Early DB9 Linn 950W Subwoofer not working

[Ekaplan1020]

I have a 2005 DB9 with a 950W Linn System. The subwoofer is not working and I was curious if anyone else had this issue or if anyone knew if this was a speaker problem or an amp problem. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Ethan

[Sump]

I have the 280w(?) watt version, I replaced my subwoofer pretty easily. I think the 950 has 2 subs? Which one is gone? I want to say it's more likely the sub than the AMP as if I recall it's a common issue. You can just use an aftermarket sub, mine was better than the factory.

[mib484]

make sure its not been turned off in the menu settings

[ZX10R NIN]

Alpine do a very nice replacement subwoofer to lose both is rare I'd check the subs first but it may be the Amp itself.

[Ekaplan1020]

I have tried turning it on and off and adjusting the sub level, but there is nothing. Not sure if replacing the sub alone would help as even a blown sub should make some noise, correct?

[ZX10R NIN]

It depends on the Amp some will shut the channel down if the Sub has gone.

Pull the sub out then gently push the cone in if you it feels like it's grating then it's the sub if it has a smooth action then connect it to a Duracell battery if it moves or crackles then it should be okay.

[matthewjeans]

Morning all,

Just to resurrect this topic, the rear subwoofer (between rear seats) on my 06 DB9 with Linn 950w system sounds like it’s blown.

It works ok but has the classic sound of a blown speaker if you turn up the bass or listen to any bass-heavy music.

Does anyone know if there’s a direct replacement for this sub (or an upgraded part) and how easy it is to fit? I’m terrified about prising up the leather trim below the speaker grille for fear of snapping plastic fasteners!

Thanks in advance

Matt

[ZX10R NIN]

It actually comes apart pretty easily finding a replacement is pretty simple as it's just an 8 inch sub so better quality units are easy to purchase for less money.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-MB-Quart-DS1-204-40...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pioneer-TS-SW2002D2-8-i...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ROCKFORD-FOSGATE-P3SD4-...

[8Tech]

I replaced my perfectly adequate sub with a replacement Phoenix Gold sub and the improvement was astounding. I sold my existing original sub used for more than I paid for the new one. It is deeper, louder and more controlled and frankly puts the overpriced, underspecced Linn to shame.

I also replaced the component speakers in the door and rear 1/4 panels but the improvement was only slight, although noticeable.

Pity, the radio is not as easy to upgrade.

[matthewjeans]

Thank you both for your replies - very helpful.

Any idea what wattage the replacement should be? Does it need to be a shallow fit one or will any 8 inch car sub do?

Is it then just a matter of taking old one out and new one will just slot into place?

Thanks again for your help.

[ZX10R NIN]

matthewjeans said:

Thank you both for your replies - very helpful.

Any idea what wattage the replacement should be? Does it need to be a shallow fit one or will any 8 inch car sub do?

Is it then just a matter of taking old one out and new one will just slot into place?

Thanks again for your help.

I'd add some Dynamat to the inside of the box to aid the sound quality the Subwoofer is straight swap, in all honesty anyone of the subwoofers above will be a vast improvement on the original.

[matthewjeans]

Thanks - I will do that.

Is there any reason this JBL sub wouldn’t fit? JBL’s a decent brand (I’m no expert) and for £50 delivered it seems decent value? Or is the extra £70 for a Phoenix Gold one really worth it?


https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2...


Thanks again for your help!

[ZX10R NIN]

The JBL will be more than up to the job I used an Infinity which is all part of the Harman Kardon group.

[matthewjeans]

Thank you - I’ve ordered it and will report back what it’s like.

[8Tech]

That speaker should be fine but you might find the original has a twin voice coil, ie, 2 amp inputs into a single speaker.

https://www.amazon.com/Kicker-CWCD84-CompC-Subwoof...

This is so that both left and right subwoofer frequencies go into a single cone speaker. The JBL appears to have a single input so you will only be able to use one side of the amp. You CANNOT connect both amp outputs, ie speaker inputs, on the same terminals, it will either bridge everything into mono or blow the amp.

The speaker I used had twin inputs.

If your speaker you remove just has a single input, then it will be a straight swap and this entire post has been useless!

[matthewjeans]

Thank you so much for your help - I haven’t got round to fitting it yet but I guess/hope there’s no major disadvantage to only using one amp output rather than two - I see that it’s not ideal but I’m not a mega-audiophile as you can probably tell!

Final question - did the piece of leather trim (armrest type thing) in front of the metal speaker grille pop up easily from its front edge as per a a few photos I’ve seen online? Did you break the clips doing this?

Thanks again - so helpful.

Matt

[matthewjeans]

Update - removed speaker grill and discovered a piece of leather from the trim piece I removed had been touching the sub - so in fact the sub works perfectly.

I will try to send back the one I bought as its seems to replace it actually involves removing quite a lot more trim pieces than I initially thought.

Thanks for help and pleased it has been a free fix!