replicant

I finally got my fiberglass enclosure finished and temporarily installed the car so I could test everything and make sure it sounds the way you'd expect. Unfortunately, it does not sound like you'd expect a 12" sub to sound. I currently am using a mini-itx based computer to provide all of the media to the speakers (using an external soundblaster usb sound card). From the "carpc" audio is going to the memphis belle 5 channel amp which i have Diamond Audio Hex 6.5" components, Diamond Audio M3 5.25" in the rear, and lastly the 12" Infinity Perfect DVC subwoofer.

Ok, so knowing the setup (rather unorthodox becauase I'm not using any headunit of any kind), the primary problem is; I am getting bass, but not on the magnitude I would expect from a 12" subwoofer getting power from the 5th channel of the Memphis Belle. I have wired the subwoofer as per Infinity's specifications, and have built the fiberglass enclosure just over 1 cubic foot as per Infinity's specifications. There is one thing to note. I haven't sealed up the hole for the wires in the enclosure yet. However, I'd think that wouldn't make THAT much of a noticeable difference. Anyway, it basically sounds like an 8" sub; if that.. No shaking of the rear view mirror, no heart pounding bass, I can feel it, but it sure doesn't feel like my 12" kicker that i had my old dodge neon in a standard sealed enclosure.

If anyone has any suggestions I should try; I would be most appreciative.

Also to note, I have fooled around with the memphis belle's settings but don't think I've made any noticeable enough changes, so if anyone with this amp can suggest proper settings.

Thanks again!

Pictures of the subwoofer enclosure and trunk setup can be found here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/smesser/sets/1096066/

kcidmil

Which Belle amp did you get?

replicant

Oops, i didn't realize there were more than one since when I got mine back in 2002. It is the long silver 5 channel version, circa 2002.

kcidmil

ohh the 600 system. yeah they came out with a 1300 a year ago. The new one is supposed to be rated for 400 watts @ 1 ohm.

Which design is it... has a large M emblem in the middle, or a small oval in the upper right. The oval ones aren't really that great.

replicant

this one has neither of those, it has the memphis belle plane at the upper left. i think i've got a close up pic of it at that flickr link in my first post for this thread.

you have any suggestions of what i should try and do to get the sub working like it should? any suggestions at all in regards to what i posted?

kcidmil

Ok, I think I might know the problem.. power. There are 2 different Perfect DVC subs. the 12.1D, and 12 VQ. 12.1D requires 350 watts, the VQ 400 just to push. So the question is... what does your amp put out? That thing is so old, Memphis doesn't even keep a spec sheet on it anymore.

Also, how do you have the sub wired? You could be running it at 8 ohms, instead of 2.

Cant_Get_Ryte

iTrader: (52)

now would be the time to start playing with stuffing the enclosure. When you figured up your internal airspace how did you compute that? as well did you factor in the displacement of the woofer/magnet assembly? I would say stuff the box first, and consider that you probably are running MINIMAL output voltage to the input section of the amp (IE an eclipse can have 8 volt output, whereas the unit you are usning you may want an audio control mvc or a linedriver to control)

replicant

After re-reading the wiring specs for a dual voice coil 4ohm sub on infinity's site, http://www.infinitysystems.com/caraudio/1-4-2.aspx; I believe I hastily checked over it before I wired it. I'm probably cutting it to 8 ohms! I feel this could be exactly the problem. However I still want to look at getting one of those audio control MVC's because I know for a fact my voltage out put is MAYBE 2 or 3v.

Thanks for all the help. I'll keep you all informed as to the result of re-wiring it.

Cant_Get_Ryte

iTrader: (52)

if your at two to three volts thats respectable look into the line driver then, also you could look at their epic 150 (Which has been replaced by the 160 now), but either of those or the line driver (Even Phoenix Gold makes a REALLY SOLID ONE) will get you some good voltage back.

kcidmil

What are you going to be using as a H/U? Hopefully you'll be getting something besides that laptop. That right there might be able to give you the signal you are looking for... depending upon the h/u. And when you go to retest, check the settings on your laptop, the bass could be turned down

ILL-Maxima

NIce post man... been lookin to solve this prob for a while now

JPIZZLE

You not be getting the correct voltage from the laptop. Could you get a Line driver? Also if you think you wired your sub to 8ohms then that is for sure a main reason for little output. Also keep in mind your sub will start to get louder as the enclosures drys completley!