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My JL Audio sub is dead. What exactly happened?

So at my wife's request, I hooked up a Roku to my main system. Roku is a device for internet streaming movies and tv. The connection between the Roku and my preamp, a Meridian G68, was a 12 foot optical cable.

The first night, I hook up the Roku and it works perfectly.

The next night, I move some cables around, then I hook up the Roku again, exactly the same way as the previous evening. I get picture but no sound. Weird. I pondering what I might have done wrong when out of the speakers... POP. POP! POP!!!

Uh oh.

I dive for the amps, switch them off. The POPs stop immediately. But...

Now there's a TERRIFYING HIGH PITCHED PULSATING NOISE coming from somewhere in the room. I finally realize it's coming from the sub, a JL Audio Fathom 113. I dart across the room, switch it off.

I stand frozen, savoring the final moments of the fantasy that maybe things aren't that bad.

Here are some questions in no particular order...

1. I suspect the amp in the sub is fried. Does that sound right?

2. Where did those POPs come from? Could a damaged optical cable do it? Or maybe the optical cable wasn't fully seated?

3. Do I really have to ship this 150 pound sub to Florida? Or do you think there's any chance of finding someone local to fix it? (I'm in L.A.) The sub is out of warranty, btw.

4. I tried to take the panel off the rear of the amp (I know, lethal voltages inside) with the thought that maybe I would just bring the amp portion of the sub to someone local to fix. I removed about 12 screws from the rear panel and still it doesn't budge. Why can't I open this thing?

If you have any suggestions, I'm all ears. If not, thanks for reading.

Bryon

P.S. The rest of the system appears to be fine.
bryoncunningham

Showing 6 responses by polar993

polar993
6 posts
 
I am experiencing the same problems with one of my F113s.  I use the two in separate rooms with separate systems.

I’ve owned this particular one for about 7 years and it was starting to generate low rumbling/popping sounds about a year ago. The rumbling was not very loud but it was noticeable. I would shut off the sub and the next day power it back up and the problem would go away for about 3 months. 

Last night I noticed that the F113 wasn’t powered on. I checked the power cord and the outlet and they were fine. My F113 is now dead and won’t power on. 

I assume I may have the same problems with the caps that others are experiencing, but mine won’t turn on at all. 

I dont have the tine or the patience to open the sub up and try to implement the repairs myself and I am really interested in JL Audio’s deal for $300 to send the sub back to them for repairs. Can anyone shed more light on this?  What is the turnaround time?

Unfortunately I threw out both boxes for the subs a few years ago. They were taking up too much space and I have no plans to move, so I figured I wouldn’t need them anymore....ughh!  Does JL Audio sell boxes?  Do you think they can send me and empty box so I can pack up my sub and send it in for repair?  I’ve never dealt with their customer support, so any thoughts you can share on this would be appreciated. 

One more question....is there a replaceable fuse on the F113?  I would love it if there was a simple fix for my problem....though I think it’s wishful thinking!

Thanks for your help. 
polar993
6 posts
 
Thanks peter_s. Hope you get yours back soon. 

Do you guys think I can purchase a box from JL Audio?  I no longer have my original box and it would be a total hassle and a small fortune to have a proper box made. 
polar993
6 posts
 
I have been in contact with JL and they have been very helpful. They explained their repair program, where for $300 plus shipping costs, they will repair any damaged parts of my sub and bring it up to current specs. It’s a great program!  

My biggest and only issue is....I DON’T HAVE A BOX FOR MY F113!!!!  I stupidly threw it away thinking I would no longer need it!  JL doesn’t have any F113 boxes to sell me. They are on backorder from China with no ETA. I have reached out numerous local dealers to see if they have any boxes, but I have had no luck!

By any chance would any of you kind folks on this forum be willing to let me “borrow” your F113 box so I can use it to ship my sub to JL for repair?  If you are in NY, CT or NJ I will come and pick up the box from you. If you aren’t local, I will pay to have the empty box shipped to me and I will ship it back to you once I get the sub back from JL. 

Anyone willing to do do me a HUGE favor?

Please?....Pretty please???

-Tom 
917-887-8255

polar993
6 posts
 
Anyone out there with an F113 that would be willing to let me borrow your box so I can get my beloved sub fixed?
polar993
6 posts
 
Statman,

To answer your question about how JL is able to ship new product....they have boxes for their new production. They do not have any “spare” boxes to sell to customers needing them for repair or other transit purposes. 

This is what JL has told me. I’ve been speaking with Shane from JL who has been very helpful and transparent with me. 

-Tom
polar993
6 posts
 
Hey Statman,

I certainly have thought about the potential damage to a box from that I may borrow from someone.  The multiple shipping transfers (getting the box to me, me sending my sub down to JL, JL sending my sub back to me, me sending the box back to its owner)....the box could certainly get damaged. 

What I can commit to is purchasing a new box from JL ($82) whenever they become available, and I would give that box to whomever was so kind to lend me there’s. That would be the least I could do for such a big favor. 

What I’m trying to do is save time. My sub has been out of commission for two weeks so far, and I have a big party planned at my house in about a month. I REALLY want my sub back by then and anything I can do to save myself some time to get my sub repaired and back to me, is what I want to do. 

The new boxes at JL will arrive sometime in the future....they just don’t know when. JL knows that I am trying to find another box to borrow, and they also know that regardless of whether I am able to find a box to borrow, I will be buying a new box from them. I will give that brand new box to the lender if their box gets damaged. 

Hope this explains my situation. 

Anyone out there willing to help me?

-Tom
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