This site is a collection of information regarding the repair of Kef subwoofers models PSW1000, 2000, 2010, 2500 and Celestion models S8, S10.
These models all share the same basic design and its problems. Newer models are completely different and I have little or no knowledge of them.
On this site, I will try to provide you with enough information to repair your faulty Kef PSW.
If however, you are not an electronics enthusiast, I can certainly carry out a very professional repair (on the above models only) a lot cheaper and faster than elsewhere in the UK.
Typical total costs including return courier (Jan 2013).
Buzzing relay fault, £28.
No output – full amp modifications, £32
Please look at my Terms & Conditions then contact me using the “Contact” link on the site banner and I will send full details.
All original documents on this site are published under the Creative commons Attribution Licence
The small print: You do not have to register to post a comment but all are moderated to prevent Spam. Comments, updates or additional information is always welcome. This site has no connection whatsoever with Kef, GP Acoustics or any other commercial enterprise. If you find a page useful then please click the “Thanks” button on that page. If you find a problem or mistake then please contact me. Thanks for visiting this site. Frank.
Ref Kef Subwoofer repair C52. Totally brilliant, had the problem after putting sub in storage for a while, about o rush out to replace and thought I may as well try this fix.
Great instructions and it all worked first time, now back to deep bass heaven.
Can’t thank you enough.
Richard
I’ll second that! I’ve just done the repair after worrying that I wouldn’t have the skills to solder capacitors to a circuit board, but it was as easy as making a cup of tea!
You’ve saved me an absolute fortune – THANKS!!
I cannot recommend Frank’s repair service highly enough. The quality of workmanship and advice is second to none, and most importantly all for a very reasonable price!
Instead of wondering if my Kef sub will switch on, I now have peace of mind because of the modifications/upgrade that Frank has carried out
Thanks
Mark
After falling foul of the dreaded ‘Dead KEF PSW Subwoofer’ issue, I was considering shelling out for a replacement Sub, when I cam across this invaluable website. After contacting Frank and establishing the fault, the part was shipped out, repaired in quicktime and on it’s way back within 24hrs. Not only was the downtime brief, but the cost of his expert repair left any and every other option face down in the dust.
Thank you a million times and more…
Neil.
Came across your site while looking for hints on what was causing the buzzing relay issue on my Kef Sub and following your instructions I resolved the issue for just a few pounds ! Thank you for thinking of others and taking the time to produce the step by step instructions. Thanks Andy
I will tell you my history and how i fixed it for best reliability :
I got a kef kit for my parents with a PSW2000 on 2001.
It was always powered on in auto standby until it died with buzing relay in 2005. At that time it was serviced under warranty at kef and got the regular mods from them (Q11,Q13 and relocated power resistors).
I leaved it powered on until in 2009 when it started not to go in standby, led always green, line in got amplyfied but gave some low frequency random crackling noises a litle fantasmagoric.
We thoght it was noise coming from the neighbour for a month until i discover it was the subwoofer. LOL!
By 2009 now out of warranty, got the schematics and decided to fix the sub from overheating:
– I’d replaced all electrolitic caps on the sub.
– Removed R141, R142,R143,R144 completly.
– Added a new small -18-0-18 dc unregulated transformer to power the low voltage side.
– Injected voltage to Vin’s of 7815 and 7915.
– Got standby signal from AF/OUT pin on connector CN1 to activate a new relay via a new npn transistor that switches mains to power transformer when out of standby.
No more overheating, back pannel was always cool.
When singal is detected it switches on, and powers off main transformer when not. A real standby.
It was good for 3 months when the low frequency random crackling noises started again.
I’ve traced the random noises to an overheating BA4560. Replaced it and it has been working since then with real auto standby feature.
Last week i bought an used kef kit with the same broken sub for me and did the same mods!
If only there were more people around like Frank! Thank you so much for your super repair and kind hospitality. We are so quick to ‘dump and replace’ these days and it is just so refreshing to find someone who goes against this mindset. Cannot recommend highly enough!
My PSW 2500 was DOA, sent it to Frank not knowing what the problem was apart from a destroyed relay. 24 hours after I sent it out broken it was returned fixed modified and tested. Additional problems he found were fixed along with a full mod. (£35)
My KEF 2500 is now a FJ-PSW2500
After some excellent instructions for preliminary checks, I sent my subwoofer to frank, it was sent back to me in fully working order the next day. The service/work is impeccable – I would definitely recommend his service.
A full supporting document of the tests/work carried out was sent to me with the sub…
The cheap prices defiantly don’t match the excellent service provided.
Much appreciated
Frank you are a genius. My KEF PSW2010 packed up just out of guarantee (the very common amplifier hum caused by leaving in standby mode) and KEF were no help at all unless I paid them a small fortune. The sub was consigned to the loft for several years and then I found your web site.
Absolutely brilliant-fault diagnosed, repair offered and completed in 24 hours and returned in perfect working order all for less than £30.00
I cannot praise highly enough and suggest KEF could learn a thing or two from you!
Many thanks
Steve Smith
Wow brilliant service, perfect repair of two faults, and upgraded parts fitted to make it more resiliant, P&P prtompt & secure. The best repair service I have ever recieved, I wish all were like you.
Thanks again Adam
Well done Frank! Thank you so much for all your help.
I’m so please I found your site and that you were were able to help.
I would recommend you and your services unreservedly.
Thanks again,
Mick
Frank thanks so much for your help not just with the overhaul of the KEF PSW 2500, but also in the way that you chased up the item through the postal service from Australia. The unit arrived back in Australia within 5 days of leaving the UK. I had read all the comments regarding the repairs and can say that I made the best decision to send it to you. The remuneration for your expertise is minimal and I can say that I am glad to know that there are people like you in the world today.
My PSW2000 sub has been dead for some time with me assuming it was maybe the amp. A bit of investigation then had me looking around for a new sub woofer until I happened upon Frank’s site. I sent the amp board to him on Monday and it was fixed and returned Friday of the same week! Outstandingly good service and I now have my surround sound back and working all for around £30!!!!!
Frank is a species of angel. My PSW 2000 subwoofer is pretty ancient and has been malfunctioning for several years. I had it ‘professionally repaired’ before and the job was botched. Frank has repaired it, improved it – now fully functioning, at a cost, beyond carriage and parts, of £10 (total cost £60 – but much less than the £400 I was looking at spending on a new sub). He does this because – I imagine – he enjoys it. What a great bloke! Thank you!