dc level 2 sub

[donberto]

I just installe a Dc level 2 12 in a vented box per there specs. It is ran by a new Kicker ZX 500.1. My question is it smells. I remember other speakers I owned smelling at first but could not rmemeber, is this O.k.. Also what is the easiest way to make sure it is not clipping?

[CJ18]

how did you tune the amp?

[donberto]

I hooked it up and turned the gain 3/4 of the way up. It does not sound like it is distorting, just don't want to injure the new sub. Would any reputable stereo shop be able to set it properly, owners manual says turn up head unit 3/4 of the way and then turn gain up until it distorts then turn down a little.

[CJ18]

You wont hear the distortion. I can guarantee you are sending a distorted signal to the sub that is causing it to heat up and smell. Turn the gain down until you can find someone that knows how to properly set an amp.

And no not just any shop can set your gains properly. All of them will tell you that they can but they are full of shit. You would think that a car audio shop would know how to properly tune an amp, but most of them still use the "tune by ear" method. There are very few shops that will actually use an Oscope or now a dd1 to tune your entire system.

[donberto]

thanks i will call around today. Will they make some smell when brand new. I just ran them hard for like 2 minutes. When i felt the dust cap it was warm but not hot. I know they used to/still use ferro fluid, and was told they smelled for awhile after purchase.

[CJ18]

I have 2 Level 2 12s that I ran in my Explorer on a 1.2k. They never smelled once.

[donberto]

I turned my ain down some more and am now usin my subwoofer gain on my deck to adjust the level for rock or rap tunes and now all I smell is the wood from the box, the dust cap gets warm after playing but not hot by any means.