Lava subs - Page 34

A GLI like that did the trick for my Lavas. They were humming machines until I added that.

Doesn't a GLI cut out certain frequencies?

Not sure about what frequencies it may or may not cut out, but it does eliminate that humming. Unfortunately enough people are having trouble with these subs and the ground loop humming that they are necessary.

or...

it cuts out the humming frequencies....

Reminder: a 3 prong to 2 prong adapter also eliminates the hum. This is a cheaper and easier to find solution.



I am enjoying my Lava sub. It was worth the wait.

a10thunder. The 3-2 prong plug should only be used as a temporary solution because of the possibility of shorting and fire. If you use it and it gives a solution, then you know that the ground loop is the problem (in contrast to a failing part inside the subwoofer amp). You can then use a ground loop isolator to safely solve the hum problem.

YES!!! You are defeating an important grounding feature of the sub if you use the 3-2 prong adapter. Hmmm...no hum vs. fire.

GLI...

Uhhh, guys? You DO realise that the 3 - 2 adapter IS safe? That little metal tab on the bottom is for the faceplate cover screw which, when attached, provides the SAME grounding capability as plugging directly into the outlet itself.

The problem could be as simple as not having all your equipment on the same circuit, ore as complex as replacing the sub amp or needing major electrical work (bonding/grounding) to the premises. No reason these subs should incur an extra cost like this in my opinion.

Now...this is from wikipedia, which I know can be somewhat unreliable, but here is what it has to say about the topic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheater_plug

In the professional audio and video fields, the cheater plug has been identified as a serious safety problem. Its casual use as a method for avoiding ground loops in analog audio and video signals (to eliminate hums and buzzes) is dangerous.[4] Bill Whitlock, president of Jensen Transformers, writes, "never, ever use devices such as 3 to 2-prong AC plug adapters, a.k.a. 'ground lifters', to solve a noise problem!"[4] Whitlock relates how an electrical fault in one device that is connected to its electricity source through an ungrounded cheater plug will result in dangerous, high current flowing through audio or video cables. Whitlock notes that in 1997, consumer audio and video equipment electrocuted nine people.[4]

The cheater plug is also recognized as a safety hazard in laboratory settings. For example, in August 2005, Tarun Mal, an associate professor at Cleveland University, was electrocuted when he plugged a defective fluorescent lamp into a lamp timer using a cheater plug.[8] Subsequently, the state of Ohio issued seven citations to the university for unsafe electrical conditions.[8] The Scientist notes that four of the University's seven environmental safety experts agreed that use of the cheater plug "is not uncommon in US university labs".[8] Jim Kaufman, CEO of the Laboratory Safety Institute, says, "When you inspect labs, it's not unusual to find anywhere from one to seven that way.

I'm not adding this to "dis" anyone. I just don't want anyone to get shocked or worse...

This is correct. HOWEVER , it is when the 3 - 2 adaptor is incorrectly installed there is an issue. I was just bringing the facts about them to the table.

Touche'...well played...

I have to second splicer's motion. Even if you don't use the screw tab, its only dangerous if the equipment is faulty (or you play your sub whilst standing in water). What are the odds of the former? Read it again - "Whitlock notes that in 1997, consumer audio and video equipment electrocuted nine people."

By that statistic, You are 6-7 times more likely to get killed by lightning then being electrocuted by faulty AV gear.

That said, I'd personally still go with the Radio Shack ground loop isolator because it's also cheap and actually addresses the issue instead of working around it.

I must be in the minority. I have 2 lava 12's. Both are set at the 11:00 position. I have zero hum issues.

What the hell happened to the Audioholics review of this thing? The "new" review has been underway for over a month now. Has the second one going "AWOL" as well?

I don't think y'all understand how your house is wired and what the ground wire is actually for.

lol, I do... but then again I was forced to apprentice for a year pulling wire and in that time eat, drank and shat the 1999 NEC.

I also have 2 10's with no hum, corner loaded on the same outlet. However my receiver goes through a ups. Costs more than a cheater plug but well worth it I'd you ask me especially if any of your components have a HDD.

Just to throw it out here.. Some power strips/surge protecters have ground loop isolators built right into them.. Idk if I'm breaking any rules but amazon has some nice APC 11 outlet surge protectors for $10 more then a ground loop isolator at RS

Linky???

Why would you pay $10 more for a power strip that can only cover one location, when you can pay $10 less for a ground loop isolator that covers all your subs no matter how many you have and no matter where you want to put them?

EDIT: I take that back. After playing with an isolator it did not work the way I wanted it to. (I have three subs). Guess I'm going to get a power strip and see if that changes anything.

Looks like it's up in price since i bought mine but here's the link..
http://www.amazon.com/APC-Outlet-340.../dp/B0012YFXSW



It's just another option. Since i never had this problem with any of my other subs and i didn't want to mess with the picture quality in my other rooms by adding a isolator to the main cable lines.

Ready to order two 8" subs, I thought I remembered reading about a discount offered to AVS members...

Is there a coupon code to use?

Thanks!

Contact them directly and they will give you a coupon code

I'm trying to decide on whether to get two 10's or a couple of 12's.

My room is open and 29x15x8 (3400cf) and I only plan to use the subs for 2-3 years until we build a new home with a dedicated HT and buy all new electronics.

Can anyone comment on whether or not I'll really see that much of a difference from the 10's to 12's based on the size of my room? I'm not sure the extra $185 for the 12's is worth it being I'm Canadian and won't get any discounts.

Cheers
cp

Get the two 12's for sure.

Absolutely get the 12's in a room that size.

No doubt, 2 12s.

You'll get a discount, I just don't remember how much. I think they take care of shipping and duty for their Canadian AVS members. Just give 'em a call.

Believe it's 15%. All they need is your AVS screen name and then they'll send you an email with more details.



Chris

Thanks for the info - that makes the decision much easier. Will call today.

Cheers
cp

I believe with Canadians its either or. You can opt for the 15% discount or the free shipping and handling. The shipping and handling option will be cheaper cause it covers duties and brokerage.