Replace Amp or Replace Sub?

[Polygon]

So, I have a BIC VK 12 currently and the dang thing is blowing fuses. Pulled the Amp and I can see no visible damage to any of the components and I see no shorts. My options are to replace the amp which I'm guessing will cost me at least $120 plus shipping, or I can replace the sub all together.

I ask because I've not had a good experience with subs. This thing isn't very old and doesn't have a ton of use on it. Also, I never thought it sounded that great despite the raving reviews. Thank goodness I didn't pay $500 for it. I don't really have much money to spend right now but I don't want to spend $120 or more and have the amp go out again in a short period of time.

Now I look on Amazon and see a Velodyne Impact 12 for a hair under $300. Possibly could any Velodyne owners chime in? I already know that comparing a BIC to a Velodyne is a joke, but I've never seen a Velodyne in this price range before.

Any help is appreciated.

[Billy13]

Originally Posted by Polygon

Also, I never thought it sounded that great despite the raving reviews.

If this is the case, I wouldn't bother with replacing the amp. What would be the point?

I've owned some older Velodyne models (2 CT-120's, a CT-150, & a VRP-1200) They were all pretty good subwoofers. I can't speak for the new models, but I imagine they still make a quality product.

Have you contemplated buying pre-owned? I'm not sure what your area has to offer, but if it has a good selection, sometimes waiting can be quite beneficial.

[Polygon]

Yeah, I mean it's not bad. It was a decent entry level sub. Blew the Dayton it replaced, but then again... But you're right. Not much of point replacing the amp. I just assume it will last about as long and I still won't be really satisfied with the sound.

My dad has a newer Velodyne and it's lasted quite a while. It's a mid level sub and it sounds pretty good, a lot better than my BIC did. I think he's had it for about 10 years, problem free. While my BIC lasted four years or light use.

I did just take a look locally and most of it is car audio subs, crap subs, and HTIB subs. The few decent subs listed, they're asking retail, which is the case for most stuff around here.

How about any suggestions in the $300 price range?

[Gravy4547]

I haven't been in the sub market for quite some time, but it seemed like $500 was the dividing line between good sub with good parts and cheap sub with cheap parts. Maybe that's changed now, you'll have to do some research.

If you can't plunk down 5 bills for a quality sub, you may want to consider a cheapie to hold you over and let your system mature a bit before you make a big sub investment.

[DavePS3]

I can speak from experience, to say that many times, replacing the amp can be a great choice. This is primarily due to running changes on the 'cheap-ish' amps most subs have built into them. If you look at Definitive Tech' subs as an example, most in the past, have had a high-level and low-level amp inside them and the replacement subs were better constructed than the originals. There were often flaws in these digital amplifiers that were corrected after the subs were on the market for at least 6 months. These flaws never showed up on initial tests but grew as the months went by.

If you decide against this, which is certainly reasonable, look at the PSB SUB125. Awesome little sub that doesn't typically over-modulate. This should fit within your budget. PSB's SUB200 is bigger and runs closer to the 400 to 500.00 mark but the 125 should hit right around 300.00 U.S.

[Polygon]

Originally Posted by Gravy4547

I haven't been in the sub market for quite some time, but it seemed like $500 was the dividing line between good sub with good parts and cheap sub with cheap parts. Maybe that's changed now, you'll have to do some research.

If you can't plunk down 5 bills for a quality sub, you may want to consider a cheapie to hold you over and let your system mature a bit before you make a big sub investment.

The nice think about the Velodyne I'm looking at is that it's about $500 but this dealer is selling it for $300, new. The only catch is if the dealer is an authorized dealer. They claim they are. I'm just going to verify with Velodyne first. I'm done with cheap subs. If I have to spend more it's worth it. My fust sub was a cheap Dayton. Went through three amps. This one was $300. They're cheap, not inexpensive. Had I spent $500 or more at the start, I imagine I'd still be using that sub. If I have to save more, then so be it.

Originally Posted by DavePS3

I can speak from experience, to say that many times, replacing the amp can be a great choice. This is primarily due to running changes on the 'cheap-ish' amps most subs have built into them. If you look at Definitive Tech' subs as an example, most in the past, have had a high-level and low-level amp inside them and the replacement subs were better constructed than the originals. There were often flaws in these digital amplifiers that were corrected after the subs were on the market for at least 6 months. These flaws never showed up on initial tests but grew as the months went by.

If you decide against this, which is certainly reasonable, look at the PSB SUB125. Awesome little sub that doesn't typically over-modulate. This should fit within your budget. PSB's SUB200 is bigger and runs closer to the 400 to 500.00 mark but the 125 should hit right around 300.00 U.S.

I had looked into doing that before I posted and I came to the conclusion that I don' think the enclosure is all that great and neither is the driver. I'd just rather invest in a better all around package then a really good amp in a mediocre package.

And thanks for the suggestions. I'll have to look into those.

[Gravy4547]

Another thing to consider is when you buy a bigger sub with a beefier amp, you don't have to run them as hot to get the desired result. And this will add to its lifespan.

I am not an electrical engineer, but it seems to be common sense that if you run a 300W amp at 30-40% gain will probably take less punishment than running a 150W amp at 80-90% gain.

As for Velodyne, I have had good experiences with them. I run an Epik Legend now, but before ran a 20 year old Velodyne. The amp never gave out but the paper woofer fell apart eventually. I could have replaced the woofer but it had all this servo-mumbo-jumbo for the mid 90's and the Epik Legend looked and sounded so freaking cool.

[Polygon]

Originally Posted by Gravy4547

Another thing to consider is when you buy a bigger sub with a beefier amp, you don't have to run them as hot to get the desired result. And this will add to its lifespan.

I am not an electrical engineer, but it seems to be common sense that if you run a 300W amp at 30-40% gain will probably take less punishment than running a 150W amp at 80-90% gain.

As for Velodyne, I have had good experiences with them. I run an Epik Legend now, but before ran a 20 year old Velodyne. The amp never gave out but the paper woofer fell apart eventually. I could have replaced the woofer but it had all this servo-mumbo-jumbo for the mid 90's and the Epik Legend looked and sounded so freaking cool.

That a pretty good point. But the Impact 12 is rated at 165 RMS and I think almost 300 peak. The BIC VK-12 claims 1000 peak from it's BASH amp. Which I assume is something like digital zoom. It's a misrepresentation. But I assume the box design and amp are better on the Volodyne which should give me better bass without having to turn up the gain as much.

I looked at some of the Epic subs and I must say I'm impressed. I wish I could audition one. A lot of people are talking about them, and not jusst reviewers. But I bit the bullet and bought the Impact 12. Got it for $300 on Amazon. They normally sell for $500. I'm still thinking there's going to be a catch but they said they're an authorized Velodyne deal and it comes with a full warranty. So, if they're full of crap I'll do a charge back.

Hopefully I can sell this BIC for about $40 for parts.

[longhornsk57]

yeah definitely just replace the sub, really no point in spending that much cash in just the amp, plus you would get a full warranty on a new sub.

[Polygon]

Yeah, I ended up replacing it with the Impact 12. I even managed to sell the BIC as broken locally for $30.