I have an old computer speaker setup assembled from various hand-me-down parts. Recently, the right subwoofer input became intermittent, then stopped sending any signal. I also damaged the right speaker's connector while trying to adjust it, although I already know which replacement connector I would need.
The system is branded with a blue logo showing a lowercase "i" and uppercase "P," along with the words "IPSOINFO Information Technologies." I can't find any useful information about the company or this speaker model, and I'd like to identify the original manufacturer or find guidance for opening the subwoofer and repairing the damaged RCA input. Does anyone recognize this brand or know what I should check?
4 Answers
The speaker drivers themselves are passive parts, so a disconnected wire at the terminals can stop one speaker from working. The internal wire can usually be resoldered, but avoid relying on tape as a permanent repair. First test the cables and speakers separately so you don’t open the powered subwoofer unnecessarily.
The fault may be much simpler than the brand suggests. A loose wire, cracked solder joint, or damaged RCA jack inside the subwoofer could cause the right channel to cut out completely. If the speaker itself works when connected to the other channel, the input jack or its solder connections are likely the problem. A qualified repair technician could replace the jack without needing documentation for the original brand.
IPSOINFO seems to have been a small Italian computer brand that sold or rebranded inexpensive hardware around the early 2000s. The company appears to be long gone, so you may not find a manual or teardown for this exact system. Look for an OEM model number, circuit-board marking, or part number inside only if you can do so safely.
Be very careful about opening the subwoofer. The warning on the back is serious: powered speakers can contain capacitors that retain a dangerous charge after the unit has been unplugged. Unless you understand mains-powered audio equipment and know how to discharge and test capacitors safely, replacing the whole system is the safer option.
I’m still tempted to inspect it, but I’ll avoid opening it until I understand the risks and the correct procedure.