How to Fix a Z-2300 Speaker

Test the sound upon affirming a successful power connection. If you still lack audio, check that the 1/8-inch TRS cable that connects the speakers to the green jack on the computer is secure. The TRS cable leads from the wired remote control. Make sure the wired remote control’s D-sub plug is connected to the rear of the subwoofer.

Make sure both speakers are plugged into their respective ports on the rear of the subwoofer, labeled “L” and “R.”

Click “Start” followed by “Control Panel” on your computer. Click “Sounds and Audio” followed by the “Volume” tab. Make sure the volume is not muted. Click “Audio” followed by “Sound Playback” and ensure you have selected your computer’s sound card as the default playback device.

Unplug the speakers and subwoofer from the computer and any power source. Insert the flat edge of a plastic spudger between the subwoofer housing and the retaining ring that holds the subwoofer. Work your way around the perimeter of the subwoofer until the retaining ring pops from its place. Remove the ring and look for any physical damage to the cone and dust cap. If you encounter physical damage, you must replace the subwoofer cone and dust cap to maintain sound quality.

Insert the flat end of the plastic spudger where the speaker grill meets its insertion point on the speaker housing. Gently pry it up and insert a finger in the gap. Work your way around the perimeter of the speaker grill. You will release a total eight plastic retaining clips for each speaker. Inspect the speakers as you did with the subwoofers, looking for any visible damage to the cone or dust cap on each. Again, if you encounter physical damage to the speakers you must replace the cone and dust cap.

Unplug the speaker components from each other and the computer and disconnect the power. Remove the four screws securing the mid-range speaker in its box with a No. 2 Phillips screwdriver. If replacing the subwoofer cone, remove the 12 screws securing it with a No. 2 Phillips screwdriver.

Insert a utility knife half an inch deep at the point where the speaker cone meets the speaker box. Cut around the perimeter of the cone with the utility knife and pull the cone back until the lead wires are exposed.

Snip the lead wires one inch from their terminals on the speaker coil. Cut through the spider with the utility knife. The spider is similar in appearance to the large speaker cone, only smaller in diameter. It is attached to the speaker frame.

Remove the cone assembly from the faulty speaker. Insert the utility knife one-quarter inch under the speaker gasket. Work the utility knife around the perimeter of the speaker gasket and remove the gasket. Trim any excess gasket from the speaker.

Apply a thin layer of acetone thinner where you removed the gasket and spider. Scrape any remaining adhesive used to secure the gasket to the speaker frame with the flat end of a plastic spudger.

Apply a small amount of acetone to a lint-free cloth and clean the area from which you scraped the adhesive. Remove the two lead wires coming from the cone from their terminals on the speaker coil.

Apply a thin layer of mild adhesive, supplied with the speaker replacement kit, over the areas where you removed the gasket and spider. Insert the spider in its location in the speaker.

Insert the replacement cone, referred to as a recone, in the position formerly held by the faulty cone. Ensure the lead wires from the recone line up with the lead wires you previously removed. Run the flat edge of the plastic spudger around the perimeter of the cone where it sets above the adhesive. This contributes to an ideal seal and removes air bubbles. Do the same with the spider, but a finger works better than the spudger when pressing the spider in its place in the adhesive.

Allow 15 minutes for the adhesive to set. Apply a bead of adhesive to the underside of the replacement gasket and set it in its place on the speaker. Position the replacement dust cap in the center of the recone and trace around it with a pencil.

Apply a thin line of adhesive over the line you drew. Position the dust cap over the adhesive and press it in place. Apply another thin line of adhesive between the edge of the dust cap and the speaker cone. Connect the two lead wires leading from the cone to their terminals on the speaker coil.