HT-RT4 Home Cinema System

[Rene_4691]

Devastated to learn that my new system, commissioned only yesterday {17/04/21 ), has an acknowledged shortcoming via the intrusively noisy sub woofer cooling fan.This noise can be heard 8 metres distant & significantly affects audio reproduction/quality.This is totally unacceptable & dependent on Sony's reaction will likely be returned to AO, who have been exemplary in their response.

To compound my frustration, Sony's Warranty Registration process does not recognize this product.Why would i complete my intended purchase of the Bravia KD43XH9196 TV ?

[IamNic]

Hello @Rene_4691,

have you checked online whether there is a guide on how to clean the inside of the cooling channel? Overly loud cooling fans (on Notebooks, Consoles...) are almost always a result of dust and dirt and rarely because of a broken heat-sensor inside the device.

Maybe you can clean a heatsink and reduce the fanspeed to previous levels easily with the right guide.

- Nic

[Rene_4691]

Hi Nic,

Thanks for your response. Regrettably, the system is brand new, commissioned only on Sat 17/04/21.Whilst there are plenty of posts to what i would describe as a design issue, Sony do not recognize this as a wide problem.They recommend taking it to a service centre for checking.I have spoken to the service team over the phone & we have jointy agreed that this is not a mechanical fault.I note a subscriber to Youtube offers detailed pics. on how to remove the fan.Doesn't sound terribly sensible.

Thanks, Ron

[Joe_Dohn]

Have you thought of getting it replaced by AO in case this issue is specifically with the one you have (also since you're probably still within your return/replacement window)?

[IamNic]

Hello @Rene_4691,

I was not aware that this happened to a new unit.

Let's see what the Sony service will do to rectify the issue.

- Nic

[Rene_4691]

Hi Joe,

Thanks for response.I have not proceeded with the invitation by Sony to visit the Specialist for several reasons.

 1) I believe the  intrusive noise is due to the sheer volume of air being moved by the fan.Air flow is always cool.It may be that the fan is over spec or too powerful.It is not thermostatically controlled.

2) I have discussed this by phone with the service engineer & agree that the fan is not likely to be mechanically defective.To confirm this i would need to complete 2 x 50 mile round trips.

3) I am currently trying to be objective & not concentrate on this during viewing over the next few days.Punchline ; This kit is supposed to enhance TV  enjoyment.

I take your point about swapping thro' AO, but my confidence is low & this is already becoming a chore.This is a measure that Sony should have offered.The burden should not be shouldered by AO.

I will probably make a decision in the next few days whether or not to Return the System.Not impressed with Sony thusfar.

Thanks again for your support.Regards, Ron

[Joe_Dohn]

I see what you mean but Sony doesn't have a warehouse and the sales contract is with AO, so while it seems roundabout, it is how the partnership works between manufacturer (Sony) and the store partners (AO).

It was way simpler when Sony used to sell directly, but I don't even remember when that was now.

I hope you end up tuning that sound out and enjoying your system as I've heard great things about it.

- JD

[Rene_4691]

Hi JD,

Thanks for that.Regret,not optimistic.

Regards, Ron

[Joe_Dohn]

I know what you mean, but I'm crossing my fingers for you either way!

Do let us know how things pan out or if you need any help ^^

- JD

[Rene_4691]

Hi JD,

Thanks for your interest & continuing support.I regret that i have made the decision to return the System to AO which i will action on Monday.I am unable to mitigate the level of fan noise intrusion .Unfortunately, given the restrictive nature of Sony's Business Model , there is no room for specific part replacement or upgrade for a specific part.

I note also that this particular issue has been attributed to previous models of Home Cinema sub woofers as far back as 2016.

I had been looking closely @  a new Bravia for my dining room.Time for a rethink.

Criticism of Sony aside, many thanks for your comments.

Best regards, Ron