Adding a resistor instead of a DVC sub?

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=21107
Printed Date: May 03, 2024 at 9:30 AM

Topic: Adding a resistor instead of a DVC sub?

Posted By: FieroAudio
Subject: Adding a resistor instead of a DVC sub?
Date Posted: November 06, 2003 at 9:11 PM

Hey.

I would like to know if it is OK to put in a resistor to drop down the load that an amp sees for an SVC sub.

Here's my situation:

I have a JL 10W0 (4 Ohm SVC for those who dont know) in a small sealed box (.75 cubes). I also have a Memphis Audio MC250D which puts out 125W @ 4 ohm and 250W @ 2 ohm.

I would like to be able to have the amp see 2 ohm. Can I put a 4 ohm resistor in parallel with the sub? I've been told that this is a bad thing to do because the resistance of a voice coil changes as the sub plays and a resistor is a very solid number, no matter what.

My question is: will this be an OK thing to do to my amp? I dont want to abuse my amplifier, but I do want to get a lot of power to my small sub.

Yes, I know that JL doesnt approve of this kind of power to this sub in particular, but I am fine with the consequences.

Thanks
Blaine/FieroAudio

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Blaine Korte
1986 Pontiac Fiero SE - Custom Time!
Pioneer DEH-P3500, JL 10W0, Memphis 250D, Sony 125.2, Excursion 6.5" Mids, Custom Kicks, Custom sub box. You try putting a loud stereo into a Fiero!

Replies:

Posted By: Ketel22
Date Posted: November 06, 2003 at 9:14 PM

ive asked the same question. you can but you need an expensive resistor. and it wouldnt make ne more power go to the sub because the power is then split between the resistor and the cub evenly causing the sub to still have only 125w

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Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: November 07, 2003 at 7:24 AM

Ketel is right, if you put a resister in parallel with your sub, then the amp will put out 250 watts as advertised, but 125 of it will go to your resister, which does nothing except generate heat and shorten your amp life by running more current through it. You will get no more power to your sub and you may indeed harm your amp.

DON'T do it.

Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: November 07, 2003 at 10:02 AM

I agree. Adding a resistor will do nothing for your sound (neither SQ nor SPL), and will only add an unecessary strain on your amplifier. I wouldn't recommend it.

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Squirrel
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Posted By: Alpine Guy
Date Posted: November 07, 2003 at 6:52 PM

and you would have a very big fire hazard (resistors create lots of heat)

Posted By: auex
Date Posted: November 07, 2003 at 8:13 PM

Check out this post.

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