Problems balancing sub w/front stage

[niceguy 0]

I'm not sure what I'm doing or not doing but this is my problem:

I'm running a single Memphis MClass 12" sub in a 1.2cf sealed box that's powered by a USAcoustics2100 (300x1@4ohms/12.9v)in a '93 Altima sedan.

My HU is a Pioneer 5500mp w/2v preouts, 2 cheapo (soon to be replaced) Jensen 5x7s in the front doors which are amped by a Hifonics Falcon (90x2 @4ohms).

When driving around, w/the gains down on the front speaker amp, my average listening volume is around 20-30 (20 if my wife is with me) out of 62 (car's quiet inside and volume at 30 is plenty sufficient from front speakers). Any louder and the midrange and highs start screaming at me but toning down the mids/highs on my Pioneer HU sounds much less detailed and not enjoyable.

Problem is, my sub is hardly noticeable at a volume of 20-30, esp if rock music. The sub is xover at 80 (same as front speakers), there is no bass boost being used at the amp of HU, and gains are set appropriately, which is usually close to maximum input.

My HU has 3 EQ bands: L, M and H. I keep the Highs around +3, M around +2/+3 for midbass, and the L around -1 to keep the sub from sounding too muddy and boomy. I've even played w/the Q.

Can you guys suggest something or see something I'm doing wrong?

I'd like to keep this HU and don't think a line driver is the answer.

Thanks

Jeremy

Edited December 21, 2005 by niceguy

[jntar 15]

just a few things to try.

1) turn the gain down on the front speakers, this will allow you to turn the volume up further.

2) Turn the bass up on the HU

3)try setting the gain with the HU at 3/4 volume using a DMM

[niceguy 0]

Thanks for the suggestions...

I'm already running the front speakers w/the gains down so I've eliminated that possibility.

In fact, the fronts still got just as loud at the same fairly low volume (20-30) when only being run off the HU.

I definitely feel that given the weak HU voltage I have to start with, I'm hurting myself by not going much past halfway. But given the current situation, I don't see how I can set it even close to 3/4 (approx. 40-45 out of 62) without going deaf.

I'm thinking of replacing the Jensens w/some AlpineTypeR or equivalent (nothing fancy, wife has the car 80%) coaxial. Perhaps the Jensens are extremely harsh and bright and are part of the problem.

But I will flatten all EQ settings and try the DMM gain technique. I have no doubt the sub would be more noticeable above half volume...it's just a matter of being able to stand the fronts at the same time

Jeremy

[///M5 2,833]

Once you set everything with a DMM it should be pretty close. Then just back down the gains on the fronts until the sub/fs blend is to your liking. Those 5x7's could be very treble biased and obnoxious as well. Are you planning on putting a 5.25" coax or component in instead? It would sound much, much better. If you can manage up to 6.5"---Woot!

Good luck.

[niceguy 0]

I'm not sure about what I'll replace the fronts with yet. I've already gone the DIY route w/my Grand Voyager work van. I cut the panels and reworked the metal door frame some to accomodate 6.5" Peerless CSC-X midbasses and am using some Madisound designed passives (huge compared to the REs) and some cheap Goldwood tweets (shame on me I know).

I'll probably be getting a Maxima soon (not sure which gen yet) so I'm likely going to go w/some nice 5x7 coaxes in case I don't keep the Altima.

I've heard of setting the gains w/a DMM before and I have one, but what exactly is the process?

Could you fellas walk me through it?

Jeremy