Subwoofer Popping?

Answered
Christopher Glenn

Hi - I have a Bluesound Powernode hooked up to a KEF KC62 subwoofer and KEF LS50 Meta speakers. About a month ago, I noticed that there was a loud "popping" sound coming out of the subwoofer whenever I switched inputs on the Powernode. There is also a low-level hiss/static seemingly coming out of the subwoofer. Any ideas of what might be happening? I am worried that my subwoofer is getting damaged, so I have unplugged it for now. Thank you

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Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • Official comment
    Tony W.
    Product Support Manager

    We are aware of it - it will not damage your subwoofer or speakers. it is caused by the digital buffer clearing when you change sample rates on content (CD to hi-res, hi-res to MP3). We hear about KEFs a lot and suspect the KEF impedance is amplifying or ignoring the attempts at software muting on the POWERNODE. 

  • Christopher Glenn

    Thanks - is there a way to address this? I'd note that this wasn't an issue before the most recent software update. Thanks again

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  • Paris Gleeson
    • Edited

    I have a similar issue. The subwoofer makes a popping noise when changing channels (or switching between shows in Netflix or Disney+) on a TV connected via aARC. My subwoofer is an SVS 3000 Micro.

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  • Lucky

    Still the same here (after 2.5 years). Using a Klipsch sub on Powernode n330.

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  • Luciano Merighi

    My Nad C3050LE sub woofer output connected to a B&W ASW610, does the same pop noise at any sample rate change. The loudness of pop is constant, luckily not so high but still annoying. Nad support told me they aware of but can't say when a fix will be released. 

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  • Alain DW
    Lossless

    B&W ASW610 user myself, with Node2 and Cambridge CXA61. No popping or otherwise.

    I don't use subwoofer outputs on either, only the pre amp out on the CXA.

    As the B&W can be fine tuned for your speakers, independent of the Node/ ampli, I prefer this route and thus avoid the problems described.

     

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  • Luciano Merighi
    • Edited

    Since I prefer filtering speakers below 80Hz (Kef LS50 meta) i have to enable and use the dedicated subwoofer output. Once filter is set on, the C3050LE doesn't have an alternative full bass extended output to send to subwoofer. Another possible workaround would be a subwoofer (or better two) doing the high pass filtering too but they aren't so common.

    In the meantime, let's hope in the future upgrade... 

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  • Joshua Thompson

    Are we any closer to a fix for this powernode sub out buffer clearing issue? The pop is LOUD with any source change or sample rate change between song titles. It’s embarrassing to explain this to guests I host. Should be a priority issue at this point.

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  • mb5000

    I know this was posted 5 months ago but I wouldn't hold your breath, they're focused on the new shiny stuff. My request for a resolution to this has been sat with them for nigh on 2 years now. I'd be interested to learn if the 2025 model elicits the same problem. Also, Tony didn't provide any ETA or say whether a fix is in the offing. Tell-tale sign this issue will be buried.

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  • Luciano Merighi

    Yes it still pops... 

    I've learned to live with it; fortunately, it's kept at a constant volume and not too loud. Meanwhile, other "little problems" have arisen, some resolved, others still pending. It seems the C3050LE is a bit unlucky with the Dirac...

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  • David R

    Having the exact same issue. ASW608 and CE3050. Almost every time a song is skipped or when the new song starts, a clear and semi-loud *POP*.

     

    Really annoying. Also, very strange that a low ánd high-pass filter is forced in the BluOS app. Even though the manual clearly states that a full range output signal is sent to the connected subwoofer.

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