JBL PB12 Subwoofer Amp

[[email protected]]

The amp just blew in my sub and after looking around the
internet, I see this is a common problem with this amp. Anyone out
there have any experience with this amp and give me a heads up on what
to look for?
I've only had it a year and a half and would hate to think it's just
trash now.

Thanks in advance.

David

 

[Leonard Caillouet]

I count six service bulletins and a service manual that includes a parts
list. I have ordered parts for these before. They seem to be serviceable
to me. Where are you getting your information, Jurb?

It is not a great sub, but very likely worth fixing. Get it to a shop that
is authorized for Harman products, or at least has experience fixing them,
for an estimate.

Leonard Caillouet

 

[Mark D. Zacharias]

This is really the type of thing that should be serviced by an authorized
servicer, or at least an experienced tech type.

Mark Z.

 

[JURB6006]

Actually JBL in all their benevolence have made these things unservicable. No
parts no nothing. Send it in.

Your alternetive is to run it off another amp. Of course then you got an extra
channel for something else, but what ?

JURB

 

[Mark D. Zacharias]

They're fixable. Do it all the time.

Mark Z.

 

[[email protected]]

I can replace a cap, if that's what it is. I just don't have a cap
meter to find out which one is bad. I was hoping someone had
experience with this amp to point me in the right direction.
When it went out, it sounded like a machine gun, rapid loud pops. if
anyone has any ideas what it could be, please post back to the group.

Thanks,

David

 

[JURB6006]

The unit for which I posted and called them about was I think a PSW-D112. It
has a class D amp with very few peripheral components. When I called JBL I got
sick of being on hold for ½ an hour. Screw it.

If you have specific knowledge as to the unit to which the original poster
enquired, I'll take a bit of enlightenment. The only experience I've had was
bad.

The reply to my post, in SER was that nothing is available, now that might not
be true of an older unit, if so, stock up on a few part if you service them. It
might be coming to an end. (big suprise ey?)

JURB

 

[JURB6006]

They're fixable. Do it all the time.

This thing has a heatsinked component with maybe 18 or 20 leads, actually a
twosided PC in a slot on the main PC which has the coil, rectifiers and
filters. This is a switching amp and I am sure there are not enough conponents
on the main baord to support it, it's pretty much self contained. I think the
main part says something like S186 on it.

This thing is not completely dead, fuses etc are OK. all it does is chirp, in
time with the music ! Even without service info, I think it needs the "hybrid".
The solder connections look good as well.

If you have something to say, please do. This is a nice subwoofer, and it
sounded great on an external amp. If the amp can't be fixed, it will probably
wind up being used that way.

Thanx in advance, and you can't email me yet, post back here if you want to and
I'll fix it. My antispam regimen is very aggressive.

JURB

 

[Scot]

I have a PB12 unit that just keeps blowing fuses every 3 seconds. Can
anyone enlighten me at to what may be the issue? I have heard that
they blow capacitors. It blew up while it was not in use. It was in
stand by mode.


Thx for your help


Scot

 

[Leonard Caillouet]

I have a PB12 unit that just keeps blowing fuses every 3 seconds. Can
anyone enlighten me at to what may be the issue? I have heard that
they blow capacitors. It blew up while it was not in use. It was in
stand by mode.

Best get it to a servicer who has access to Harman tech info and some
experience with these. There are several service bulletins and
modifications that should be considered when servicing this unit.

Leonard Caillouet

 

[Rob]

The PB12 has a special amp module that is no longer available. Check the
choke on the amp board for signs of burning. You may be able to get Harman
to replace your sub at no cost due to the parts being, not available. They
did it once for a customer who needed the amp module, the unit had been
brought in for me to fix. It sounded to me that free replacement was their
policy on this model. They did replace it with another PB12 and I had to
send the old sub back, but the price was right!
Good Luck
Bob Keller

 

[Leonard G. Caillouet]

Haven't we been through this just recently? This uses the S53AMI module
does it not? This module is available from Harman (JBL). The entire board
may not be available but they are repairable.

Leonard Caillouet