Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Only sound from the left DSP33

I woke up to find that I only have sound coming from the left DSP33.

So where do I start? I turned EVERYTHING off, then turned all speakers on and then the G61R and HD621. Still only sound from the left speaker.

Any ideas?

Thanks

If your swap wires from the dead speakers to the known working channel to test that the speakers actually work. This should help pinpoint the trouble. Report back. Chris

No can do. Cables are in the walls. May need to buy another just to test. But what is the best way to "reset" a Meridian system? Turn on speakers first or processor?

Hi Bayetta,

From past experience (I previously used 3xDSP33, 2xDSP420, 1xD1500 with G68), this is usually a COMMS issue, assuming the speakers were in good working order before this. Are you using a 511 patch box? If I remember correctly, M lead to centre, S leads to all other speakers. I used COMMS from centre to 511 then all other COMMS from there to each speaker or speaker pair (e.g. front R & L, Surround R & L). There are other ways as well but this is simple.

Switching cables as mentioned above is a good may to make sure each speaker is operational. If they all test out well, concentrate on COMMS. It can be challenging sometimes.

Regards,

Wayne

ps I always turn on processor first.

I mean just switch the cables about at the back of your processor to see if speakers are live as a quick test. You don't need to re run cables or anything like that.
Good luck with it all.

Any evidence that a power surge has occured? Anys issues with other stuff? If not, you have to suspect the G61. Does everything behave OK at the front panel. Have you tried running the test tones? As Chris suggests you need to elimate the speakers even if it means swapping one for the working one. Might be worth a reset of the G61 and resaving the Config file to it first. You do have an up to date config file stored on your computer I hope.

I think it is the G61 also. The main channel is my left DSP33 but only getting sound out of the right speaker. I changed out a spare DSP33 and no difference, only the right speaker works. When I turn the volume on the G61 the one right speakers volume stays the same volume. Everything looks good on the front panel. I had my configuration on my laptop and store it again. No help

As an aside, I did have an electrician out installing the DSP420's. Maybe he fried my processor. I can't even test them as I need a midi(s) to SPDIF 6" cable for one of the DSP420's.

Hi Bayetta,

Start with only a pair of speakers. If the DSP33s are accessible, hook up M-lead to Left (master) and an S-lead from Left DSP33 to the right DSP33. Make sure to select proper channel (R or L) in setup for the DSP33s. Leave all other speakers disconnected. Try your test tones.

If both speakers work, move on to test another pair in the same way (centre and Sub, R and Left Surround) still using front left and right main outputs. Keep it to one pair at a time. Keep the variables to a minimum. This will help differentiate between speaker, cable and processor issues. This is how my local distributor advised me to work through the system, years ago. He has stated many times that the single biggest snag in getting M equipment all working is COMMS. Once each pair (including cables) is known to work then start adding one pair at a time to the functioning main channels. You need to prove each speaker and cable works before blaming the processor.

If only one speaker works, switch speakers, changing left for right, keeping the cabling as is. Does the working speaker stay on the same side (processor or cable issue on opposite side) or does it switch sides (speaker issue)? Then try to change cables, preferably with one(s) you know work(s). If still no change in which speaker works, switch speakers yet again. Now same side or opposite: same side = likely processor, opposite side = speaker issue as long as cables (both digital and comms) are proven working. I've had defective cables with no visible evidence of damage.

The 420s are harder to test because of the different connections. You may need an adapter or some other "test wiring" appropriate for the generation of speakers you have. Have you heard them working ever? Depending on your comfort level, you may need assistance.

Was the electrician familiar with the Meridian system and connections? It would be unlikely he fried something unless he was very careless. It is more likely a connection issue. It would be nice to have a Meridian dealer familiar with installations out to help you check everything.

I wish you the best of luck.

Regards,

Wayne

Wayne,
Thanks for the help. What I don't get is this. If the left channel DSP33 is my "main", and the right speaker gets it's info from this left main speaker, and the right speaker works, how can the fault be the comm to the main? The right speaker, to my thinking would not work if the left "main" had a comm problem.

As soon as I get time, I'll try another main cable as you say. I think I have one somewhere.

I agree it can be confusing. It is important not to make assumptions at this point and approach it methodically. It can be tedious as well, but in the end you should have a better idea of what works and what doesn't, helping you pin down the problem. You say the volume of the right DSP33 doesn't change when the processor does. That could definitely be comms. I'm no expert, just passing on what I have previously learned about troubleshooting.

Regards,

Wayne

ps Try setting Right as main and L as slave and see what happens.

I have someone coming over tomorrow to help. That said, I did unplug everything and pulled out comm cables and did my Meridian voodoo dance. I just left the left and right speakers on. Turned on a Oppo, both speakers work but NO control over volume. Loud and neither remote or G61 knob will change the volume. With TV running speakers make noise but it sounds like I'm in a time warp. Volume changes and funky sound. The voulme knob does nothing. It has a life of it's own.