Stern Godzilla Official Owners Club King Elwin

Hey guys - since we were mentioned. Hope you are all having a stellar weekend!

Regarding the PinWoofer GT Amplifier, please keep in mind that the PinWoofer amp is now driving the speakers, and not the Stern CPU Node Board so while you will hear a difference in intensity (volume) switching between 4 Ohm and 8 Ohm settings (4 being quieter), it is not obvious what's really going on and I did not see it addressed above.

The 4/8 Ohm menu options are an impedance matching feature in the CPU node electronics and since the GT expander board has a 30 Ohm input impedance, you will get greater "power transfer" when the menu is set to 8 Ohm (Ie. 8 will be louder). The power transfer efficiency is lower when using 4 Ohm so the intensity is less.

We generally recommend using 8 Ohm on the Sterns since 4 Ohm is much quieter but if you want to use 4 Ohms, you can always raise the gain and master Vol to level up. We will still recommend 8 Ohm whenever possible; plese keep the service menu volume <= 20 as per the instructions to avoid clipping.

Regarding the PinWoofer KO Amplifer, there should be no sensitivity to the menu impedance settings but honestly, I have not tried it yet. There is a comment above that Godzilla sounds cleaner with PinWoofer using 4 Ohm. This is an interesting observation and I plan to dig into this more since I wonder if the digital leveling in the track is also reduced along with the lower impedance setting. AIQ, IMDN, GZ and some others have peculiar noise spots that are an artifact of the track and quite repeatable, and we see them reported from time to time as above. If there is an adjustment path to help these titles, I'll report back.

Thanks for your attention

#4541 2 years ago

WUF

PinWoofer

Quoted from navajas:
Thanks for the info. This discussion started due to what I assume to be blown speakers on my Mom's Godzilla Premium. I'm going to try and go the Stern warranty direction tomorrow morning, but failing that (or most likely regardless down the road) maybe I'll use you folks as an option. Do you sell kits for the SPike 2 system, just amps, just woofers? Not really sure what your product line is.
Want to throw me a link to the one stop shop version you'd recommend?

Got it. I think you are on the right path; get a replacement speaker to ensure mom's machine is working / sounding as it should and do that before you do anything new (including PinWoofer).

After that - the PinWoofer system for Spike-2 (and others) is a complete audio upgrade with a new amplifier, power / audio solution, harness and speakers.

It's all engineered to be trivial to install, fully integrated and sounds great.

Feel free to reach out to me if that speaker replacement does not do the trick; it is possible that some other issue is at play and I can try to help out.

Thanks,

Dan
https://PinWoofer.com
[email protected]
+1 208-855-0346, 9am - 5pm MST, Mon - Fri

PW KO SPK SPIKE-2 (resized).png

2 weeks later

#5514 2 years ago

WUF

PinWoofer

https://pinwoofer.com/accessories/backbox-mounting-rings/

Quoted from John_I:
I designed a drop in adapter to install the 5.25 inch speakers in Pro or Premium machines that are a better design than either of those (IMO). I need to make a Thingiverse account and upload the design, but I would be glad to send the STL file by email if someone wants to print them for themselves. These are sturdy and install on the existing Stern OEM metal plates and studs. This design provides solid mounting along with a seal between the speaker and plate to provide cleaner sound. The design above by mwong is not very sturdy looking and at least needs some foam or something to seal the ring under the speaker to create a cabinet effect for better sound. Also, it appears to remove the two screws on either side of the display that hold it tight in place and is simply held down by the plastic plates???
These are available on my pinside shop at a price that I basically make nothing on
https://pinside.com/pinball/market/shops/1312-space-coast-pinball/05610-spike-2-diy-525-speaker-adapters-pro-premium-w-hardware
[quoted image][quoted image]

Oh no! We think we see a few "potential" design and fit issues (of course, we cannot validate this without a set in hand). Having fine-tuned our models over years, and having put a significant effort into making the PinWoofer original 3D printed designs work flawlessly over 100% of the Spike titles, trims (Pro/Premuim/LE) as well as being fit-compatible with all of the speaker light kits out there, you might expect some challenges but again, I cannot say for sure. If I am wrong, please forgive me.

Thanks for your time and have a great day!

3 weeks later

#6631 2 years ago

WUF

PinWoofer

Quoted from EvilChicken:
Does anyone know whether the flaming frames will work with the pinwoofer set? Anything I need to consider? I also have Pinstadium installed, do I need to order the power splitter? Thanks much for any advice that can be given.

Greetings EvilChicken - you'll have no problems in terms of compatibility with the speaker panel or the lighting kit. We also have a dedicated power solution. Here's the kit you'll want:

It's all turnkey but give as shout if you want to chat.

Thanks!

Dan
https://PinWoofer.com
[email protected]
+1 208-855-0346, 9am - 5pm MST, Mon - Fri

3 weeks later

-1

#7606 2 years ago

WUF

PinWoofer

Quoted from Thunderbird:
Amazing, Godzilla just entered my living room with this sound mod upgrade and WOW what a difference in hooking directly up to the 7 pins on Spike CPU board. Best mod there is, increasing sound excitement and clarity, with huge bass at low volume levels. Godzilla walking around shakes the room, lol.
[quoted image]
See the difference in size between my original LE sub and the new 10” sub duo coil, I just placed in the cabinet in a side by side comparison. Godzilla just came alive!
[quoted image]

Thunderbird - is that the V2 kit you bought from us awhile back having repurposed the parts and pieces (looks almost identical to ours)? Guys liked the V2 and we still get requests for them now and again!

Post last edited 2 years ago: “sp”

#7607 2 years ago

WUF

PinWoofer

Quoted from PinWoofer:
Thunderbird - is that the V2 kit you bought from us awhile back having repurposed the parts and pieces (looks almost identical to ours)? Guys liked the V2 and we still get requests for it now and again!

4 weeks later

#8545 2 years ago

WUF

PinWoofer

Quoted from eyeamred2u:
Have a good question for the group.
Will be adding Pinwoofer kit...how can I tap into all these 12volts supplies easily?...

Greetings eyeamred2u ! Your PinWoofer power will source from a dedicated location, separate from any other 12V items you may have. Thanks, and have a great day!

#8669 2 years ago

WUF

PinWoofer

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/the-official-rush-owners-club-1/page/54#post-6825035

Quoted from delt31:
I don’t understand. Is this $70 item (basically the cost of the sub itself) used to hook up a subwoofer to the pinwoofer system? Or is it another bass add on that is independent of your sub?

Hey delt31 ! The below post may explain it better:

We offer the BBU to help with specific customer goals and while I'm not necessarily gung-ho on it, guys seem to really like what it does so PinWoofer will continue to offer it for now.

Have a great day and thanks for your attention!

6 months later

#15638 1 year ago

WUF

PinWoofer

Considering the offerings above, and using current prices, the estimate for doing a complete DIY pinball audio is about $360. (At high-level, give or take.)

By comparison, the base PinWoofer Super Kit is currently $370:

“life is too short, so live your life to the fullest" -W.S.

Thanks, and have a stellar day,

Dan
https://PinWoofer.com
[email protected]
+1 208-855-0346, 9am - 5pm MT, Mon - Fri

20221015DIYCostComparison (resized).jpg

3 weeks later

#16490 1 year ago

WUF

PinWoofer

https://pinwoofer.com/pinwoofer-spike-2-factory-speaker-connector-set/

Quoted from Drain-O:
...what type of wires do I need to buy to attach to the speakers, and what do you call the white plastic thing that the wires are going into that connects to the other white plastic thing

Here you go buddy:

If you want a turnkey solution, full super kit and you'll never look back:

Thanks,

Dan
+1 208-855-0346

PW-SPIKE-2-SPK-PTAIL - Upgraded speaker (resized).jpg

3 weeks later

#17048 1 year ago

WUF

PinWoofer

Greetings everyone, hope you all are having a great start to the holiday season!

We publish this comparison from time to time as taken from the various posts out there. Below are some things to think about and no knock on anyone's approach:

1) To DIY your realized cost is going to be about the same, but it will be difficult to match PinWoofer's integration and outcome.
2) The time to install the PinWoofer kit is approximately 30–60 minutes and this is likely about the time required to only come up with a plan and order ones own parts, let alone doing the actual install.
3) DIY install time is going to vary widely but it will be on the order of hours if not days.
4) Odds of failure are higher, and Amazon does not provide pinball audio support.
5) After the money is spent, there is little or no brand recognition for the mixed parts added so it will be difficult to convince a buyer that your upgrades command a higher selling price.

Spike-2 Super Kit:
https://pinwoofer.com/pinwoofer-spike-super-kit/

Thanks for your attention and have a stellar day!

Dan
https://PinWoofer.com
[email protected]
+1 208-855-0346, 9am - 5pm MT, Mon - Fri

20221026 DIY Breakdown (resized).jpg

4 weeks later

#17819 1 year ago

WUF

PinWoofer

Quoted from chuckwurt:
I believe the amp is grounded yes.

Hey chuckwurt ! I agree. The PinWoofer system has a solid ground net, and you won't have any grounding issues related to power (60Hz hum or buzz).

About 10-15% of Spike-2 guys seek a ground loop isolator to address non-random noise (which presents itself as a variable whine, whistle or ramp). You can get one from us which is known to have almost no attenuation, or you can get them on the cheap at amazon, etc.

Have a great day!

#17820 1 year ago

WUF

PinWoofer

http://pinwoofer.com/pinwoofer-ground-loop-isolator-kit/

Quoted from Desmodromic:
I need to go study the rulesheet a little, but today I've had two games where I was battling Ebirah and I swear I received the "Left Spinner Award" without actually hitting the left spinner? Is there a special shot that credits you for the left spinner in an Ebirah battle? Makes me wonder if it's a feature, a bug or if I have some kind of funky wiring situation. The left spinner switch functions as expected and when I do rip it, the spins count.
I also have a funky sound that persists any time after I get a Mechagodzilla Multiball, even after the games are finished. Almost like a buzzing sound but more like an alarm sound somewhat far away? I'll have to see if I can record a video with it. I do have a Pinwoofer kit installed as well as coil cooling fans, but the noise keeps going even if I unplug the fans and is only there under certain conditions.
Christmas Day Mysteries!

Quoted from Desmodromic:
Here's a video of that noise I described above. Pretty sure this starts during Mecha Multiball and then persists until the machine is shut down. Have any of you heard this?

A ground loop isolator will almost certainly take care of that, and while not likely, it is possible something else is at play. (Was the volume up super high when you recorded that clip?) I would not recommend trying anything else at this time and for starters I'd strongly recommend getting yourself a GLI:

You can also get them from other places like Amazon if you want it today or tomorrow.

Thanks,

Dan
Out of office mostly this week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
https://PinWoofer.com
[email protected]
+1 208-855-0346, 9am - 5pm MT, Mon - Fri

2 months later

#19864 1 year ago

WUF

PinWoofer

Quoted from DugFreez:
Any of my SPIKE 2 Speaker Light Kits should work with Pinwoofer, or any speakers.
The only stipulations are the Deluxe 5.25" Speaker Light Kits will only work with 5.25" speakers and those speakers need to be mounted on 5.25" speaker plates and not mounted on a 4" speaker plate using some sort of adapter.
Another stipulation would be that any aftermarket 4" speakers cannot have any sort of spacer ring attached to the front of them (I don't think anyone even sells that that way anymore) and if they are an upgraded 4" speaker that has a tweeter that protrudes out, past the mounting area...you may have to cut the bars out of the speaker holes in the factory 4" speaker plates, or buy my replacement 4" speaker plates (for use with type 11, 12 or 14 light kits) that have the speaker holes open.
All and all, my Speaker Light Kits will work in the games they are designated for, with any speakers as long as the speakers are the proper size for use in those games (4" or 5.25"). Though, some added accessories or modifications may be needed in some rare cases. They are also the original and best pinball Speaker Light Kits that are available in most cases. Each one is assembled in the USA by myself, and each component is personally checked by me before they are shipped out. The highest quality pinball Speaker Lights Kits at a reasonably price, since 2012.
Doug (SpeakerLightKits,com)

100% agree. This is a very common approach. Guys put this combination in play daily and without issue.

#19865 1 year ago

WUF

PinWoofer

Quoted from DCfoodfreak:
I just ordered the Pinwoofer kit...

You will be the toast of the town DCfoodfreak !

Thanks,

Dan
https://PinWoofer.com
[email protected]
+1 208-855-0346, 9am - 5pm MT, Mon - Fri

SSK (resized).jpg

1 week later

#20092 1 year ago

WUF

PinWoofer

Quoted from DCfoodfreak:
OMG just added PinWoofer and its insane how much better it is. Single best thing I've done to a game! The sound now is clear and the mids and bass rock.

Quoted from ktcoady12:
yes pinwoofer kicks ass- I just put one in my DP- Love it- game changer for sound

Nice job guys - happy you're satisfied!

PinWoofer PW-SPIKE-SPK KOP super kit 3DID (resized).jpg

7 months later

#24928 5 months ago

WUF

PinWoofer

Thanks for the accolades, guys!

Since we were mentioned, please see our Spike Black Friday ad below.

Our BF coupon codes are live and we're ready to ship.

Since most of our super kit options come with a built-in savings anyway, this code can be used to save even more.

Have a great day all!

Thanks,

Dan

https://PinWoofer.com
[email protected]
+1 208-855-0346, 9am - 5pm MT, Mon - Fri

Spike (resized).JPG

#24934 5 months ago

WUF

PinWoofer