Bx 5 monitor problem

[max current]

I have a set of bx 5's....they've served me long and well, but one of them has finally failed me. A buzz has developed and it is present in both the hi and low drivers, and audio is crackling in both as well.....anyone have a tip as to what component has failed? Gotta be in power supply 'cuz it buzzes with no input.....? I have used different power cords with no difference....any ideas?

[moocow]

I have the same problem :^(

(I just joined the forum to see if others had issues)

Is there a fix for this ? I cannot afford new ones! (I just purchased the Xponent!)

[JA]

It could be bad capacitors. If you open the speakers, check to see if any of the capacitors look puffy.

[slcidea]

I had crackle problem in a pair of BX5A and the problem was caused by leaky filter capacitors used in the power supply section of the board. There are two large 6800 uf/ 25V caps that appear to fail in these monitors. Sounds like a common problem based on all the complaints on the threads. You can buy replacement from Digikey for about $2/each and replace them and more than likely your problem will be solved. In my case I actually noticed some of the black electrolyte leaking from the bottom of the cap once I desoldered them from the board. Sometimes you may even get a loud AC hum when the unit is turned on if the cap is completely blown (open). When the cap is open the unfiltered rectified AC is heard through the speakers. When it's partially failed then you get the crackle on audio peaks. Hope this helps everyone that's been having this problem. Sounds to me like a quality issue with M-Audio. They probably built several units with a batch of bad caps that don't last that long.

[plasmatopia]

I could be wrong, but I think it's more a quality issue with the particular brand of capacitor used. A few years ago there were lots of issue with computer motherboards having swollen/leaky electrolytic caps. And one of my coworkers has had similar problems with capacitors in the computer in his car.

[Steve Oakley]

I just opened up one of my 4 BX5a's. one PS cap is swollen so I know they need to be replaced, but the transformer itself is not putting out anything. checked every which way and all I get is .1V at best. is the transformer replaceable as in I can get a new one ? otherwise I think I'll just gut the electronics out, get a cheap crossover and use it as a passive speaker in another room.

[JA]

You can order a replacement transformer or other parts directly from our repairs department, Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm, Pacific Time. Call 626-633-9055, press 2 at any time to bypass the introduction message, and then press 2 for replacement parts.

[Steve Oakley]

thanks ! its very cool you guys will sell parts for stuff. all too many times its either get an entire board / assembly, or just toss the unit because its beyond economical repair all due to a part thats often pretty cheap.

[patbono]

In 2006 and 2007 we buyed 5 pairs of Bx5 and Bx8 speakers to use in Avid editing suites. On 10 speakers, 8 of them did the buzz problem until now. So It confirm that there is a reliability and construction problem. Some of them were changed under warranty, some I did pay for repair. But the last 2 defective speakers still on my desk asking myself if I'm gonna pay again for repair or buy new ones from other brand. M-audio should have made a recall for this line in my point of view... 8 of 10 speakers defective... 2 more to go...

[Richard Sweat]

There are two large 6800 uf/ 25V caps that appear to fail in these monitors. Sounds like a common problem based on all the complaints on the threads. You can buy replacement from Digikey for about $2/each and replace them and more than likely your problem will be solved.

Sorry if this is a question that I could answer myself, I just want to get it right the first time.

I went on the Digikey site you mentioned to order some of those capacitors due to my right monitor crappin out on me, but when i search for 6800uf 25v caps I get soooo many search results.

I don't know much about the component side of everything so I just want to order it right. A buddy of mine that works on computers is going to do the labor for me, I just have to order the proper parts.

Can you or anyone help me with more specifics than 6800uf /25v? I'd hate to waste time and money with the incorrect parts.