Inconsistent Subwoofer

[Emanuel Rodriguez]

If you're above 12v, you should be fine. I want to measure voltage at the amp, not at the battery or alternator, which is where truck gets its voltage reading.

So I just checked the voltage at the amp and it was at 14.4. Then I played a 40hz test tone and it dropped to 13.9. I still need to check how it changes whenever I am driving. How do I check if my grounds are good?

 

[Emanuel Rodriguez]

It sounds like you have a ground issue. It might even be the power issue. Are your RCA's plugged into the subwoofer output of the radio?

I do have my rca from my stereo plugged in to subwoofer output. Then from there they are connected to an epicenter then to the amplifier

 

[Emanuel Rodriguez]

Alright so after a while I was sitting in my truck watching videos on how to test the voltage, I checked the voltage again. This time the starting voltage was down to 13.9volts and with the test tone it was dropping down to 13.4-13.5. Would this problem be from my alternator or my battery then?

 

[Emanuel Rodriguez]

You can also try testing the amp by using a 3.5mm to RCA cable that connects your phone to the amp.View attachment 70190

What would I test with this adapter?

 

[1aespinoza Premium Member]

What would I test with this adapter?

You connect your phone direct to the ampifier. Play some music and if it plays normal, then the issue could be the radio.

 

[Emanuel Rodriguez]

You connect your phone direct to the ampifier. Play some music and if it plays normal, then the issue could be the radio.

I’ll check if it’s the radio since I am getting a new one over the weekend. Do you think the epicenter micro could be a problem?

 

[1aespinoza Premium Member]

I’ll check if it’s the radio since I am getting a new one over the weekend. Do you think the epicenter micro could be a problem?

Well, that changes things. It could very well be the issue. Epicenters are usually used along with the OEM radios since they can correct lack of bass from OEM EQ curves. Try bypassing it to see the outcome.

 

[Emanuel Rodriguez]

I just checked my voltage while driving around, and my voltage would be 13.9-14.0 without music at a light. When I would be playing music the voltage would drop down to 13.5-13.6. When I would be driving playing music the voltage would sometimes drop down to 13.2. I also tried playing the 40hz test tone and I noticed the subwoofer would clip at a lower volume then when I tested it when I was parked.

 

[Emanuel Rodriguez]

Well, that changes things. It could very well be the issue. Epicenters are usually used along with the OEM radios since they can correct lack of bass from OEM EQ curves. Try bypassing it to see the outcome.

I thought that the lc2i where used for that not the epicenter

 

[1aespinoza Premium Member]

I thought that the lc2i where used for that not the epicenter

The LC2i is for the whole spectrum as opposed to the epicenter is bass exclusive.
On another note, I think the epicenter was originally made to correct music material that lacked bass.

 

[1aespinoza Premium Member]

I just checked my voltage while driving around, and my voltage would be 13.9-14.0 without music at a light.

I usually float around 13.2v and have no bass issues.

 

[Emanuel Rodriguez]

The LC2i is for the whole spectrum as opposed to the epicenter is bass exclusive.
On another note, I think the epicenter was originally made to correct music material that lacked bass.

Thanks for clarifying. I'll still check how the bass sounds like without the epicenter plugged in.

 

[Emanuel Rodriguez]

I usually float around 13.2v and have no bass issues.

So then why does my subwoofer sound more weaker? Is my subwoofer too small since it's only 600 watts

 

[1aespinoza Premium Member]

So then why does my subwoofer sound more weaker? Is my subwoofer too small since it's only 600 watts

I think the epicenter ia going to be the issue. Fingers crossed.

 

[Emanuel Rodriguez]

I think the epicenter ia going to be the issue.

Hopefully it is. I’ll try it out tomorrow