Audio Systems: speaker problem, dcm speakers, right speaker

Question
I have an ONKYO amplifier that I got about 11 years ago.  I am using a pair of DCM speakers (I have no idea how good they are, a friend gave them to me.)  For years they have worked fine, but recently when I first turn on the amp to listen to music only the right speaker works.  You might here a peep out of the left here and there but thats it.  The way I get the left to work is to crank the volume up then suddently, boom, the left springs to life and all is good.  I've checked connections and so forth to troubleshoot.  Any ideas as to what is happening?

Thanks, Reid

Answer
Dear Reid,

Could be one of the speakers or the amp. Best way to check is to switch the speakers. If the same *channel* acts up, it's the amplifier. If the same *speaker* malfunctions, it's the speaker.

After that I'd have the culprit bench tested for shorts and loose wiring.

Kindest regards,

Kevin