subwoofer problems

[trasher1]

I recently bought a system for my big rig. I went with audioholics recommended budget audio system. I have the athena micra 6 system and after 2 weeks the sub went out. Returned all speakers and was sent another set. After approx. 2 months the sub went out again. I have sent the sub back to athena for warranty service. I have everything connected to a 2000 watt power inverter. There is no problem with the remaining components (pioneer reciever, olevia tv, samsung dvd player) which were all purchased about the same time. Does anyone know what could cause the sub to go out? Have been considering upgrading to something more powerful and bullet proof. Any suggestions? Space is at a premium, I have an open cabinet with dimensions of 16"w X 17"t X 18.5" deep that the sub has been placed into. Most subs that I have looked at are larger than the space I have. SVS, HSu, etc. Use would be 100% HT, size of sleeper is approx 8' X 6 1/2'.

 

[Johnd]

What caused it to go out the first two times? And what work was done to repair it? The problem could possibly be power surge.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

First off, you shouldn't be putting a sub in any type of cabinet. How's the ventilation in there? Is there a back? Have you ever felt the amp to see if it was extremely hot? The acoustics would be horrible in a cabinet, and thus may require running the sub at unnecessary elevated levels, thus overdriving the sub. Even if the cabinet is open front and rear, you've got unnecessary bass traps which will localize the sub.

If you're thinking of spending good money for a decent sub (SVS/HSU), and have the room to get it out of the cabinet and into a corner, or just off a sidewall, check out these:

http://www.onecall.com/ProductSearch.aspx?sHist=12-162,6-547&menu=true&didRedirect=true

 

[Sheep]

First off, you shouldn't be putting a sub in any type of cabinet. How's the ventilation in there? Is there a back? Have you ever felt the amp to see if it was extremely hot? The acoustics would be horrible in a cabinet, and thus may require running the sub at unnecessary elevated levels, thus overdriving the sub. Even if the cabinet is open front and rear, you've got unnecessary bass traps which will localize the sub.

If you're thinking of spending good money for a decent sub (SVS/HSU), and have the room to get it out of the cabinet and into a corner, or just off a sidewall, check out these:

http://www.onecall.com/ProductSearch.aspx?sHist=12-162,6-547&menu=true&didRedirect=true

Subs can go in cabinets, but they need to direct all the bass energy forward IE sealed and front firing or front ported and front firing.

SheepStar

 

[trasher1]

surge? overheating?

I also thought it might be surge related, but power inverter is surge protected. I am running this in a big rig truck, when first sub went south it was positioned on floor of truck. Later with second set I moved sub location into cabinet which is open in front and both sides. Took out panels on both sides of cabinets. Sub is down firing and front vented. For the most part volume levels are no where close to reference level. Size of sleeper is only 8' X 6 1/2' I am very cautious and turn off and unplug everything before starting vehicle. I have to keep the truck running when using system due to battery drain. I just sent sub back to athena last week and have not yet found out damage done. Previously ran Klipshe promedia 2.1 computer speakers for over 1 year with no sub issues (failures). When turning off sub the power switch is located on back plate of amp and has never felt more than warm. The problem is the sub is working fine before shut down and when I go to use again it doesn't work. It's not taking a dive while using unit, it has failed both times due to attempted reconnection? I am running Dish receiver, pioneer receiver, dvd player and 26" lcd tv with no failures. Seems odd that sub is the only one that dies.... Any info is appreciated.

 

[trasher1]

surge? overheating?

I also thought it might be surge related, but power inverter is surge protected. I am running this in a big rig truck, when first sub went south it was positioned on floor of truck. Later with second set I moved sub location into cabinet which is open in front and both sides. Took out panels on both sides of cabinets. Sub is down firing and front vented. For the most part volume levels are no where close to reference level. Size of sleeper is only 8' X 6 1/2' I am very cautious and turn off and unplug everything before starting vehicle. I have to keep the truck running when using system due to battery drain. I just sent sub back to athena last week and have not yet found out damage done. Previously ran Klipshe promedia 2.1 computer speakers for over 1 year with no sub issues (failures). When turning off sub the power switch is located on back plate of amp and has never felt more than warm. The problem is the sub is working fine before shut down and when I go to use again it doesn't work. It's not taking a dive while using unit, it has failed both times due to attempted reconnection? I am running Dish receiver, pioneer receiver, dvd player and 26" lcd tv with no failures. Seems odd that sub is the only one that dies.... Any info is appreciated.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Subs can go in cabinets, but they need to direct all the bass energy forward IE sealed and front firing or front ported and front firing.

SheepStar

There are several problems with subs in cabinets. One, if they are not firmly attached to the floor of the cabinet, they rattle or move. Second, if they are firmly placed on the floor, they can rattle anything in the cabinet not firmly attached - they act as a transducer. Third, they are usually very close to a tv set, and could possibly cause magnetic interference depending on the set - so be careful. Finally, a sub placed in a cabinet is usually 99.9% likely not to be optimized in the most efficient, best sounding location in the room.

Since your sub is in a big rig truck, it sounds like you don't have many options. Can you provide some pics? I would think a DIY type sub would work better in that type of setup, with a 12V car amp.

 

[trasher1]

Thanks for your replies and suggestions. I was also wondering if vibration, bouncing etc. might have been the problem. Usually drive over 3000 miles per week. I guess I jumped the gun by not knowing cause of sub(s) failure. Have been considering sealed sub as a step up for system. Next question is how can I filter CB radio transmissions from speakers. Sometimes while parked, in truckstop can hear other people on cb radio through speakers. VERY Annoying to say the least.

 

[markw]

Just a thought.

I dunno, but there's something about that inverter that has me thinking. How "pure" is that power it puts out?

These systems are not known to fail as often as yours.

Of course, I could be dead wrong but as long as we're guessing...

 

[trasher1]

The inverter is a modified sine wave, rated at 4000/2000 watt continuous. I have a pioneer vsx815 receiver, syntax 26hvx lcd tv run from one outlet on inverter. The sub, dvd player and dish 811 run on the second outlet. The receiver does not hum or distort using this power supply. I know that there are pure sine wave inverters of similar power inversion, but they cost big $$. Do you think that the dirty modified sine wave inverter might be causing the prob?? Would hate to upgrade to something better and have similar problems. Thanks in advance...

 

[markw]

dunno.

I'm just doing what Sherlock Holmes would do in that once you've isolated all the things that it can't be, you're left with the suspects.

The Micra system has been pretty rugged, at least in home use. It's quite highly recommended and used here. To go through two powered subs is highly unusual.

Not much feedback on this type of mobile use with inverters, though. It's not an issue that often comes up. You might want to run this by their customer service/ support.

Keep us posted...

 

[trasher1]

Does anyone know of or recomend a "mobile" type forum that may be able to answer the inverter question. I have researched inverters prior to buying current setup and most I have learned is with modified sine wave type, if using cheap quality audio components, hum distortion may be an issue, which is not the case here. Thanks in advance for the help.