Should I be concerned?

[DominicJE]

Hi all,

I got the 2012 Genesis w/ Premium about 2 months ago and I love listening to my music around 20-30 range sometimes even max, now will the speakers blow easy if I listen to it around this range? I would assume that it should be able to handle it other wise it shouldn't be able to go that high?

Also for future reference, how would I know if a speaker is blown? I do notice sometimes when plugging the iPhone in that I hear a little fuzzy type noise. But I don't hear it when the music is playing, Is this normal?

Dominic

 

[Mark_888]

Hi all,

I got the 2012 Genesis w/ Premium about 2 months ago and I love listening to my music around 20-30 range sometimes even max, now will the speakers blow easy if I listen to it around this range? I would assume that it should be able to handle it other wise it shouldn't be able to go that high?

Also for future reference, how would I know if a speaker is blown? I do notice sometimes when plugging the iPhone in that I hear a little fuzzy type noise. But I don't hear it when the music is playing, Is this normal?

Dominic

There is no direct relationship between speaker handling power and maximum amplifier output power, even in an integrated stereo system where the vendor supplies all components. You should never play the system at maximum power (or anywhere close to it).

Music (at least well-recorded music) has a significant range of output power, varying from soft to loud passages. Amplifiers are designed so that when the average output power is about 10% of the maximum amplifier output, there will peaks in the music that require from 50-100% maximum amplifier power for short moments. This is called dynamic range, and is one the things that makes music sound realistic on playback.

When an amplifier reaches its maximum output capacity, it "clips," which means distortion rises rapidly to 100% total harmonic distortion. This distortion, when it occurs for anything but momentary periods (more an at second or two at 100% distortion) is what is most dangerous to speakers, even if the speaker maximum rating power handling capability is above the maximum amplifier output power.

The sound you hear is probably a damaged speaker. When you play it loudly, you don't hear the damage because:

• The volume of the music masks the speaker damage noise
• You are accustomed to listening at high distortion levels and can't tell the difference between high quality sound and highly distorted sound.

If you take it your dealer and act innocent, they will probably replace the damaged speakers under warranty. Try and identify which speakers are making the flapping noise at low volumne so you demonstrate it to the dealer.

 

[waveman]

Just to add to Mark's comments:

1. If you're hearing a very transient noise when you connect your iPhone, it may be normal - it's not uncommon when sound sources are connected or disconnected. Another possibility is that you're hearing RF interference from the iPhone which occurs under certain circumstances. (It's more of a buzzing sound.)

2. Listening to loud music for prolonged periods, whether distorted or not, will damage your hearing over time. You're only 21, so take it easy on your ears.

 

[DominicJE]

Hmm I tried to aim at each speaker individually but it seems the noise is only when the song is switching you hear a little weird noise until the next song plays (static or fuzzy type noise). If I brought it up to the dealer would they be able to check and make sure all speakers are fine? I would hate to drive around in the car if I know the music quality isn't at it's best (due to a blown speaker) Also the big speakers at the bottom of the door that say lexicon doesn't seem like any sound is coming from it but I will check again tomorrow (10/31) and will put my ear next to it.

I hope it's not too late to prevent the issue from the future (if none of my speakers are blown yet). I only have around 2,200 miles on the car at the moment.

 

[Mark_888]

Hmm I tried to aim at each speaker individually but it seems the noise is only when the song is switching you hear a little weird noise until the next song plays (static or fuzzy type noise). If I brought it up to the dealer would they be able to check and make sure all speakers are fine? I would hate to drive around in the car if I know the music quality isn't at it's best (due to a blown speaker) Also the big speakers at the bottom of the door that say lexicon doesn't seem like any sound is coming from it but I will check again tomorrow (10/31) and will put my ear next to it.

I hope it's not too late to prevent the issue from the future (if none of my speakers are blown yet). I only have around 2,200 miles on the car at the moment.

Get a cardbord tube, such as comes from an empty roll of paper towels, and use it to focus the sound to your ear from each speaker (all 14 of them) to determine which ones sound like they may be damaged or completely blown. Write down your results on paper and take it the dealer and ask for warranty service. If you tell them you play your stereo at full volume, they may not cover it under warranty (hint). Also, be sure to check multiple music sources (CD, iPod, radio) to rule out any problem with specific source systems. For these tests, use some high quality music, instead of the crap you normally listen to.

In addition to (or instead of) speaker damage, it is possible that you have amplifier damage. But there is very good chance they will fix any problems under warranty.

 

[DominicJE]

I went to the dealership and they said my speakers are fine but to make sure my iPhone has the volume set to mid range otherwise it could cause some weird distorted noises. Does anyone else do this with their iPhone? Mine was usually on full volume.

 

[Mark_888]

I went to the dealership and they said my speakers are fine but to make sure my iPhone has the volume set to mid range otherwise it could cause some weird distorted noises. Does anyone else do this with their iPhone? Mine was usually on full volume.

Same issue with iPod as I described with amplifiers. If you are running your iPod (or any source input) at full volume, it is clipping into massive distortion even before it gets to the Genesis amplifier. Fortunately, distorted input prior to the Genesis amplifier stage will generally not damage speakers, just sound bad.