That $200 subwoofer install that nearly blew out my car speakers

I spent $200 on a used Rockford Fosgate sub and amp setup off Craigslist last year. Thought I was getting a steal but turns out the gain was cranked way too high and it started distorting at moderate volume. Took me three weekends of tinkering and a $40 multimeter to realize I needed to tune it properly. Now I blast 'Bulls on Parade' and it hits clean every time but man, did I almost wreck my door speakers. Anyone else get burned by a cheap used audio deal?

2 comments

2 Comments

grant.nina7d ago

That gain knob is the number one killer of cheap used setups. Had a buddy wire his amp wrong and blew two 12s in one afternoon. Always grab a multimeter and set the gain by voltage rather than ear. Also check the ground connection, a bad one makes everything sound like garbage and can fry your alternator. Keep an eye on your head unit voltage too, some of those cheaper ones clip way before max volume.

drew9657d ago

Wait, does that mean I've been running my subs off guesswork and prayer this whole time? My ground wire is literally just screwed into the carpet, I'm starting to think that's not ideal.