I've searched the forum, but I couldn't find the answer to this particular question...
I am installing 2 Kicker 10L7 subs in my vehicle. I am unsure, however, whether the 4ohm dvc or the 2ohm dvc is right for my application.
The amp I'm using is a Kicker SX900.2. I want to run this amp at 2ohms. Rated 425x2 RMS @ 2ohm. Rated 850x1 RMS @ 2ohms.
The box I have built hasn't gotten wires/terminals installed yet, so I'm still flexible on wiring. It's a dual-chamber sealed box at around 0.71-0.73 cu ft per side.
So... now that I've set the stage, here's the meat of the question:
Do I run the amp in mono with the 2ohm subs and wire series for a 2ohm load? What would be my power load per speaker?
Do I run the amp in stereo with the 4ohm subs and wire parallel for a 2ohm load? What would be my power load per speaker?
I'd like to run in stereo if possible -- What would be the advantages or drawbacks of this?
I'd like some feedback from other users on whether or not you think this is a good configuration, or suggestions about what I could improve on.
I know these are bonehead questions... but I'm honestly confused about which direction to go. Thanks in advance!
The questions aren't "bonehead". This forum wouldn't exist without questions, so feel free to ask.
"Rated 850x1 RMS @ 2ohms." You should say "at 4 ohms". That's the mono output in bridged configuration.
Amp manual. Sub manual.
I would choose to use a final impedance of 4 ohms and bridge across the channels for the 850 watt mono output. Get 4 ohms out of two subs by choosing the 4 ohm DVC models. With 850 watts of output, each sub gets 425.
As you probably have noted, amplifier output is the same at 1 X 4 ohm mono as it is at 2 X 2 ohm stereo. The same model DVC subs could be used in either application with some changes in their wiring. My choice for mono output is primarily because the drivers are in the subwoofer range where the frequencies are so low that the sound is not directional. Stereo is directional and is therefore not needed in a subwoofer application.
The benefit, if there actually is any perceivable benefit, in running bridged is that each of the subs will receive exactly the same signal. This correlation of sound out of the two woofers should tend to increase SPL.
The lower frequency reproduction, however, depends mostly on airspace of the enclosure. At .7 cu ft per chamber you are putting these subs in a box that is on the small side. You would likely have a noticeable increase in the low end response if you provided these subs with 1 cu ft each. Whether you power the subs in stereo or mono takes a back seat to providing the best air volume in which they will operate. I recommend that you buy one pound of Acousta-Stuf and divide it equally into the two chambers to increase the apparent air volume.
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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.
Thanks for the advice!
The small enclosure size is due to the vehicle; it's a 2002 Mini Cooper. There isn't a lot of space back there, and this is about as big as I could make the box without cutting into the passenger compartment; and I'm sure not going to pay $300 for an unloaded enclosure that sits off to the side. I was planning to fill the chambers with fiberfill. If I had more room I'd definitely go bigger.
So the 4 ohm dvc, set up mono... then this would be wired as series? Let's see if I got this right...
Positive lead --> positive on coil 1, both subs
Negative lead --> negative on coil 2, both subs
Negative on coil 1 --> positive on coil, two both subs
Yes. I posted a link to the diagram above. And you're welcome. Good luck!
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Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.