MTX 2300 (bridged wrong) help!

[subgeniusdude]

Okay,my MTX Thunder 2300 was working great,but I bought a 4200X and unhooked the 2300 to test it.When I reconnected my 2300,I noticed my sub (a single 12" JL Audio W0 4 ohm)sounded weak and hollow.Upon further inspection,I found I had bridged it using the LEFT + and RIGHT +.The amp was only on maybe a couple minutes at low volume before I caught this.I corrected it (LEFT - and RIGHT +),but it still sounds weak and hollow.When the balance on the radio is turned full left or full right,the bass improves.Any ideas or suggestion?Thanks in advance!
Glenn

[Perry Babin]

The improper connection didn't do any damage.

If the woofer is a DVC (I don't think it is), make sure both coils are wired properly.

If that's not it, check the RCA shields on the amp. Many times, they ground connection breaks and can cause various problems (generally squealing or hissing). If you pull the covers (slit the sticker with a razor knife - only go deep enough to cut the sticker) and gently push back on the RCAs, you'll be able to see if the shield ground is broken (between the plastic body of the RCA jack and the circuit board).

If that's not broken, you may have open shields on the head unit.

[jol50]

Most class AB amps have the non-bridged speaker leads connected internally. You can test with a meter. Sounds like a phase issue if more bass with one channel, but not seeing how what you did could cause that.

[ppia600]

Originally posted by jol50
Most class AB amps have the non-bridged speaker leads connected internally. You can test with a meter. Sounds like a phase issue if more bass with one channel, but not seeing how what you did could cause that.

Yep. Find the two speaker leads that aren't connected internally and don't use those. Also make sure you have the both rcas plugged into the inputs on the amp.

[I Am An Idiot]

I too vote for a broken shield on the RCA jack.

[subgeniusdude]

Thanks for the advice,I appreciate it! As for the amp,its still working fine,both stereo channels work and it works bridged as well. Head unit is two weeks old. I was listening to my sub at low volume and theres some slight rattling that goes away when the volume is increased,but when really driven the sub sounds as if its not in a box anymore! I thought I might have torn the spider of the sub,but it looks good. I know the 2300 is capable of nearly 1,000 watts and the JL Audio 12W0 is rated 125 RMS so guess I will be looking for another sub this weekend!

[I Am An Idiot]

Originally posted by Perry Babin

If that's not it, check the RCA shields on the amp. Many times, they ground connection breaks and can cause various problems (generally squealing or hissing). If you pull the covers (slit the sticker with a razor knife - only go deep enough to cut the sticker) and gently push back on the RCAs, you'll be able to see if the shield ground is broken (between the plastic body of the RCA jack and the circuit board).

Did you check the RCA jack on the amp for a broken leg on the shield path??? Just Curious.

[subgeniusdude]

No,havent checked yet,its been really cold here!
I know the RCA's are fragile on these amps and was VERY careful disconnecting them.
Sub sounded great on a 2 hour round trip,then I hooked up the MTX 4200x that I bought to see if it worked.I noticed while the 4200x was installed,engaging the crossover (it has a simple push in button)caused a massive thump from my sub.Other than that,the 4200x worked great.When I installed the 2300 back up,the sub just doesnt have the bottom that it did.
I'll check the RCA's as soon as it warms a bit...I didnt want to cut the warranty sticker but this amp is probably circa 1995 and I heard MTX no longer repairs them
I may have an excuse to buy an RE Audio sub now!
Thanks a bunch!

[I Am An Idiot]

If you do not want to cut the warranty sticker, remove the screw from the RCA jack and gently push the jack toward the center of the amp. Very little resistance = broken leg. If it tries to remain in place, probably not broken.

Use a blow dryer and heat the sticker up, you should be able to remove it from one of the covers.

[subgeniusdude]

Thanks for all your help! After smelling a strong odor of what seemed like burnt transmission fluid,I pulled the sub out of the enclosure and the smell of burnt voice coil was almost overpowering!Sounded great for two weeks anyway,now I get to choose from either RE or Digital Designs subs lol.