SANTE 210 subwoofer rattle problems?...

[darthwhitey]

I test drove a 2012 SANTE and the stereo subwoofer seemed to rattle at higher volumes.

Anyone have this issue or know of a good fix? Will this happen with any sub in that location?

thanks!!

[EarmarkMarine]

Base on the Polk Audio MM series subwoofer Thiele/Small parameters, it is clearly an 'air suspension' subwoofer. That means that is dependent on the considerable air spring of a trapped volume of air to CONTROL the inertia of that moving mass. When used in an infinite baffle application it is substantially undamped. So it becomes less of a faithful reproduction device and more of a resonance machine on its own. Thus, the added vibration when driven hard...and usually from the boat parts surrounding the subwoofer.
Usually, when tuned correctly in consideration of the usage, and that's a big IF, the Polk sub sounds decent at a moderate level. But it will reach redline a bit sooner as an IB woofer.
Several options are:
Turn down the volume or sub gain a bit.
No bass boost or bass eq if you want the maximum output.
Re-tune the amp & sub.
Convert to a true IB sub like a JL Audio M series IB.
Re-locate the existing Polk sub into the correct enclosure.

David
Earmark Marine

[darthwhitey]

hey David,

Wow, thanks!!

For me, turning it down is probably not an option with a boat load of teenagers.

So I can use the existing enclosure and upgrade to a sub like the JL Audio M series and push it much harder? Is it as simple as having a tech (or me) take the old one out and add the new sub, or do I need to do work to the enclosure itself?

thanks again!

[EarmarkMarine]

hey David,

Wow, thanks!!

For me, turning it down is probably not an option with a boat load of teenagers.

So I can use the existing enclosure and upgrade to a sub like the JL Audio M series and push it much harder? Is it as simple as having a tech (or me) take the old one out and add the new sub, or do I need to do work to the enclosure itself?

thanks again!

If you see an enclosure that you can verify as fully sealed then we are not on the same page. You might forward a photo of what you are describing as an enclosure or a link to a photo. If you don't have the boat or cannot find a link then perhaps you could provide a description of where this enclosure was located.

David

[darthwhitey]

If you see an enclosure that you can verify as fully sealed then we are not on the same page. You might forward a photo of what you are describing as an enclosure or a link to a photo. If you don't have the boat or cannot find a link then perhaps you could provide a description of where this enclosure was located.

David

I'm sorry I'm so vague. I do not own a SANTE yet, but the one I test drove last summer (I believe it was a 2011 or 2012) had the sub to the lower right of the driver, I believe it was below the throttle lever. Maybe slightly behind it too. I'm sure this is the location for all the newer SANTE's out there? I'm such a noobie!

My main question is can this stock subwoofer be upgraded to something with much more punch and output at higher volume levels? Can I keep it in this same location or is there another location that owners like to use when upgrading?

thanks again!!

[EarmarkMarine]

Okay, now we are on the same page. The enclosure comment had me questioning a few things. I just needed to confirm the location before giving you bad advice.
If the sub is flush-mounted in the starboard coaming structure at the driver's hip, then it has no enclosure and is operating infinite baffle into an expansive gunnel cavity.
In this case you could easily replace the existing sub with a true IB (infinite baffle) like the JL Audio sub I mentioned.
A true IB sub when correctly executed can sound great at normal output levels but there is a definite limit to the controlled excursion capacity of an IB sub as compared to a sub in an enclosure, whether sealed or ported. And an enclosure will undoubtedly require a new location, mods for venting and some loss of storage. Also, you do not want two subwoofer locations or two subs loaded differently in the same boat.
So for now you know that there are avenues for improvement. Some of this is going to be weighing your expectations against the realistic outcome and agianst the complications to get a very authoritive sub at serious output levels.

David