subwoofer distortion


I have a Talon Roc 2002 subwoofer.  It’s a beast w/ 2 12" drivers @125 lbs w/ a 1000w Bash plate amp.  For the last 10 years, it hasn’t distorted - until now.  What’s changed is cleaner power and better cabling throughout the system.  With a double bass or electric bass guitar, there’s no distortion.  With pounding kettledrums or an electronic synthesizer that goes subterranean, the sub breaks up.  Will the distortion damage the drivers?  Is this a design flaw?  Any solutions? Thx.
steakster

Showing 1 response by steakster

Your responses prompted an investigation.  The short answer is that the gain on the sub was too high. The cleaner power and better cabling greatly improved my system’s resolution, top-to-bottom.  What I didn’t anticipate, was how articulate below 30Hz would become – and the sub’s ability to deftly deliver it.  Also, I was listening at a louder volume since the music sounded so good.  Upon subscribing to Tidal, I started listening to a far wider variety of offerings – some of which went much lower than a typical double bass or electric bass guitar.  This is when distortion was revealed.  It seems that what was working before, didn’t any longer with the improvements.

The solution.  Re-positioning the sub.  A friend came over last night to help move this 125lb beast. We moved it about 4ft from its previous position.  Then spent considerable time dialing in the cross-over and volume.  All is good again. Sounds really nice.  Also, I read an old review where the manufacturer recommended a certain interconnect specifically designed for subs – an Analysis Plus Sub Oval.  Even though the distortion is gone, I ordered the IC.  Will report back.  Thx for the help!