Computer Speakers

[ESCAPIS]

I have had the above speakers for a good 10 years and never let me down, till now.

The sound is playing then suddenly stops, then resume, and the cycle recommence randomly.

Is this the end of service and I should start looking into a new system, or is it something that can easily be fixed by a competent electricians?

If it can be fixed, what should I ask about in Thai?

If it can't does anyone have some recommendations based on use?

[RichCor]

You should try and pinpoint what subsystem the issue is in.

Computer? Try plugging a pair of headphones or earphones into the computer sound output. Is the sound consistent, or does it cut out.

Similarly, try plugging the speaker system into another sound output source (smartphone, DVD Player, etc) see if the issue is consistent.

When the speaker sound cuts out, is it absolutely dead silence or is there still amplifier noise in the background

Does the unit have variable setting knobs and switches? Can you actuate them in hope of cleaning or clearing metal contacts. (Turn knobs up/dn quickly, push buttons quickly)

Is this possibly a 'cable' issue, where the cable is frayed and causing connectivity issues.

If it's a cherished piece of kit then you can try locating an electronics technician that repairs similar stereo electronics and TVs.

Otherwise, it may be cheaper/quicker to replace the unit with something of similar design and capabilities.

[ESCAPIS]

RichCor,

Thank you for your reply.

I tried the speakers with 4 different equipments: iPhone, 2 LCD TV and 2 Apple minis,, and it displayed the same symptoms.

The sound disappears completely (dead silence), not a single whisper, then somehow, reconnects again.

[RichCor]

If this is an Altec Lansing FX6021 2.1 Stereo + Woofer Speaker System then check to see if the CONTROLLER CABLE can be unplugged and plugged back in.

Similar to the variable knobs and position switched, the metal contact points on the plug-in connections oxidize/corrode over time and make it difficult for signals to cross over the barrier. Removing and reinserting the plug can sometimes help make a better connection.

A person on another forum posted they had sound issues with their unit and found:

"I have an Altec Lansing ACS340 speaker system with sub-woofer connected to my pc. I've had issues with the speaker volume changing and or putting out no sound at all.

We've been limping along for months by jiggling the 9-pin speaker output cable until the sound would come back. I finally spent time today trying to figure out the problem.
Due to frequent accidental bumps by feet against the cable connector, most of the solder joints where the female end of the connector is soldered into the circuit board inside the sub-woofer box had been broken loose. I had to look very closely at each pin to see where the solder joint had cracked.

The issue was fixed by re-soldering each of the pins."

Otherwise, it sounds like the power or amplifier board is failing.

I'd recommend you start looking at costs for a like replacement unit, vs the cost of having an electronics tech troubleshoot and repair the one you have.

[ESCAPIS]

I think yours is a sound advice, I lack the skills of soldering or even identifying what is what, and I will start researching a new suitable system.

Thank you for your help and effort.

Cheers