Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater I need a new subwoofer, for the 3rd time!

Ok, so even if it happens to be an enviroment problem that is strange...would a smaller subwoofer be a good idea? maybe this big one is just too much of a strain on something.

I am certainly no electrical expert, but if, with your sub 7 feet away from your TV, you're having a problem with the picture on your TV, I doubt the problem is caused by the lack of shielding in the sub. When shielding is a problem, the TV's picture is usually distorted (skewed) and/or one or more of the colors (red, green, blue) looks like it's draining toward the sub. The lack of shielding allows the powerful magnet in the sub to affect one or more of the color "guns'" in the TV interfering with it's proper motion. At a distance of 7 feet, I'd be very surprised if the driver's magnet would have any magnetic affect on your TV

The problem you're having sounds like an electrical problem. Were I you, the first thing I'd do is have a qualified (VERY important) electrician come out and check your electricity. If you have had two 350s crap out on you, and your having "static" on your screen, even if it seems to be caused by the sub (and it may be, which is abnormal), you very well may have wiring problem.

Sorry you have to go through this, but having a QUALIFIED electrician check everything, at the very least, will put your mind to rest that your electricity is safe and functioning properly.

Good luck.

I agree with Jack.

To me, (not an expert mind you) it sounds like your problems are not the cause of the sub. I've had my 350 for quite some time without nary the first inkling of trouble.

Good luck.

Ditto Brother Bob, it is definately not the subwoofer, that much is obvious.

But, would getting a smaller subwoofer be a good idea? Electrians are too expensive and that might not be the problem anyway. I think this sub is too powerful for my little 10'x10'x7' room anyway. I can settle for a less powerful sub...so even if its an electrical problem...something that requires less power shouldn't strain it.

The problem is that a smaller sub which is still big enough for your room is going to draw almost the same power as the 350, ie probably not enough difference to be an issue. These subs are only drawing a few hundred watts at peak (and you probably aren't reaching peak), ie I don't think raw power draw is a factor.

A smaller woofer and smaller box is normally going to need more power to make the same SPL as you get with a bigger woofer.

As an example of what John is saying; I'm currently running a 10" sub with a 250W plate amp and it's barely adequate(it bottoms out way too soon)in my 16x28 room.

I found a dandy 12" driver that will electrically and physically fit my cabinet beautifully that has a better SPL and more travel and allow me to continue using my "small" 250W amp. So, yes, I'll be getting more output, with less input, with a larger more efficient driver.

Would I be able to see if anything is wrong with my room using a multimeter and outlet tester? If anything looks odd I could call an electrician. I still find this weird. I've had more stuff plugged into my room before and never ever had a problem....

I could throw out a few educated guesses, but I would feel far worse than just terrible if I were wrong.

We may have bridged the gap from a wonderfull hobby into the realm of personal safety.

"Weird", though, sure is a word that fits

Well, as a 20 yr A/C man, but NOT an electrician, I concur that the sub (or any other) is not the issue. The amperage draw on internal subs is comparable, unless you are getting into huge amps. I would say you may be in an area with significant "browns and spikes" that is big dips and surges in voltage. NOT remedied by a surge protector. I think monster products are over-rated and over-priced, however I use their VOLTAGE STABILIZER, because in the area we live the growth has exceeded the electrical supply. I got this because I witnessed 3 A/C compressor failiers on a 20 ton Trane commerical 3 phase 208/230 volt unit in less than 2 months. Trane brought in engineers from Tyler Tx. They exhusted themselves on these WARRANTY compressors thety had to absorb, they put in a voltage monitoring process. I looked at the readouts, and WOW!

Problem, voltage dips/spikes. That 230 volt went from a low of 168 to a high of 274. Depending on when the compressor (or equipment) is engaged it can, and eventually will be fatal to the equipment. I watch my Monster meters, and they are pretty consistant, then at high demand times they really dance all over the place, but it keeps a consistant 120 volt + or - 1 volt. I had to reset my samsung HD box all the time (10-12 times a month) until I stabilized voltage. It has not happened since. I am not saying to buy a stabilizer, It is more of a area/power co. specific thing. I am just "talking out loud" on your problem. It could be several things, and shilding is NOT an issue at 3ft. or beyound. Bottom line we have way more gagets, computers, large screens, and incredible GROWTH, yet or power grids have remained largly the same for decades. Remember the mass mid-west outages a few years back? Don't know the exact problem, but electrical problems can be a PITA, all that said, it could be as simple as a bad/loose connection on a home depot .70 cent grounded outlet and the bass from the sub is bouncing it and spiking supply voltage...........who knows, be patient, start with the easy "cheap" stuff first.