just put in a new JL 12w3-d4 in my car. I built the monster db box according to the dimensions from JL. When I turn it up to loud, I get and occasional pop/snap from the sub. Do I just need to turn the power down or what? I don't know what causing this cause I've never had it happen before

yeah.. im guessing either the box has an air leak or maybe the sub is bad.. and lastly even the amp could be going bad or not putting enough power to the sub.

The popping sound most likely isn't your amp, it's your sub. The voice coil could be about shot, or you could have a damaged cone. I would take the speaker out the box and visually check it out, if nothing catches your eye then take to a shop and have them test it. Just my .02 worth though, I could be wrong.


BTW: I had the same problem yesterday when I finally hooked my new baby up (Orion HCCA 15). My problem wasn't the speaker though, the box was breaking apart!! Oh well, the new "improved" enclosure will be ready by Sunday, hopefully it won't bust apart.

the sub is brand new so I don't think it could be that. The amp should be fine because it was pushing a 15 the day before just fine with no noise. I guess I'll have to check my box.

Sounds like your sub is bottoming out. I know exactly what that sounds like. Basically, your voice coil in the sub is hitting the bottom plate in the motor assembly..This happens because of too much power, usually at a very low frequency. It could be that the box isn't tuned right, and is making the sub "unload" prematurely, becuase of improper vent dimentions..which means in english that the sub isn't seeing any air acting upon it to help dampen the cone, and hte cone moves wayyyy to much, and bottoms out..

I unbridged the amp and connected it to a single channel and the noise is gone. I was right with my first guess. Too much power

Ive got 2 12W3-D4's in a DB Monster box with a JL 500/1! it pounds like a bitch! Mine coughed/popped like 1 time and then the next day i took it back for an exchange cuz it had a blown voice coil!

my amp is a 500 watt amp and I also built the monster dB box. Maybe I should have the speaker checked out. Of course I did have it hooked up to send the full 500 watts into even though I had the bass boost and gain way down. It seems fine now that its only on one channel and only getting the 250 watts its supposed too get.