Speaker Rattle

[Woochifer]

Those sounds are probably below the tuned port frequency for your speakers. Once the sounds go below that level, the drivers "unload" because the back pressure that dampens the driver movement for frequencies above the tuned frequency are no longer there. This means that unless the speaker has a rumble filter on the crossover, the low frequency signal content below the tuned frequency will create uncontrolled driver movement.

The rattling that you hear might be the driver bottoming out. It might be more noticeable on your Wharfedales because those low frequencies are probably closer to the lower limits of what those drivers can handle than with your B&Ws (with the B&Ws, they might be far enough from the lower limits of the driver that the low frequency content does not create the kind of uncontrolled movement that you get with the Wharfedales). Rattling can also occur with poorly braced cabinets or manufacturing defects.

[ninetynine]

I just noticed this on one song with very low frequency and it was heard when playing a boomy type of thrump sound. I tried playing some dance music also and it seems fine!

[bfalls]

The sound may also be something loose inside the speaker which may be worth checking out before taking in for repair. I would check the xover board and the bass port (if applicable). Both may be loose and un-noticable at lower volumes, but rattle when bass levels increase. When I've heard voice coils bottom out before it sounded like more of a "pop" than a rattle. Also press in evenly on the woofer's cone and listen for scratching which is a good indicator of a blown voice coil.

[ninetynine]

nope no sounds heard when pressing on the woofer cone. How do you check the xover board and the bass port ? What about tightening the screws around the woofer with an alan key?

[bfalls]

You can usually get to the xover by removing the woofer. I believe the Warfdales are bass-reflex, so you shouldn't have to worry about replacing a gasket. There may also be some insulating material inside the cabinet. The xover is usually on the back panel connected to the binding posts.

[Florian]

I have had the internal speaker wire hit one of the subwoofers on my other VMPS RM30. Some companys just dont put them away or glue them to the sides. Make sure the wire doesnt hit the cone!

[Lensman]

It's also possible part of the surround on the bass driver of that speaker has come loose or there might be a slight tear in it. Sometimes it can take a flashlight and some careful looking to see.