What heck happen here?

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Nov 3, 2006 | 12:49 PM

jtgs400

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From: California

What heck happen here?

So I bought 2 of these subs off a member here last friday. When I initially looked over them they looked to be in great shape. I took them home and only wired one up (not the damaged one). On Wednesday I decided to wire the other one up. At this point both were still ok. When I opened my trunk yesterday that was when I discovered the damage (sub I hooked up last). I first thought that the box slid around the trunk and got puncturerd but after looking at it more closely I found that the surround (foam part) is very weak and brittle. I actually saw pieces of it breaking off at the tear. When I touch the surround it doesn't feel as tough as the good sub. Also if I pull on it slightly it tears very easily. I'm thinking this sub was probably left in direct sunlight for a long time or expose to some chemical that broke down the strength of the surround. Both subs were only pushed with 250w total so each were getting about 125.

I've already PM the seller and awaiting a response. Would I be wrong to ask for a refund for a portion of the price or compensation to get it repair if that's possible? Or am I just SOL.

Nov 3, 2006 | 03:15 PM

CK6Speed

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From: HI

Tough call since technically it was working when he sent it to you. He may or may not have known the condition of that sub. If it were me though and I sold you that sub I would refund your money for at least that sub. My reputation would be worth more than the hundred or so dollars.

Nov 3, 2006 | 06:50 PM

AZ-GS300

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From: Arizona

I think this is a case of buyer beware.

Personally, I've never liked the idea of buying used speakers. Especially subs. Well, unless the seller can hook them up and give you a demonstration.

As far as what happened....
Could have been left in extreme heat or exposed to something.
Could have been overdriven and already blown.

It's hard to believe that only one sub is this way since they were both probably treated and exposed to the same elements.

Nov 4, 2006 | 06:16 AM

Adam2562

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From: Maryland

my friend has no name brand subs for sale.. tons of them for $50 each for 12" and their specifications on them are up to par with that of the JL i actually i have a extra sub of his for whenever my JL blows.. if you want i can try to get the specs for them from him..!! let me know btw their from china i think dunno if that info helps

Nov 4, 2006 | 06:26 AM

okiaristo

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From: Las Vegas

it looks overdriven W/help from age. look at the top where the plastic cone attaches to the surround, thats failing as well. speakers are the worst item to buy used. honestly did you hammer them while testing the new subs out? it is not a bad thing (everyone does) but it moves the blame (if there is any) a little your way. if you said they looked fine before then after use on your side this happened... maybe the seller will be nice and go halfs with you but it wouldnt feel that he was wrong for throwing the "as is" flag up. good luck and take away the lesson of buyer bewar

Nov 4, 2006 | 11:46 PM

AZ-GS300

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From: Arizona

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam2562

So what you're saying is they're junk....

You get what you pay for in most things. Speakers are not an exception.

Nov 5, 2006 | 08:38 AM

@lpher

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From: Norway

This looks like an age-related problem...might be combined with extreme heat though. But AFAIK JL hasnt got a history of these types of faults...unlike a couple of other well know brands...that im not going to mention

Nov 5, 2006 | 05:17 PM

engin_ear

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From: East of Philly

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88supramki

it's an older W3, probably was on it's last leg from being old

Completely agree. He sold you a sub that was like 90 years old in human years. The glue & the foam dry out over time, the foam becomes non-elastic and brittle, and as soon as you touch it it cracks. That sub is history. I'd try to get money back if you could. You're gonna need to get new ones.

Nov 10, 2006 | 07:26 PM

#10

350g

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From: KY

If they looked "ok" when you received them, then I don't think there's anything that can be done. If the seller is cool about it, he "may" offer a 50% refund to offset your loss, but don't hold your breathe.

As for the surrounds, there's several possibilities, like mentioned above. UV exposure is the most prevalent, while mounting the subs in an enclosure PRIOR to certain sealants curing is another. As the "solvent" of the sealant evaporates, it could accelerate the deterioration of the foam surrounds.

Nevertheless, good luck and never buy used subs unless you get them from a friend that listens to easy listening

Otherwise, pony up a few bucks for something that you know will work.

G