The first half a centimeter of one of my tinsel leads (from the post) is slightly burnt which causes the sub to cut out when it warms up, and then it cuts back in when it cools down

Where can I get a length of tinsel in Red Deer, AB?

I believe this happened because the Sony 12" XPLOD (300+RMS watts) was hooked up to a Kicker ix252 amp (I believe bridged at 50RMS watts)...

I would recomend just getting a new sub, i've seen and heard of many people trying to fix or replace tinsel leads and the end resuld never ends up very good.

use speaker wire and make sure the solder joints are clean and solid or it will happen again.

a few things you can try, assuming that if nothing works you will need a new sub anyway.
1: Desolder the tinsel and pull it thru a 1/4 inch or so. Do not use too much solder or else it will wick it up and harden the tinsel, causing it to break very easily again.
2: If tinsel is too short, use some solid copper wire to extend the connector a bit, and solder the tinsel to it.
3: I dont know about the Xplod, but some subs, like the new Infinity refs allow you to change the tinsel without removing the dustcap etc. It is easy to do if you have a steady hand and soldering experience. Carfull or you will melt the cone.

If you can change the tinsel. let me know, I purchased a few feet this winter and can mail ya a few inches.

most stereo repair shops will do that for fairly cheap if you're not up to it.

Thanks gang, will try the stereo shop of choice...