Cumalot

iTrader: (8)

I got a RF 600a4 amp and two JL Audio 10W0 subs. I also have Boston Rally speakers. I noticed that while this setup is nice, the sound quality isn't to my liking. Right now, all I hear is the bass thumping from the subs. For some reason too, the subs sound kind of funny. It's hard to describe, but let just say the quality of the sound isn't where I want it. I have the two JL subs enclosed in a box. Would putting in some stuffing(not exactly sure what it's called)inside the box help the subs sound better? Maybe I need some tweeters? I don't know how to exactly describe this, but I want more than just thumping bass sound. You know how a good system when you hear it? Like it's perfectly balanced, just the right quality. For example, when you go to a club, the music quality there is what I want; right amount of bass, vocal, etc. Like I said, it's hard to describe. Any ideas? Thanks!

Micah95GLE

What are you driving the Bostons with? What size enclosures are the subs in?

DCmax

iTrader: (2)

First off, The 600a4 does about 317 watts per channel (continuous)mono and JL 10w0s only handle 125 watts continous. How long have you had this set up for? If im correct, which i believe i am, you could have blown your subs which could account for your poor sound quality.

The JL W0 series also isnt really known for great sound quality. I have a friend with 2 10w0s and it sounds bad. I know exactly what you are talking about.

What are the specs of your box? JL recommends a Sealed Enclosure of between 0.50-0.90 cu.ft. per chamber and a Ported Enclosure of between 0.90-1.50 cu.ft. per chamber.

As far as the stuffing, that is called Polyfill and you can get it at any fabric store. Im pretty sure JL doesnt recommend the use of Polyfill in their boxes, although many manufacturers do. Check you owners manual.

Good luck.

Cumalot

iTrader: (8)

You know what? I too think I might have blown my subs. When I initially have the subs, they were powered by a less power RF 75.5a2 amp. It sounded good back then. Then, I bought the RF 600a4 amp. It could be that the subs couldn't handle the power. Is there a way to check if in fact I did blown the subs? As far as the enclosure, I'm not sure. I don't have much knowledge about these audio stuff. If I did blown the subs, does that mean the subs are useless? Can they be fix? What subs should I go with the RF600a4 amp then? Which JL Audio subs would the RF600a4 fit best with?

DCmax

iTrader: (2)

Pretty much when your subs blow, it will sound loud for a few hours and then quickly deteriorate to total sh*t. Sometimes you can press on the cone and it will flop, that is, it wont be firm to the touch.

The box is really important, it is the main difference between a really mediocre sub sounding great or a really great sub sounding mediocre. Make sure you check for air leaks in your box, I suppose that could be causing what you are hearing, but im pretty sure that they are blown considering the amount of power you are giving them.

When you blow the subs, they are useless unless you want to send them to get refurbished if they are still under warranty. Even if you did that and are planning to keep the RF 600a4, you are gonna need new subs.

With the a4 you are gonna need 2 subs and If you want to stay JL, i would go with the w6 series. They are rated at handling 300 watts continuous, and they are a great sounding sub. A bit pricey though.

Good Luck.

Micah95GLE

He would be better off with a 12W3-D2 powered by the second channel pair, and then powering the Bostons with the first channel pair.

Cumalot

iTrader: (8)

I checked my subs out today. I don't think they are blown. When I pressed on the cone, it didn't feel flobby. I still can depress the cone, it's not exactly really firm though. As far as the box, it's a sealed enclosure. It's just a genric box that holds two subs. That's all I know. Even if my subs aren't blown, sooner or later, won't they? If that's the thing, I better off get some news subs that can handle the RF 600a4 power.

DCmax

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, the pressing into the cone really isnt the best method to use. As far as not knowing you box specs, go ahead and measure the length of it, that will give you a better estimate as to what chamber volume you have.

"That's all I know. Even if my subs aren't blown, sooner or later, won't they?"

Yeah, most likely. Go with the w6, the difference in sound quality between a w0 and a w6 is night and day.

Micah95GLE

The ohm load of the W6s will be too low. That's why I suggested the 12W3-D2.

DCmax

iTrader: (2)

Yep, you are right Micah, I totally forgot about that...I havent worked with JL products in a while. W6's are only offered in a dual 6 ohm voice coil configuration allowing the wiring of three W6 subs as a 4 ohm mono load.

I believe W3's are offered in dual 2 ohm, dual 4 ohm and dual 6 ohm versions.

Cumalot

iTrader: (8)

So, I better off going with the W3s? 12W3-D2? Is that the ideal subs for my amp? One or two 12s?

Micah95GLE

One sub is more than enough. Get more if you want to win SPL contests.

Cumalot

iTrader: (8)

I went to an audio shop today and bought myself two new JL Audio 10W3-D4 subs. I bought two 10W3s so I can reuse the box instead of having to get a new box if I just bought one 12W3. The guy checked out my old 10W0 subs. Guess what? One of the subs was indeed blown. The other one was fine though. The W3s are great, huge difference between them and the W0s. The sound is great now. The only problem was the W3s were quite pricy. About $160 for one. Good thing was the guy installed for me no charge.

Micah95GLE

Sweet.

Cumalot

iTrader: (8)

Btw, thanks for suggesting the W3s. They are really nice.