I think, after further testing, that I might have two problems. Here's why:
1. plug lead from R chan into L speaker (one w/o control pod) - sounds good.
2. plug lead from R chan into R speaker (one with control pod) - sounds poor
3. plug lead from L chan into either speaker - poor/no sound at all
So I'm thinking I have a bad R satellite (could be the 1/8" plug, internal crossover, etc...) and some problem with the L chan of the subwoofer's internal amplifier (poor connection inside those spring-loaded terminals, the amp itself, etc...). Sound reasonable ?