Am i underpowering my subs?

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post #1 of 3

7/8/12 at 8:24pm

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29 Posts. Joined 9/2011
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Hi guys i have this exact combo http://www.crutchfield.com/p_7003081DSO/Kenwood-500-watt-Dual-12-Bass-Package.html?tp=442#overview-tab in my car, although i didnt buy it as a combo through crutchfield. I'm wondering if i'm underpowering my subs, i have my amp at 2 ohms, but when i get to the upper ranges of volume even with reasonably low sensitivity and no bass boost, the subs start almost sounding like they are hiccuping, they never distort they just lose all of their bass production and make a weird hiccup-like noise. Any advice? They sound great all the way up to about 80% volume and i cant help but feel i could ge more out of them.

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post #2 of 3

7/9/12 at 1:58pm

1,189 Posts. Joined 12/2008
Location: Cham-Bana Illinois
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Wired incorrectly? Almost sounds like there is one speaker wired in reverse.

Is the noise mechanical sounding? You may just be over driving the speaker.

Is there bass boost on the amp?

What is the gain setting?

Crossover setting?

SSF setting?

I start with all loudness settings off, bass at zero.

I never use bass boost or at worst case never more than a 2-3db bump. Rememer that 3db is asking for double the power so it's easy to hit the wall of max power early and clip the amp.

post #3 of 3

7/9/12 at 3:33pm

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I was forced to re wire some of my stuff after my subs were taken out of the trunk when it was at the shop, when i fixed it back up i am no longer having that issue with the gain at about 1 and bass boost at 2 db. I also have my filter at around 75 Hz. Seems my limitation now is gonna be blowing out my speakers