Stock HK AMP Bass issue

generic 330i · 05-20-2009, 10:50 PM

Greetings Audio wizards,
I traded in my 01 330i with the premium package that included the HK system for an 04 330i (non premium package) but had the HK system as an option. I was always satisfied with the 01 330i HK System but right when I started driving the 04 330i home I noticed that it had a complete lack of the rich bass that my 01 330i had.

I barely had to tweak the bass setting on the HU in the 01 330i to get decent bass from the subs. In the 04 330i even with the bass cranked all the way up on the HU, the bass just seems to be missing from the dual subs. Does the mini sub amp power both rear sub speakers? Do you think the little mini sub amp is bad or if the fuse is fried? How will I be able to tell? I noticed the little mini sub amp that attaches to the left (facing the trunk) speaker has clips on it. If I unclip that mini sub amp will I be able to tell if it is bad? Can I use a meter to test the mini sub amp?

I tried searching the forums but was unable to find any clues. Any help will be appreciated, thanks in advance.

Jason@BavSound · 05-20-2009, 11:12 PM

It is quite common for the HK subwoofers to stop working, oddly enough. I have seen this numerous times.

Two issues seem to plague the subwoofers:

1. Bad amplifier, which is mounted to the driver side subwoofer, which unfortunately can lead to

2. Blown subwoofers. Maybe the amplifier has blown them, maybe they blew on their own.

I don't know if you bought the car CPO or not, but if so, it should be covered under warranty. If not, I would suggest having an independent shop diagnose the issue and make a decision based on their findings.

Let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

ca1242 · 05-21-2009, 04:07 PM

If you want to know whether they even play, pop them out and touch the cone. If it moves, they work (this doesn't mean they work fine though)

The Don · 05-24-2009, 03:10 AM

If you want, I have the two subs/amp from my '05 330i sedan and can just send 'em to you for $30, plus shipping. I don't come on the site much anymore, so try emailing me at: dvelez at mbdlaw dot com if you're interested.

generic 330i · 05-26-2009, 10:53 PM

I was out of town this weekend so I did not get a chance to try any of the suggestions. How does the main amp work with the sub amp? Does the sub amp supply the bass for the rear speakers?

How would I know if the sub amp is bad? When I play music can I just pull the clip off of the sub amp? With the clip off if there is no difference in sound then would I know the sub amp is bad?

generic 330i · 05-26-2009, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Don

If you want, I have the two subs/amp from my '05 330i sedan and can just send 'em to you for $30, plus shipping. I don't come on the site much anymore, so try emailing me at: dvelez at mbdlaw dot com if you're interested.

Thanks for posting, I will definitely contact you when I find out the sub amp is bad.

boxtyp3 · 05-26-2009, 10:57 PM

Check the wires first.

packrat555 · 05-27-2009, 09:47 AM

just put your heard against the sub itself and you'll hear if it is working or not. If not check to see if you have power to the amp. If you have power but still no sound I'd expect the amp is bad. I think it is doubtful that little amp could blow both speakers.

generic 330i · 06-04-2009, 10:10 AM

Just wanted to give an update. After unpluging that sub amp I do hear a difference without it. There is a loss of lower end bass, and when I plug it back in the bass returns. I guess this means it is working as designed, and the design sucks bad. I wonder why my previous car 01 330i sounded better.

From a quick search there does not appear to be a simple 6x9 replacement for a sedan. The BSW sub looks like a great idea but is to cost prohibitive so I guess I will be stuck with this for awhile.

wherman · 06-04-2009, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by generic 330i

Just wanted to give an update. After unpluging that sub amp I do hear a difference without it. There is a loss of lower end bass, and when I plug it back in the bass returns. I guess this means it is working as designed, and the design sucks bad. I wonder why my previous car 01 330i sounded better.

From a quick search there does not appear to be a simple 6x9 replacement for a sedan. The BSW sub looks like a great idea but is to cost prohibitive so I guess I will be stuck with this for awhile.

You might want to check the fade and balance. If those are in the middle, then I would check the woofers in the doors to see if maybe those have gone bad.

I have an 04 with HK and my bass is not overwhelming, but isn't "missing" in any way.

05-20-2009, 10:50 PM	#1
generic 330i Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: MO Posts: 349 My Ride: 2004 330i View My Garage	Stock HK AMP Bass issue Greetings Audio wizards, I traded in my 01 330i with the premium package that included the HK system for an 04 330i (non premium package) but had the HK system as an option. I was always satisfied with the 01 330i HK System but right when I started driving the 04 330i home I noticed that it had a complete lack of the rich bass that my 01 330i had. I barely had to tweak the bass setting on the HU in the 01 330i to get decent bass from the subs. In the 04 330i even with the bass cranked all the way up on the HU, the bass just seems to be missing from the dual subs. Does the mini sub amp power both rear sub speakers? Do you think the little mini sub amp is bad or if the fuse is fried? How will I be able to tell? I noticed the little mini sub amp that attaches to the left (facing the trunk) speaker has clips on it. If I unclip that mini sub amp will I be able to tell if it is bad? Can I use a meter to test the mini sub amp? I tried searching the forums but was unable to find any clues. Any help will be appreciated, thanks in advance.

05-20-2009, 11:12 PM	#2
Jason@BavSound Sponsor Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 185 My Ride: Cars/Trucks/Bikes View My Garage	It is quite common for the HK subwoofers to stop working, oddly enough. I have seen this numerous times. Two issues seem to plague the subwoofers: 1. Bad amplifier, which is mounted to the driver side subwoofer, which unfortunately can lead to 2. Blown subwoofers. Maybe the amplifier has blown them, maybe they blew on their own. I don't know if you bought the car CPO or not, but if so, it should be covered under warranty. If not, I would suggest having an independent shop diagnose the issue and make a decision based on their findings. Let me know if I can be of any further assistance. __________________ Jason W. Seaver \| Bavarian Soundwerks i: www.bavariansoundwerks.com e: jws@bavariansoundwerks.com p: 678.388.9538

05-21-2009, 04:07 PM	#3
ca1242 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Springfield, VA Posts: 7,629 My Ride: 2003 330i View My Garage	If you want to know whether they even play, pop them out and touch the cone. If it moves, they work (this doesn't mean they work fine though) __________________

05-26-2009, 10:57 PM	#7
boxtyp3 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Fremont, Ca. Posts: 321 My Ride: Hellrot View My Garage	Check the wires first. __________________

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05-24-2009, 03:10 AM	#4
The Don Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: NorCal Posts: 20 My Ride: 330i View My Garage	If you want, I have the two subs/amp from my '05 330i sedan and can just send 'em to you for $30, plus shipping. I don't come on the site much anymore, so try emailing me at: dvelez at mbdlaw dot com if you're interested.

05-26-2009, 10:53 PM	#5
generic 330i Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: MO Posts: 349 My Ride: 2004 330i View My Garage	I was out of town this weekend so I did not get a chance to try any of the suggestions. How does the main amp work with the sub amp? Does the sub amp supply the bass for the rear speakers? How would I know if the sub amp is bad? When I play music can I just pull the clip off of the sub amp? With the clip off if there is no difference in sound then would I know the sub amp is bad?

05-27-2009, 09:47 AM	#8
packrat555 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 496 My Ride: 2001 325i View My Garage	just put your heard against the sub itself and you'll hear if it is working or not. If not check to see if you have power to the amp. If you have power but still no sound I'd expect the amp is bad. I think it is doubtful that little amp could blow both speakers.

06-04-2009, 10:10 AM	#9
generic 330i Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: MO Posts: 349 My Ride: 2004 330i View My Garage	Just wanted to give an update. After unpluging that sub amp I do hear a difference without it. There is a loss of lower end bass, and when I plug it back in the bass returns. I guess this means it is working as designed, and the design sucks bad. I wonder why my previous car 01 330i sounded better. From a quick search there does not appear to be a simple 6x9 replacement for a sedan. The BSW sub looks like a great idea but is to cost prohibitive so I guess I will be stuck with this for awhile.