Effects of SPL on Memphis Belle/front-stage?

[Rhythm X]

In my SUV I had a Kicker Solo 15" along with a Memphis Belle (the old chrome version) pushing my MB Quart Comps. I didn't use the 1100W sub output. Actually I used a Kicker ZR600 bridged mono to push the sub. I was actually very pleased with this setup. However, my Solo bit the dust the other day and I am currently test-driving a Memphis MOJO 12", using the Belle to push it. What I noticed (other than the unreal loudness and my eventual going deaf) is the dropoff in musicality of the highs, particularly the drums and lead-guitar in the rock/metal I listen to... the beats and samples in some of the rap as well. I know the MOJO is SPL-only, but I'm wondering about the compromise in the front-stage clarity if the channels are physically separate. Am I missing something here? Keep in mind I simply swapped out subs and connected the MOJO to the Belle without adjusting any settings. Is there anything that can be done? I'm relatively new to this, so please bear with me.

Thanks in advance.

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[squeak9798 5,000+ posts]

Does the Mojo have considerably more output than the Solo 15 you were using, or considerably less sound quality?

Because it sounds like the problem is probably a combination of;

1) the subwoofer is playing a small, but important, supporting roll in producing those frequencies and the switch to the new sub of lesser sound quality is impacting the overall sound of those frequencies,

and

2) the new sub has substantially more output than your previous sub, resulting in the bass somewhat overtaking and masking some of the finer details in the midbass region and highs in general.

Sound like either one of those could be the problem?

 

[helotaxi 5,000+ posts]

More likely the amp shares a power supply between the two sections and the sub section is robbing the high section of transient power and messing up the sound.

For starters try properly adjusting the gains on the sub section of the amp, and making sure that the x-over settings are correct. Also try another sub on the Belle and the Mojo on the kicker amp to isolate the problem.

 

[Rhythm X]

Does the Mojo have considerably more output than the Solo 15 you were using, or considerably less sound quality?
Because it sounds like the problem is probably a combination of;

1) the subwoofer is playing a small, but important, supporting roll in producing those frequencies and the switch to the new sub of lesser sound quality is impacting the overall sound of those frequencies,

and

2) the new sub has substantially more output than your previous sub, resulting in the bass somewhat overtaking and masking some of the finer details in the midbass region and highs in general.

Sound like either one of those could be the problem?

The Mojo pounds way harder than the Solo, but then again I never ran the Belle to the Solo, assuming it couldn't handle over 1000W. In my experience the highs always improved with a sub upgrade. Even now the highs are louder; the only difference being the compromise in range/clarity. It's not a dramatic change, but it is noticeable.

More likely the amp shares a power supply between the two sections and the sub section is robbing the high section of transient power and messing up the sound.
For starters try properly adjusting the gains on the sub section of the amp, and making sure that the x-over settings are correct. Also try another sub on the Belle and the Mojo on the kicker amp to isolate the problem.

I'll give this a try. I figured the gains and crossover points needed re-setting. The low-pass filter in particular probably needs tweaking. I'll swap subs when I get a chance to see if there's a difference.

Thank you both very much.