Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Technical Questions Humming coming from subwoofer

Actually, I studied electrical engineering, but specialized in automation. So I do have a bit of experience with circuits, but not really any with amplifier circuits.

Can anyone point out to me what the rectifier and filter capacitors are? I'm curious to try and fix it myself before I have to sell it as somewhat defect.

Well, you already correctly identified the two 6800 uF capacitors(which are the most likely suspects)in a previous post. The rectifier is a grouping of usually four diodes(which aren't clear). But no, there isn't any simple way of determining without diagnostic equipment which are failing.

Thanks for your answer JohnK. So you think that the 6800uF caps are responsible for the annoying humming. Are they part of the rectifier circuit? Or do they have a different function?

Thanks!

they are capacitors which store power. I think my Odyssey amps had a total of 120000 uF capacitance so when you need power it is there..

The rectifier and capacitors perform different functions in the power supply section of the amplifier, but the net result is to provide clean, smooth DC instead of the incoming AC. The rectifier changes the AC which fluctuates between about +/- 170 volts(in N. America)to either a plus or minus DC output which fluctuates from max to zero. The capacitors take this fluctuating DC and store the pulses, then release them in a smooth DC to the amplification section. The result should be inaudible hum and noise when they're operating properly.

Is it common that the smoothing capacitors go kaput on amps that aren't that old yet? I could imagine that happening on a 20 yr old amp, but this one is still relatively new and at least optically in great shape. I wonder if there's another way for the caps to go downhill other than just aging?

Think of it like buying a Ford, new or old they're still $#@## lol
Sorry, if I offended anyone , " Who's driven or bought a Ford lately."

Well, you DO have a way about you, don't you?

No, I've never owned a Ford.... and not for any particular reason.

At least Ford is still owned by Ford and not the government