I've had the Sunfire subwoofer as part of my system for about ten years and has done a great job. Something seems to be wrong now though and hopefully one of you can guide me. I don't get the popping sound when turning the system on but I do get an annoying 'pop'/'thud' on certain sound tracks whether it be from television or CD. Some signals produce great sounding music whereas other signals produce this annoying sound, even at low volume. In fact it goes away when I crank up the volume, it's like the lower volume isn't making the sub work hard enough. It's tough to explain but it's not a natural bass sound, it's not smooth but a 'thud'. What's most annoying is when watching regular tv and having to put up with this sound, it's all I concentrate on.

Any ideas on what could be causing it and solution other than upgrading for now would be very much appreciated.

I've had the Sunfire subwoofer as part of my system for about ten years and has done a great job. Something seems to be wrong now though and hopefully one of you can guide me. I don't get the popping sound when turning the system on but I do get an annoying 'pop'/'thud' on certain sound tracks whether it be from television or CD. Some signals produce great sounding music whereas other signals produce this annoying sound, even at low volume. In fact it goes away when I crank up the volume, it's like the lower volume isn't making the sub work hard enough. It's tough to explain but it's not a natural bass sound, it's not smooth but a 'thud'. What's most annoying is when watching regular tv and having to put up with this sound, it's all I concentrate on.

Any ideas on what could be causing it and solution other than upgrading for now would be very much appreciated.

Are you saying you get this noise at the exact same point in a movie or at the exact same poin in music?


It seems like you are experiencing a partial amp failure. I think Sunfire charges $450 flat rate to fix their subs.

Sorry I can't think of any work-around for your problem. Maybe someone else can come up with something that will work for you.

Thanks for the response. It's random, I spent a couple of hours last night playing with crossover settings, phase control, large/small speaker settings etc. and it's improved. I think I will see if anyone else has any suggestions. I'm not going to pay to get the sub checked/repaired, instead put the money toward an eventual new sub.

Did you change anything electrically? I'm not just talking in your audio system, a new refrig, stove, etc? I have seen this problem pop up (ouch, no pun intended) with older houses or poorly wired houses and high current draw appliances, although I do suspect that pending amp failure is more likely.

Your woofer coil may be rubbing against the pole piece. This is very evident during low excursions.... I have had a similar issue with their subs.. back in 1998. The woofer's glue gives when the coil reaches high temps...

No new appliances. The sub sounds great when at full steam, it's just when listening at low volume. Fortunately I like it loud but can't always do it when others are around.

Your woofer coil may be rubbing against the pole piece. This is very evident during low excursions.... I have had a similar issue with their subs.. back in 1998. The woofer's glue gives when the coil reaches high temps...


The woofer coil rubbing against the pole piece sounds logical since the sound the OP is hearing seems to be masked at higher listening levels.

I know that once you hear this kind of thing it is always in the back of your mind, however, if you can hang in with the Sunfire for at least another month or two, you will have additional choices. Specifically, Epik. They have been waiting for parts for a while now.

At some point that wait should be over and you will have lots of choices if you are going to replace the Sunfire.

I've had two sunfires, and they BOTH broke.....too bad, as the idea of these subs were cool. I've since then forgot about my sunfire signature and bought an Epik Tower;)

Thanks, for now I'll keep it cranked up which will achieve two things, elimiate 'thud' and should drown out the wife's complaining.

Happy new year everyone :)