subwoofer not hitting at lower volumes

[jrobie79]

seems like my subwoofer isnt really booming at lower volumes (not so low that it shouldnt be heard)...I feel like some bass heavy songs I need to really crank the volume to get output out of my subwoofer, it sounds great but I feel like stock system in my friends RDX has been bass at lower volumes

[reelizmpro]

adjust the gain or sensitivity? sure its not blown?

[AndrewBird]

System specs would be helpful...

[jrobie79]

I'm 99% sure its not blown, its a Fi SSD 12" in a ported box. Pioneer DEH P6000UB deck, with a Memphis amp. PPI 356cs components in the front doors (not sealed up yet) with an Orion amp powering those. EQ is set to flat on the deck.

I guess it could be the gains, but at higher volumes it really pounds so I dunno if that would help, I just feel like it lacks some oomph at lower volumes.

[dubdub]

That's not a great comparison... the vehicle design, for one thing allows the RDX to have the sub in the passenger compartment, whereas the E30 is in the trunk (ever heard of the "hatchback boost"?). OEM systems can also be tweaked from the factory to provide a particular boost at certian frequencies (akin to Loudness being on as a default (My friends B&O system in his Audi Q3 might be the best system I have ever heard)). Our cars also suffer from a higher sound-floor... aftermarket exhausts, less acoustic insulation, wind noise (being shaped like a brick)... all contribute to making our cars not great for lower volume playing.

Simple solution, don't listen at lower volumes.

[AndrewBird]

EQ is set to flat on the deck.

That is likely your problem right there. Try adjusting the EQ differently.

[bmwguy325is]

The sub may not be blown but could be wore out from over use. If the cone is super loose than it may not play at lower volumes.