Computer subwoofer help.

[Forlani]

Hello,

Apologies for asking what is probably a pretty low level question for a forum like this but I've been geting stuck on this for a couple of months and really want to get it sorted.

Basically I need a new active subwoofer (I think). I used to run a set of really old JVC S-E22 speakers through a very cheap old computer subwoofer and it sounded remarkably good. The woofer eventually broke and now I need to replace it, but can't seem to ascertain exactly what I need to replace it with to run the speakers properly. I'm hoping it'll be a similar, active, jack input with 2 satellite output jobs however I tried bought one with supposed identical (20 watt rms output, 8 ohm) spec only to find it drastically underpowered the JVCs. This would make me think that the claimed spec of the broken one must have been drastically different to what it appeared to be performing as ( I wouldn't be surprised, the instruction manual wasn't all that coherent)

Anyway, here are the specs of the speakers:


Type: 2-way bass reflex type
Woofer: 16cm cone type
Tweeter: 5cm cone type
Power handling: 30 W RMS 60 W Music
Impedence 8 ohms.
Freq. Range: 62-20 000 Hz
Sound Pressure Level: 91dB/W - m




Hopefully someone will be able to tell me what I could buy to get them up and running again.


Thanks a lot.

[cribeiro]

Hello and welcome to the forums!

I have a couple of alternative suggestions:

1. Replace the broken woofer. Just unscrew it and take it off. It has probably something printed on the magnet. With that and it's dimensions, you can probably find a replacement. The x-max would also help, of course (that's how far the membrane could move, measured from the "rest position".

2. Get a regular stereo amplifier with 30W RMS per channel to power the speakers. They will probably sound better this way, and you can add a subwoofer later on.

3. Depending on your budget, you may also find out that you can replace all of it for a better sounding 2.1 system. Go out and listen to them

By the way, there are no "low level questions", only "low level answers"

[Forlani]

Thanks for the advice.

It's not actually the cone itself that has perished, part of the circuit board inside has melted and it's literally not even worth the money of having it looked at for repair. I am working on as small a budget as possible, but this amp idea intrigues me. Upon a quick search it certainly seems like it could be my best option. However, will the bass suffer? I note the speakers appear to have bass cones of sorts, but will it not be a considerably less punchy sound with simply the amplifier? If not I will go for one.

[cribeiro]

How big are the speaker cabinets? The woofers have a considerable size, so you will get enough bass if the enclosure is properly dimensioned. The specifications already point in this direction. The bass quality is more important than the quantity, and a good amplifier driving your speakers will do a better job than your previous subwoofer (I guess). Thus, you may miss the lowest note, but everything else will sound better. Later on, you can add an even better subwoofer

[Jamestuk]

I will second this, you are probably better off buying a cheap amplifier and adding a sub later if you need one. You could easily get a pair of proper speakers and an amp for £150 and get a much better sound- try richersounds or ebay. You might not even need a sub! Honestly, the only time I ever really think about buying a sub for my bookshelf sysem is after an hour or so of organ music, performance for everything else is more than adequate (rock, metal, DnB, even films included)

I personally would not trust any speakers that plugged into a subwoofer to give a good sound, and similarly I would not trust a subwoofer that powered speakers to give good quality bass Admitably I have not heard your particular speakers however most of the "multimedia" speaker systems that I have heard provide nothing more than a dull rumble or if you are lucky a floppy thud comparative to someone hitting an empty bucket with a wooden spoon. No offence to anyone that owns aforementioned equipment- it's just my personal experience, at uni everyone seems to own them and they sound awful!

[Forlani]

Yeah well, it wasn't by any means a great sound but by far and away better than any normal pc speakers. I am a student myself, so on as tight a budget as possible really but upon your advice will get an amp from ebay and go from there. Thanks again.

[Forlani]

Sorry to bother again, am currently bidding on a couple of amps on ebay. However, I did some further reading and found it suggested to get an amp with double the powe rating per channel than your speaker is rated at, thus leaving plenty of spare power to make sure everything sounds clear and to make sure the amp isn't worked too hard etc. However is this double the power rating in normal watts, or would this hypothesis be regarding W rms. i.e. am I supposed to buy a 30w rms or is it ok to get one that is say up to 60w rms.

Cheers,

I'm having a bit of trouble comprehending it all ha.

[cribeiro]

Hello Forlani,

if your speakers are rated as 30W "continuous power" or RMS, then they will be fine with a 30W RMS amplifier. A 60W RMS amplifier will be of course even better, having more control over the drivers. If your speakers are rated as 30W "peak power" or "max power" or similiar (which I doubt), then a 60W RMS amp would be overkill. Nevertheless, it can be a good idea, in case you plan some long-term upgrade ladder

EDIT: of course it also depends on your listening habits. If you only listen to music very low, you won't hear the advantages of the more powerful amp.

[Forlani]

Excellent, I have just ordered a 60 W rms per channel integrated amp and will see how it turns out. Thanks very much again.