Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio 8 ohm or dvc?

alright, I've asked on other forums, and they've been pretty useless so far...

ok, at the moment, I have 2 single VC subs at 4 ohm each. these are run off of a 4 channel amp, bridged setting is 4 ohm. as you all probably know, running this at bridged creates a 2 ohm load, causing my amp to overheat if run at full blast for about 30 minutes or so. there were several options to fix this, such as
"don't run it bridged"
"turn down the gain"
"replace the subs"

I'm choosing to go with the latter, but with car repairs and such, I can't afford the subs I want. however, I can get subs that are identical to mine in one of two configurations, and break even most likely (after selling my current ones). heres my question, should I go with 8 ohm subs, or 4 ohm+ 4 ohm DVC subs? I want to bridge my amp so I can use the full capacity of it like I am now, without it overheating all the time and shutting off. I know that the 8 ohm subs I would just pop in and wire the same way, and the load would just balance to 4 ohm. the DVC, well, I can figure out all the wiring legistics once I get them, but I know it's not rocket science. just dig out the old physics notes...

will either option make a difference? the difference in price is only a few dollars, so either would do, but if it makes absolutely no difference, I'm inclined to go with the 8 ohm subs just for simplicity's sake. thanks in advance,

drew

What is the make and model of your amplifier?

http://www.discountjungle.net/sounr335x4ch.html

Are you using all 4 channels of the amp to run your subs or just the rear channels?

If you're using all 4 channels for the subs, your subs aren't the problem, it's the amp. Does the amp have adequate ventilation (not mounted upside down or stuck underneath something)? Are you using big enough gauge wiring? 4GA would be the minimum you'd want for that amp (assuming its ratings aren't grossly inflated). How about your ground? Is it the same gauge as the power wire, short as possible, and grounded in a good location for good metal to metal contact?

If you're using just the rear channels bridged to the subs, either 8ohm SVC or 4ohm DVC subs would be fine. There would be no audible difference, but it would probably be easier finding 4ohm DVC subs which also give you some wiring flexibility for future changes in your system.

I'm using all 4 channels, but the problem is the fact that the load on the amp is 2 ohm when the bridged setting is set for 4 ohm. either the amp or subs could be replaced to fix this, but the quick fix is to just get the same subs, different impedence, and throw them in. my biggest question though, you answered by saying that there would be no audible difference between the two. by selling my current ones, and buying these, I'll probably break even (or if I sell mine to an idiot I'll get a little cash )until I can afford my infinity DVCs that I really want

sounds like the 4 channel amp is not a sub amp. sell it or keep to run your doors and get a sub amp to run your subs thats 2ohm stable.

*sigh* yes, I know replacing half of the system would solve the problem, but the problem is:

budget. at the moment, money is a little tight, and this would be a quick---temporary fix...just looking for a few answers...

or u can sell the 4 channel and use some of it to pay for a sub amp. the jbl's r well priced amps online. a few mention hifonics and soundstream as other potentials. if u dont need lots of power $200 and less should be doable minus whatever u sell the 4 channel for.

alrighty, since everyone's favorite fix seems to be "replace the amp", what's a cost effective, good amp to run these two 700W subs at their full potential...one that can handle the 2 ohm load

whats your budget. r they 700watts each rms or total or max power for each or max power for both. my jbl 600.1 was like 212 shipped nib. 600 watts at 2ohms. others mention soundstream, hifonics. dont know models for these though.

the 1200.1 is 1200 watts at 2ohm. this should be around 275-285.