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JL Audio F110 Fathom pops...

Hi,
I keep forgetting to call JL during work hours since I rarely have time, but thought I would ask here and see if anyone has any experience like this...

So when playing my JL at loud or really loud levels I get an intermittent "popping" noise. It doesn't happen consistently, it does happen during "peak" bass demand (at least not always) - and it doesn't cause the amp to shut-off or go into overdrive/protection mode.

Is it likely that I am just driving it too hard (it really doesn't feel like it because the bass is very consistent and clean when played at loud levels - its not distorting in any way that I can hear)? Or maybe there is a defective (or marginal) cap or transistor in the sub's amp that could be replaced?

I am driving it through balanced interconnects from a Krell Foundation 4k UHD. The individual source input is usually my Sony HAP Z-1ES since that's really the only device I consistently listen to loud music. I also use it play movies/sporting events but have never listed to those at levels loud enough to make it pop...mainly due to the source material and personal listening preferences.

Thanks to anyone who might have something to add!




babyseaotter99
9 responses Add your response
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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
As a first guess, I would say you are overdriving it. The popping noise is most likely parts of the drive system bottoming out, though I've never actually seen the inside of one of their drivers, just in ads and reviews. I know they're built like a tank, to make them bottom out, you'd have to be driving it very hard.
There may something wrong somewhere, of all the talk I've heard about JL Audio, no one had mentioned this issue. Contacting them is, of course the next thing to do. I'm sure you'll get more responses, due to their popularity.

Regards,
Dan
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edwyun
244 posts
 
Definitely call JLA.  Could be the beginnings of capacitor failure on the power supply board.
erik_squires
16,042 posts
 
Sadly their electronics seem to be notoriously unreliable.  I read a lot of stories like you here on Agon.

Best to get it sorted quickly.

Best,

E
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edwyun
244 posts
 
My f112 is still running strong since 2009 with no issues (knock on wood).
statman's avatar
statman
285 posts
 
Considering it is a F110 I would think you are overdriving it. I have the F113 and have done it on one specific track on a Blu-ray movie that is torture test for just about any subwoofer. Edge of Tomorrow opening scene. Extreme low end. I also removed the cover as I was getting some added noise when playing tracks such as the one mentioned above. I have two, one required a new board that was bad.     
babyseaotter99 OP
35 posts
 
Thanks for all the responses.

I finally managed to get JL Audio support on the phone and spoke with Randy Wagner whom I can not recommend enough. He gave me some very detailed instructions about setup and calibration that I am going to run through...so if that doesn’t work, he said they have an out of warranty program where you pay $300 and shipping one way, and they will upgrade and replace any defective parts, no limit, until the unit is functioning as the latest model.

So I’m going to try the tuning and see if maybe I can get the same bass levels (or better) with less work from the sub, and if not, maybe send it in.

Thanks again.

(AND: I feel like a complete idiot because it's actually a JL F112, not a F110)

spinaker01
491 posts
 
A big plus 1 for the great Randy Wagner, he really helped me out with my older F112. Also impressed with Jl out of warranty program. 
photon46
1,082 posts
 
Another A+ for JL's out of warranty service. I had them go through my F112 and I ended up with an almost new subwoofer with just about everything replaced except the cabinet and driver for $300.
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh
381 posts
 
I have recently read about a lot of Jl owners having very similar issues here on the forum. Seems they all have capacitor issues. It goes way back to the early 2000s. There are even instructions on how to fix it yourself. Seems inadequate Chinese caps are the problem along with insufficient temperature designation. Not a problem that's infrequent. Maybe that's why there seems to be quite a few listed for sale here on agon.
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