Guys, i recently installed my subwoofer (a 12" infinity kappa perfect DVQ) with an infinity 311A amp. I'm runnig the system at 2 Ohm stable so the amp is delivering about 347 watts (rms) to the sub.

My main problem is that i find the sub doesn't hit hard enough. i have no clue what to do to make it better, i played around with the gain, with the settings on my stereo (alpine dva-9861). I used knuconceptz wires for everything and i installed a capacitor as well (so i don't think that's the problem)

It just doesn't make sense to me. My civic had a cimilar set-up and it used to beat the hell out of my trunk.

Can anyone suggest anything or has enough had a similar problem and knows how to fix it?

Help my out guys

D

 

what kind of box, how large is the box, etc. ?

 

Make sure that your enclosure is sealed very well. i had a similar problem with my setup and realized that I hadn't tightened the speaker down enough and was consequently losing a seal around the speaker. once I tightened the screws some more is sounded noticably better. Also, I think the speaker you are using needs aroun 0.9-1.0 cu ft of sealed enclosure.

 

well i built the 3rd type box from the do it your self forum... except that i made it slightly larger because i redid the whole trunk so i could make it a little bigger and still make it fit. Therefore, i think my box is probably more than .9 cu. As for the air leak.. it may be.. but i put so much silicon on the outside and inside of the box to make sure it would no happen that it would shock me if it did.

The only place i didn't put silicone is around the hole of the speaker because i figured taht the speaker would close it.. (like i didn't put silicone on to the end between the sub and the mdf). Do you think that could be the problem?

The sub is not loud at all.. i expected a lot more bang from this system but it doesn't seem to happen... I will try to tighten the screws.. any other advice that might help?

 

Here are two links if you want to see what my trunk looks like (i still have to fix a little bit the vynl but you get the point)

Sorry i couldn't post them directly, i didn't pay for the membership yet :-( (too much money into this sound system lol!!!)

http://www.step1prep.ca/dnzauto/DSC03697.JPG
http://www.step1prep.ca/dnzauto/DSC03698.JPG
http://www.step1prep.ca/dnzauto/DSC03710.JPG
http://www.step1prep.ca/dnzauto/DSC03712.JPG

let me know what you think...

or maybe where the problem might be..

 

The speaker should have come with a self adhesive foam gasket. Did you use that? You can see if you have a good seal by just pushing on the subwoofer when it's not being powered. It should be tight and spring right back. If it doesn't then you have a leak. Subs require a break in period as well. The site I checked said that your amp should be putting out 312ish rms to the 2 ohm load. That's plenty of power to make the bass strong. I hate to ask this, but are you sure you have the voice coils wire in parallel and not series (8 ohm)? Are both rca cables plugged in or only one?

 

another thing worth trying to help seal the box and reduce panel resonance is coat the entire inside of the box with epoxy resin. I recommend West systems 107 resin and either 205 or 207 hardener (no glass needed just resin)

 

also, expect the sub to sound very different. The Civic (as long as it wasn't a hatch) has a very weak/nonexistant wall between the cabin and the trunk. The s2k has all kinds of insulation, metal, body panels, etc. between you and the trunk... not to mention that it is an open top, and you have added an amp rack... further material between you and your sub.

Having said that, 350w to a 12" is pretty respectable, and there has to be some reason (other than the difference between the s2k and the civic) that you're not happy with the sound. Make sure your wiring is correct, make sure you have no leaks, and if possible, try swapping out your amp (or sub) with a buddy's. Has to be one of those things.

 

thanks a lot for all the advice. I will play around with everything and try to figure out what is going on...

You guys are amazing,

D