What do I look for in a used sub? Do all subs bottom out?

[PlasmaMan]

I have seen several subs on Craigslist. BIC America is a good budget sub from what all I read. F12, V1220. But I refuse to buy anymore subs without hearing them. I have been burned before.

When I go to hear the sub, when should I hear the flapping noise? Never? Do they all do that when the bass hz is super low (for a given sub)?

If I put in War of the Worlds, should the sub start flapping, buzzing, whatever, if I turn the sound on the receiver up?

Thanks.

[Billy13]

Originally Posted by PlasmaMan

I have seen several subs on Craigslist. BIC America is a good budget sub from what all I read. F12, V1220. But I refuse to buy anymore subs without hearing them. I have been burned before.

When I go to hear the sub, when should I hear the flapping noise? Never? Do they all do that when the bass hz is super low (for a given sub)?

If I put in War of the Worlds, should the sub start flapping, buzzing, whatever, if I turn the sound on the receiver up?

Thanks.

Never.... unless you've got the gain on the sub or volume on receiver to high. If you hear what you're describing, chances are, the driver may be blown unless you're just flat out blasting it.

[Billy13]

Understand though that not all subwoofers can handle extremely low hz, so keep that in mind also

[PlasmaMan]

Originally Posted by Billy13

Understand though that not all subwoofers can handle extremely low hz, so keep that in mind also

Ok, but does that mean when I put in Jurassic Park that the T-Rex shows up, the sub should flap?

[Ben_R]

Originally Posted by PlasmaMan

Ok, but does that mean when I put in Jurassic Park that the T-Rex shows up, the sub should flap?

Do you mean like this?

SVS PB-1000 - YouTube

[Ben_R]

Or like this?

SVS PB 1000 take 2 - YouTube

What have you got your AVR and subwoofer set at?

[Billy13]

If the sub is bottoming out, it's either blown, or your levels are too high.

[PlasmaMan]

Originally Posted by Ben_R

Or like this?

SVS PB 1000 take 2 - YouTube

What have you got your AVR and subwoofer set at?

I don't. I'm looking for a used one and don't want to get ripped.

[Billy13]

Originally Posted by PlasmaMan

I don't. I'm looking for a used one and don't want to get ripped.

I always bring myiPod, and cables to check out subs when I buy used. You definately need to give them a thorough test before a purchase. And if you hear something bad......back off, unless of coarse its a stellar deal, and is an easy fix. I've purchased used subs, knowing the driver was blown. Some folks just abuse things But after a simple upgrade in drivers. ...good to go...but of coarse I knew I was getting a good deal, even having to replace a part

[Blu-Dog]

Originally Posted by PlasmaMan

I don't. I'm looking for a used one and don't want to get ripped.

Are you reselling them or something? You can go new, or get anything and put a fresh driver in.

[PlasmaMan]

Originally Posted by Blu-Dog

Are you reselling them or something? You can go new, or get anything and put a fresh driver in.

No. I'm buying off Craigslist.

[Ben_R]

Originally Posted by PlasmaMan

No. I'm buying off Craigslist.

Then do what Billy said, take your iPod and cables with you and give the sub you are looking at buying a really good audition.

[PlasmaMan]

Originally Posted by Ben_R

Then do what Billy said, take your iPod and cables with you and give the sub you are looking at buying a really good audition.

Then I need to have the guy hook it to his AVR, right? I shouldn't just meet up and take it.

[Billy13]

Originally Posted by PlasmaMan

Then I need to have the guy hook it to his AVR, right? I shouldn't just meet up and take it.

NEVER just meet up and take it!!!!!

Some people say they don't have a receiver to hook it up, so if you just take one of these

[Show spoiler]

with, just plug in your iPod, plug the male rca's in the sub, pick some bass heavy music, fiddle with the gain, the phase switch, the crossover settings, turn it on and off....all the things you're going to do when you get home.

Keep in mind this is only a signal from a phone, or iPod, so it's not going to knock your socks off, but if it's a good subwoofer, it's going to still sound good.

I showed up one time to check out a sub, guy gave me the I don't have a way of testing it line of b.s., I pulled out my little connector, and his jaw dropped....turned out, the woofer was blown, his ad said otherwise. needless to say ...

[Show spoiler]

--------- ...................................

So be smart, and make us proud

[PlasmaMan]

So the sub will work even if you don't have a full blown receiver? Just from the phone to the sub?

[Billy13]

Originally Posted by PlasmaMan

So the sub will work even if you don't have a full blown receiver? Just from the phone to the sub?

Yes sir

All you're doing is sending a signal to it, whether that be your phone or a receiver.