Ohms and old Soundstream Amp

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=18551
Printed Date: July 21, 2025 at 3:50 AM

Topic: Ohms and old Soundstream Amp

Posted By: Tuco
Subject: Ohms and old Soundstream Amp
Date Posted: September 06, 2003 at 12:31 AM

I have a Soundstream MC245 amp which is about 13 years old. It is a multi-channel amp and includes a subwoofer channel. However nowhere in the amp's literature does it mention handling a load lower than 4 ohms. I have purchased a new JL Audio stealth woofer for my Passat, and the specs state that the nominal impedance is 3 ohms. Will this be a problem for the Soundstream? TIA.

Replies:

Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: September 06, 2003 at 8:41 AM

The 245 is 2-ohm stereo stable and 2-ohm stable on the mono channel. Your JL sub will not harm the amp. Go here to download an owners manual:

https://www.soundstream.com/sub/support_manuals.html

Posted By: Tuco
Date Posted: September 06, 2003 at 10:22 AM

I have reread the manual now several times, but am unable to find a specific reference to 2-ohm operation. But since I'm not well versed in things electrical, perhaps there's something in the diagrams that I'm not interpreting correctly. DYohn, can you explain why the MC245 is 2-ohm stable? I appreciate your time and help on this!

Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: September 06, 2003 at 10:51 AM

Soundstream only lists ratings at 4 ohms, but if you look at the diagram at the bottom of page 6, it shows a parallel 2 ohm hookup as acceptable. Older Soundstream equipment is always very under-rated. You should have no problems what so ever running a 3-ohm load on the mono channel.

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