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EP350 problem and Axiom's solution
#286272 01/10/10 07:47 PM
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Ken.C Offline OP
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I've mentioned this in passing before, but my EP350v3 has had a rather odd problem. At relatively low volumes, it didn't properly reproduce bass, until it had been triggered on by higher volume. If I stuck my ear up against it, I could hear that it was making a static-y approximation of the input signal, an octave or two above where it should be, and certainly with no bass whatsoever. I variously thought that the problem was caused by the auto-on circuit, my receiver, the cable, etc., but narrowed it down to happening only when the sub had first been powered on and then fed a low volume signal. If I pumped up the volume to the point that the sub really came on, then turned it back down again, it worked for the rest of the listening session.

I originally described it to Axiom as a squeak, so they shipped me a box and had me send it in. They tightened seals, etc, and sent it back to me. Unfortunately, when they sent it back, the problem was still there. They were fairly convinced it was a mechanical issue--I assume because they hadn't been able to reproduce the problem. I'm guessing Axiom tests stuff at a higher volume than I often use. ;\)

In any case, I exchanged a few more emails with JC, and finally realized I could record the sound with my iPhone (of all things). I sent along a couple of clips (which you can hear here and here). The first clip was just the static-y sound. In the second (ignoring hte bits where I touched the grill cloth accidentally), I'm turning up the volume and the sub transitioned into producing real bass about halfway through. Listen to these clips on headphones or on decent speakers--laptop speakers don't tell you anything.

The next email I got back said that they were going to ship me a new amp design to try out. Cool! A couple of weeks later, I received a very, very large package. It was... a whole new EP350. I had kind of wondered why JC asked what finish my sub was in...

Unfortunately, while the new sub solved the first problem, it had a pretty bad hum. I told JC (starting to feel pretty rotten about bugging them about this in the first place...), and he said that they would send me a new replacement amp, which they did. I switched out the amps and found out why they sent me a whole new sub--the new amps aren't the same physical shape as the old ones, at all. Here's a few shots of the new amp, inside and out.




Outside




Inside




The case, sans the amp--notice how the amp compartment is sealed now?




The new amp and the newer amp, side by side


As you can see, Ian and crew have made the same change as far as input connectors on this amp as on the new EP800 amp. I had to do a little 1/4" jack swapping before the newest one started working, but it's been solid since then. No hum, no static, just niiice bass. I'm guessing they've gone to a class D design as well.

Thanks to JC, Ian, and Peter for all the work they did on this and for their patience.


I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
Re: EP350 problem and Axiom's solution
Ken.C #286274 01/10/10 07:53 PM
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Pretty pictures. I'm glad your issue was resolved. Another win for Axiom.

Re: EP350 problem and Axiom's solution
Ken.C #286275 01/10/10 07:53 PM
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That's great news Ken
Nothing beats Axiom customer service.
Mel

Re: EP350 problem and Axiom's solution
Ken.C #286276 01/10/10 08:02 PM
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Cool!


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Re: EP350 problem and Axiom's solution
Ken.C #286279 01/10/10 09:00 PM
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 Originally Posted By: kcarlile
I'm guessing they've gone to a class D design as well.

I thought with the way you were going that this was going to be a complaint. Glad everything worked out, without too many back-and-forths.

Regarding the Class D, I think that the previous amp was class D already. It would seem that there'd be much more difference between a Class A/B to D change (heat sinks for one). While "audiophile" quality, full-range Class D amps are relatively new, they've long been used for subwoofers. It's much easier to create frequencies below 200 Hz with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) than 20,000 Hz.


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-Chris
Re: EP350 problem and Axiom's solution
ClubNeon #286283 01/10/10 09:15 PM
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Ken.C Offline OP
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AFAIK, the last EP350v3 amp did have heatsinks. I honestly don't remember at this point--the thing's been sitting in a box in my office for a few weeks. Finally left Friday, with the UPS guy bitching about it all the way...


I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
Re: EP350 problem and Axiom's solution
Ken.C #286284 01/10/10 09:26 PM
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Oh, I thought you were comparing those two in the picture above saying the newer one was now Class D. Both of those seem too similar to be drastic redesigns.

But yeah, if there were large heat sinks on the other one you had, it would more than likely have been AB.


Pioneer PDP-5020FD, Marantz SR6011
Axiom M5HP, VP160HP, QS8
Sony PS4, surround backs
-Chris
Re: EP350 problem and Axiom's solution
ClubNeon #286286 01/10/10 09:32 PM
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Ken.C Offline OP
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No, those are the two new ones--the humming one and the good one. I never took the old amp out of the case, but it had a black finish, and was much smaller in height. Axiom still has the pic on the EP350 page:


Incidentally, I see in the photo gallery for the EP350, they have a bunch of pictures in different custom finishes.


I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
Re: EP350 problem and Axiom's solution
Ken.C #286289 01/10/10 10:11 PM
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Dang, they have a new amp for the 350v3's already, man they just came out with these not that long ago with rave reviews....which is why I have two...


M80s VP180 4xM22ow 4xM3ic EP600 2xEP350
AnthemAVM60 Outlaw7700 EmoA500 Epson5040UB FluanceRT85


Re: EP350 problem and Axiom's solution
SirQuack #286295 01/10/10 10:56 PM
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Ken.C Offline OP
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Randy, it doesn't actually sound different, at least as far as I can tell. I'm sure it's more efficient, though--less energy lost as heat, that means more energy goes to the sound.


I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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