw ships you back a perfect unit. I had to ship back my first 990 because there was no 12-volt remote signal, but as I recall I had a perfect unit in about 2 weeks and no problems since. OTOH I'm running it in stereo because I have no surround stuff yet. Strangely, though, we've sometimes had distinct surround effects, which I attribute to the remarkable spatial qualities of Magneplanar speakers. In "Monsters Inc." sounds were coming with perfect clarity from behind us.
"Ratatouille" is a great film, isn't it?

Yes, Pysprof1, Ratatouille is great!!

UPDATE:

I am back in business!!

Ed in customer service and engineer Jim were very responsive to my problem. We're still not sure what was wrong with the center channel, but Jim resoldered a bunch of the connections.

When I got the unit back, I hooked up just the center channel and the test tone could be heard through the center speaker. Then I added the cable box as a source. I let it run with only the center channel for a day. The sound stayed full without any drop offs. I then added some additional channels one at a time. The center stayed full without any drop offs.

I now have all the sources hooked up and all the channels running.

It sounds like a millions bucks. I popped open some wine last night and enjoyed the Chris Botti Live DVD. The jazz on that movie is excellent on the 990.

Thanks, Ed and Jim, for your patience in dealing with me and for your attention to my needs!!

Best to all.