Ok some thoughts:
1- The SW1600 a well regarded under seat compact active sub.
However it is
a compact unit and it can not be expected to perform aswell as a full size boxed
8/10/12inch sub
+ amp.
It is simply not possible to get the same low frequency extension
and amplitude from a compact version.
That said, it provided considerable extra bass to the stock mr2 speaker system.
The mr2 is not a quiet car and most of us have louder exhausts, so expect to loose
a fair amount of extra bass when driving since road noise
& exhaust boom is in the
same frequency range.
So considering the above, lets look at the active sub input connections.
HI_LEVEL inputs are designed to be connected to the speakers themselves, voltage
here can approach battery volts.
Advantage
- you can use these inputs on any system
since you are connecting directly to the loudspeakers themselves, disadvantage
- since
you are connecting after the amplifier you potentially loose quality through the HU main amp.
Also any tone control you set will appear on the HI_level which you dont want since can overdrive.
LO_LEVEL
/ RCA
/ Phono are designed to be connected before the main amp on the HU hence
maximum signal quality.
Typically a MAXIMUM of 1v
( ish)
So you need to be careful where you
plug these in, just trying each jack not really advised
- your HU may have non standard output levels
?
Onto practical suggestions:
A.
Turn all BASS settings to flat- 0.
Turn loudness OFF
With bass cranked up and loudness on from the HU,
its possible this is overdriving the input to the sub and the
crackle you hear is clipping.
B.
On your head unit, there is likely to be a menu option to set OUTPUT LEVEL on SUB and PRE-AMP outputs.
Set these mid way
( not maximum
- this is likely to clip the volume
)
Its always best to start at the lower levels and gradually raise the levels before any distortion or clipping occurs.
Again on the sub itself start low on GAIN and gradually increase the level and throttle back if you hear distortion.
C.
There is a L
& R input to the sub, if you only connect one connection you may only get 1/2 amplitude or less.
You need
both(L+R) connected.
( But do not connect HI and LO level inputs simulataneously
)
If you use HI-level inputs and accidently reverse one set of connections, you will loose nearly all bass since one channel will
cancel out the other one.
D.
Battery positive lead
- does this run via a fuse to the battery
+ itself
? If you are connecting off something else this
may not be full battery volts and hence may not supply the current needed.
E.
Ground lead
- the same, is this a good connection to chassis ground.
Ideally short as possible with a good clean
metal to metal chassis connection.
*NOTE
- the unit will turn on and off fine with poor connections, you will only see the effect when current is drawn
( ie bass
)
F.
Battery ok and fully charged
?
G.
DSP settings, does your HU have any DSP settings
?
Some units reduce bass to the front speakers so your L
+ R pre amp outs
may be not getting the full signal.
Check any other settings like ROCK/POP/CONCERT etc.
.
are set OFF
Hope some of these suggestions help, you were not sold a dud
- just there are many factors to consider when you install something like this.
Regards
