My subwoofer is blown... what to do?

[JBL4645]

Originally Posted by TheZoof

JBL - Thanks for the reply.

Well the thing is I don't even need to have a source and it is seems blown. If I just plug it in the wall and turn it on(no wire hooked up) and it is in 'standby mode' it makes pulses over and over... (bass sounds).

The funny thing is that when it goes into active mode it seems to work fine but all of a sudden it will make extremely loud crackle sound and go out of range(top out) and come back again... it could have been just because the movie only needed it at that time and it would make that sound anytime it was needed... but not sure.

TheZoof

Yeah your amp has had it! At least from what you say the sub bass driver may be intact. So it could be used in future DIY sub, no I’m not trying to be funny.

If you’re having bass issues from the start with less bass chances are you where in the (null zone) it’s a spot where certain low frequencies just won’t sound loud, this forces you or anyone else for that matter to turn it up! The frequency from within the sub is fine but its going to be and most other frequencies be pushed to the limit of its technical tolerance.

I feel comfortable knowing this because if I was aware I’d be making post like this. They make wonderful software tools for registered members at Home Theatre Shack like (REW) Room EQ Wizard, which is free and will see if you have issues.

You start running films/DVD/Bluray/laserdisc what ever with little knowing of what is physically happening to the speakers chances are you’ll run into a few blown drivers, thou subs seems common enough for the home today.

Very few threads where someone moans about blow tweeters because they where playing it at 105db from 3 meters away when it should be (85db which is deemed safe for 8 hours human consumption).

Anyway you learn from each mistake and don’t repeat it.

[TheZoof]

Well I am going to look into buying the mfw. Problem is the wrong time of year to need such things.

I am going to set things up properly and hope it goes well.

You all will hear about it.

[Beta Man]

Maybe Big Daddy can direct you on this..... but with $500 as the budget, and an already useless sub just sitting there.......

Is using the existing cabinet and power supply, and replacing the driver/amp an option???? Buying parts, including a better driver (That would fit the existing hole) will get you a good bang for your buck..... I'm not sure how good the enclosure is on your current sub though.... not questioning it... I'm just not familiar with it.

[TheZoof]

Beta,

Yeah I looked into it. I am an electrical engineer and although I have zero experience in audio I did take a look inside the sub. I don't see any damage and have no scope to see what is wrong.

Replacing the amp could be an option though but I have decided to upgrade my sub now.


Someone before said I could put the sub underneath my DVD rack. I can't do that anymore because I moved into a new house. Right now the only room for the sub is in the very corner of the room behind the TV. I could put it behind the couch actually but not sure if that would sound good. It would also require drilling some 'more' holes...

I did upgrade my front speakers today. I went in for a Sub but saw a deal I couldn't pass up.

Still keeping the sub in mind for boxing day. My father also might buy me one as a gift as he couldn't enjoy 'Star Trek' as much as he should have when he was over last night.

LOL

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by TheZoof

Beta,

Yeah I looked into it. I am an electrical engineer and although I have zero experience in audio I did take a look inside the sub. I don't see any damage and have no scope to see what is wrong.

Replacing the amp could be an option though but I have decided to upgrade my sub now.

Someone before said I could put the sub underneath my DVD rack. I can't do that anymore because I moved into a new house. Right now the only room for the sub is in the very corner of the room behind the TV. I could put it behind the couch actually but not sure if that would sound good. It would also require drilling some 'more' holes...

I did upgrade my front speakers today. I went in for a Sub but saw a deal I couldn't pass up.

Still keeping the sub in mind for boxing day. My father also might buy me one as a gift as he couldn't enjoy 'Star Trek' as much as he should have when he was over last night.

LOL

Go to the bottom of Post #2 of the DIY Subwoofer Building thread. There are many links to sub plate and external amplifiers. You can easily repair your subwoofer. Make sure it is not the driver before you order an amplifier. Connect and disconnect a battery to the driver and see if there is a movement. Replacing a sub amp or driver is not that difficult.