Tips and prevention against distortion (clipping)

Tips and Prevention: Understanding and Avoiding Distortion in a Car Amplifier and Subwoofer

Distortion isn't just an unpleasant sound: it's a distorted signal that can cause serious damage to your audio system, including the subwoofer and the amplifier's power transistors.

1. Common causes of distortion

1. Gain too high → forces the amp to saturate and distort the signal.

2. Overdriven car radio → distortion transmitted directly to the amplifier.

3. Excessive Bass Boost → distortion at certain frequencies.

4. Incorrectly adjusted filters → sends unsuitable frequencies.

5. Undersized amp → fast distortion at full power.

2. Possible damage to a subwoofer

• Coil overheating → melted insulation, burnt out coil.

• Excessive excursion → suspension or spider torn off.

• Mechanical blockage → membrane blocked

3. Possible damage to an amplifier due to distortion

• Breaking power transistors
  Prolonged distortion causes the output transistors to work under continuous overload, causing overheating which can lead to their destruction.
  Repairing this type of breakdown is often expensive.

4. Prevention

• Adjust the gain precisely :

  • Ideally with an oscilloscope , to detect the start of signal clipping and back off slightly.

  • Or using the clip light if the amp has one, making sure to stay just below the permanent light.

• Keep the car radio volume below saturation (70–80%).

• Limit Bass Boost to +3 dB maximum.

• Configure LPF and subsonic correctly.

• Choose an amplifier suited to the RMS power of the subwoofer.

Manufacturer's warranty and distortion damage

Most amplifier and subwoofer speaker manufacturers do not cover damage caused by distortion (clipping) in their manufacturer's warranty.

For what ?

• Distortion usually results from improper adjustment , improper use of the equipment, or incorrect mounting.

• These factors are considered misuse or outside normal usage conditions .

• Therefore, failures due to overheating, coil breakage, or destruction of transistors caused by distortion are generally not supported .

What the manufacturer recommends

• Follow the gain and filter adjustment instructions.

• Do not exceed the recommended power.

• Consult a professional if in doubt regarding installation and adjustments.

Disclaimer : This information is provided as guidance. We are not responsible for improper assembly or adjustment. If in doubt, consult a qualified professional.