1 ohm, 2 ohm, 4 ohm. What's the point?

I am looking to purchase two Cadence 12" subs. In the catalog both subs have all the same specs except one is 2 ohm stable and the other is 4 ohm stable. What importance does this play in sound quality? Does it only determine the type of amp to purchase?

as long as all the other specs are the same, your right, the impedance (measured in ohms) is to be matched to your amp or wiring configuration.

The lower the ohm load, the less resistance is encountered. Less ohms=less resistance=more power. I used to think that this also had a direct impact on the efficency of the amp being used, but was corrected by The12Volt. While the chosen ohm load does play a role in efficency, it is not the only factor. I'm assuming that the Cadence subs you're looking for are DVC (since I haven't really seen any 2ohm SVC's out there). If that's the case, then (2) 2ohm DVC subs can be safely wired into a .5, 2, or 8 ohm total load. (2) 4ohm DVC subs can be safely wired into a 1 or 4 ohm total load. Those are the figures you would want to match up to an amplifier's output based on the desired ohm load (and RMS level of the subs).Squirrel

"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"

If its too loud, then you're too old

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Also, an amp running at 2 Ohms will generally be running hotter than one at 4 Ohms.  Not always, but usually.I refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death.

Hello. Somewhere above says "Less ohms=less resistance=more power" That is not correct. Less resistance is not more power in audio systems. The power can be at its most when the load impedance (speaker)is equal to the source impedance (amplifier). Miguel

When the total impodence from the speaker(s) is matched to the output impodence of the amp, then Less ohms=Less resistance=More power This equation is not for bridges, it is for single (mono) channels. I don't care what the amp is, a 2ohm mono load will produce more power then a 4ohm mono load, and have less resistance. The amp may not be as efficient at 2ohms, but that was discussed earlier too. If you still don't believe me, then ask some of the resident experts on the site (that's where I learned it from).Squirrel

"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"

If its too loud, then you're too old

Donate to the12volt.com

I'm not a resident expert but I too have learnt the same lesson as stated about from wvsquirrel, since i have been posting on here.