jo_gobel

ok, i have been bumping since I was 16 (im now 30).

however, my question is one that requires a bit more knowledge from people. Here is the situation....


I have 2 15" DVC 4ohm subs i am hooking up to an amp. the amp is rated 480rms x 2 at 2 ohms, or 960rms x 1 (bridged) at 4 ohms.


the question is, which configuration is the best way to wire the subs/amp?


example 1 - bridge each sub down to 2 ohms, wire up each sub to its on channel, seeing 480rms per sub x 2 channels
example 2 - bridge each sub down to 2 ohms, then wire the subs up in series to a 4ohm load to the amp, seeing 960rms total x 1 channel
example 3 - run each sub in series to 8 ohms, then bridge the subs and run bridged on the amp in a 4ohm load, seeing 960rms total x 1 channel



or does it not matter how it wires up because mathmatically, all 3 ways are seeing the "same" power? if this is the case, is one way or another "better" for the amp, as in efficiancy?


thanks.

78NOVA

i would go with the sub setup in example number 2. i always bridge my amp, its puts a higher load on the amp and decreases its life span slightly, but i think it sounds much better. more or so depends on the sub quality when it comes to sound though.

SDRAWKCAB

subs parallel
amp bridged

jo_gobel

that doesnt help.

example 2 and 3, at some point, the subs are ran parallel, and the amp is bridged in both examples as well.

BigD

Only thing with running it at a lower ohm is you will get more heat build up and possible distortion. Since you will be getting the same wattage running it bridged at 4 ohm I would go that route.

jo_gobel

ok, i do agree with that.

4ohms bridged it is.



now onto which way is better for wiring the subs to get 4ohms?

DrSeuss

Run the subs off individual channels. Less strain on the amp and less on the subs. It is the best way for sound quality but maybe not maximum power.

Either that or run the subs in parrallel and bridge the amp. Just beware, you will need a 2ohm load in series with the subs and it will be dissipating most of the extra wattage as heat. So you will need a 100W+ ballast resistor. This should go in the -ve speaker cable back to the amp.

There is no ideal way to run your system, anything will be a compromise.

78NOVA

also if this is in a honda, you had better run a high end battery and a capacitor. or be prepared to replace your battery very often(me).
ever since i put my capacitor in last year its been gold for a year till it took a ---- two weeks ago(battery).

fork

Don't do this all of the ways you posted will work fine. The amp sees the same load in all cases the only difference is that if you use example one the subs will still be in stereo, IF the amp isn't bridged internally which it may be if it is a dedicated sub, or monoblock amp.