need advice???

[dvjorge]

Hello guys,

I own a JBL PB-12 subwoofer. When I play it loud, the driver distorts. I would like to upgrade the driver. I am thinking a Dayton or Peerless driver may solve this problem. What do you think or advice me to do???
Thanks,
Jorge.

 

[GO-NAD!]

Hello guys,

I own a JBL PB-12 subwoofer. When I play it loud, the driver distorts. I would like to upgrade the driver. I am thinking a Dayton or Peerless driver may solve this problem. What do you think or advice me to do???
Thanks,
Jorge.

Well, I'm not the AH resident expert in speaker design. But, I know enough to confidently say that pulling out a driver and plugging in another is unlikely to make it sound better. An enclosure needs to be sized and tuned for the driver, because they all have different specs. If you want a better sub, either buy a better sub, or start from scratch and build one. Just putting a different driver into that enclosure will be a waste of your money, IMHO.

If you want to build one, which would be the most cost effective route to a great subwoofer, just post a request for help in the DIY section. There are some very good designers/builders on this forum who would be happy to help you. Just provide your budget, any size restrictions and application (HT only? Music only? Both?)

If building isn't your cuppa tea, you could try a Dayton Kit from Parts Express. I don't have one, but from what I hear, they offer good bang for the buck.

 

[Halon451]

I have never had good experience with JBL subs - I agree, I think the best thing to do in this case is to re-think your whole strategy and start fresh. Putting a new driver in that ported JBL box would be like putting a corvette engine in a Hyundai Accent. It may work, but you're still going to be limited by many other factors that make up the entire contraption.

 

[Jeff R.]

Do you have a budget?

 

[j_garcia]

Toss that sub. I am surprised it hasn't caught fire by now, as those subs are well known to have bad amps. Upgrading the driver would be a waste of time.