dual 2 ohm subs, 2 mono amps
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=106735
Printed Date: July 12, 2025 at 10:41 AM
Topic: dual 2 ohm subs, 2 mono amps
Posted By: Slammed_Am
Subject: dual 2 ohm subs, 2 mono amps
Date Posted: August 12, 2008 at 10:37 PM
I've been running a single Alpine MRD M500 powering 2 Dual 2 ohm Type R 12's giving the amp a 2 ohm load. I recently aquired another M500 and would like to put it to use, in my set up, but considering the subs I don't believe I'll be able too, unless Im overlooking something.
If I was to powereach sub with 1 amp, each sub will be getting about 250w, the same they get now. Any way I could get the full 500w out of the amps to each of these 12's?
The subs are virtually brand new so I'd hate to have to replace them with SVC 2 ohm subs or DVC 4 ohm models.
Replies:
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: August 12, 2008 at 11:07 PM
Well, as long as you don't push them to the limit, you should be able to use one VC per woofer connected to each amp. Alpine experts, what do you think? ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: haemphyst
Date Posted: August 13, 2008 at 6:21 AM
Or. Use both woofers, use both amps. Yes, you'll be providing the drivers the same amount of power, but you'll gain lower distortion, increase amp efficiency, improve headroom, improve the damping of the system, and you'll have already installed the first steps to your next upgrade path... 
My personal vote is "Do it." ------------- It all reminds me of something that Molière once said to Guy de Maupassant at a café in Vienna: "That's nice. You should write it down."
Posted By: Slammed_Am
Date Posted: August 13, 2008 at 10:59 AM
eh....Im not too keen on powering just 1 VC of each sub. Granted it might work for a little while (or forever..who knows)but I'd rather find a better alternative.
I may just have to go ahead and install them and run each amp at 4 ohms and give it a try. That seems to be the only thing I can do at this point with these subs.
OR do they make 2 ohm resistors?
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: August 13, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Powering one VC is fine. It de-rates the power handling of a subwoofer by about 20%. Or run them at 4-ohms, which will, as mentioned above, result in lower amplifier heat, better sound quality, lower distortion, etc. DO NOT even think about using resisters. There is an entire sticky thread above discussing this which you should read. There is also a sticky thread about running one VC of a DVC woofer, which you should also read. ------------- Support the12volt.com
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