buy a sub that can handle more power?

[tfsfireguy 0]

First post here so excuse me if this is a dumb question. I have an RE SEX 12 in a sealed downfiring box with a Hifonics series 7 Zeus bridged at 4 ohms. The setup sounds great and hits all notes effortlessly. This sub started popping after a day or two at high levels though so i adjusted the gains way down. Will a sub with a higher power handling capacity help this or am i doing something wrong?

[dbsupra 69]

Nevermind. I just noticed you said sealed enclosure.

Edited December 30, 2012 by dbsupra

[jonbearsmt 919]

where in texas?

[tfsfireguy 0]

where in texas?

Lufkin

[Impious 1,476]

Sounds like you were simply overdriving the sub. Could have been improper gain adjustment or something else set incorrectly (bass boost, etc)

You *could* change the subwoofer to something that would mechanically handle the power better in that specific enclosure, but if you are otherwise happy with the subwoofer then I don't see the point. Set everything to a level where the subwoofer isn't being overdriven and be happy.

[tfsfireguy 0]

Sounds like you were simply overdriving the sub. Could have been improper gain adjustment or something else set incorrectly (bass boost, etc) You *could* change the subwoofer to something that would mechanically handle the power better in that specific enclosure, but if you are otherwise happy with the subwoofer then I don't see the point. Set everything to a level where the subwoofer isn't being overdriven and be happy.

Yes. Exactly what is happening. The problem is that im NOT happy with it. I feel that i could get more bass out of my system. I have the amp and box for it, just think the sub is the weak link. I guess what im asking is if i shell out the money for something along the lines of a gcon or comparable sub, will i still have the problem of overdriving it at what i feel is a level that a quality sub should be able to handle. The reason i ask is because ive never even seen any of these subs before much less have anyone i know to ask about them.

[Impious 1,476]

I assume your enclosure size is fixed due to space restrictions or an unwillingness to build a new enclosure?

If that is the case, then it's a fairly simple matter to estimate performance in any enclosure modeling program that shows excursion for a given power level in the specific enclosure size you intend to use. That will tell you if the subwoofer is going to be overdriven.

If not, then the easiest solution is to design a new enclosure.

[tfsfireguy 0]

Yes the box is one that i built to replace the front console in my 2006 dodge ram. I paid quite a bit getting it covered in leather and would like to keep it if at all possible. I dont have exact specs but its somewhere in between 1.5 and 2 cu ft.(It has a few angles to make it look ergonomic. Plus its full of poly.) I realize thats a big difference when entering values into a calculator is concerned.

[Impious 1,476]

Really a difference of +/- 25% in a sealed enclosure isn't that substantial. The difference in response isn't going to be audible and the difference in peak excursion is only going to be a couple mm in most instances.

Do you have a SSF ? That might help as well in this instance. Using an SSF and resetting the gain would allow you to increase output above the SSF setting but still allow you to limit excursion at lower frequencies, which is where the problems with overdriving the sub are likely occurring.

[tfsfireguy 0]

No I dont have one. I will try to find a good crossover with a ssf. Ive been using the hu's built in xover. I will try that and see what happens before i do anything else. Thanks for your help so far.