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JBL PB12 Finally died on me... What Bash amp to replace with?

post #1 of 5
Thread Starter 
Hello all!

I am another victim of this stupid sub amp problem. I should have done better research when I initially bought this sub. I've had problems with the occasional "pops" but I was able to put up with it but now it's completed dead. Just keeps making the known machine gun sounds constantly as soon as I plug it into the power.

Anyway, I've been doing a lot of reading on these threads and noticed that many of your recommend using BASH plate amps as replacements, but I noticed that these do not fit right over the original JBL plate amp. my questions are:

1) what model is better: 300WATT Bash amp or 500Watt Bash amp for this sub and why? (aside from more power)

2) is there a good tutorial on how to remove the JBL amp and connect the Bash amps?

3) did you guys have to cut the cabinet to fit the new plate amp? if so what tools do you recommend?

4) can anyone post an image of your new set up?

much help is appreciated. Thanks so much in advanced!

Happy Holidays!
post #2 of 5

Re: JBL PB12 Finally died on me... What Bash amp to replace with?

1. The 300w model unless you are comfortable in changing the sub-sonic filter of the 500w model. It is set at 30hz and that is too high for most subs.
2. A screwdriver is the most common tool used to remove the amp. When tuning the screws, remember "Righty-tighty/lefty-loosy".
3. Measure your current amp and look at the dimensions of PE's amp. If the opening needs to be enlarged, then a saw is the most common tool used to cut wood. I would use a jig saw if I had to make the hole bigger. If the hole needs to be made smaller, then strips of wood in the appropriate size along with wood glue will work.

Based on your questions, I have a few. Are you handy around the house? Have a basic understanding of power tools? I ask this because your questions make you sound like a beginner when it comes to tools. An electric saw of any kind is dangerous. If you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, ask a friend or neighbor with some experience to help out. It should take less than 20 minutes to swap amps if there is minimal cutting involved.

Will it sound like the old amp? Probably not. Most retails subs have some EQ built into the amp. Most PE amps have a flat frequency response. You can adjust yours as needed with the included documentation but that requires removing resistors from the amp's circuit board.

-Robert
post #3 of 5
Thread Starter 

Re: JBL PB12 Finally died on me... What Bash amp to replace with?

Hey Robert!

Thanks so much for your quick response. I am familiar with power tools as I do some home renovations, but I just didn't want to jump right in as I've never modified audio equipment before. So yeah, I guess I do sound like a newbie when it comes to this. I guess better safe than sorry. I noticed that the size of the 300Watt model measures 11x7 inches so I will have to cut quite a bit off from the cabinet.

It would surely help if someone could post an image of thier bash amp replacement as it will give me a visual guide of what to expect and do. Thanks again.




Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert_J
1. The 300w model unless you are comfortable in changing the sub-sonic filter of the 500w model. It is set at 30hz and that is too high for most subs.
2. A screwdriver is the most common tool used to remove the amp. When tuning the screws, remember "Righty-tighty/lefty-loosy".
3. Measure your current amp and look at the dimensions of PE's amp. If the opening needs to be enlarged, then a saw is the most common tool used to cut wood. I would use a jig saw if I had to make the hole bigger. If the hole needs to be made smaller, then strips of wood in the appropriate size along with wood glue will work.

Based on your questions, I have a few. Are you handy around the house? Have a basic understanding of power tools? I ask this because your questions make you sound like a beginner when it comes to tools. An electric saw of any kind is dangerous. If you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, ask a friend or neighbor with some experience to help out. It should take less than 20 minutes to swap amps if there is minimal cutting involved.

Will it sound like the old amp? Probably not. Most retails subs have some EQ built into the amp. Most PE amps have a flat frequency response. You can adjust yours as needed with the included documentation but that requires removing resistors from the amp's circuit board.

-Robert
post #4 of 5
Thread Starter 

Re: JBL PB12 Finally died on me... What Bash amp to replace with?

Looks like there isn't much help right now as this product is so old. I just unscrewed the plate amp from the sub and noticed a few wires that I should be able to figure with some time or help. I guess I'm still wondering what others did with their blown plate amps? Did you keep it in place and then just cut an opening on the side of the original sub to fit the BASH amp?
post #5 of 5

Re: JBL PB12 Finally died on me... What Bash amp to replace with?

Sorry to intrude on this thread, but I have a tiny mighty 10" (with 100 watt amp.) No the amp isn't dead, but I'm curious--could I replace with another amplifier with more power? Is upgrading the amplifier of any subwoofer liable to cause problems, or is it a waste of money?
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