Print Page | Close Window

amp selection question

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=51059
Printed Date: May 27, 2025 at 12:42 PM


Topic: amp selection question

Posted By: warvenom
Subject: amp selection question
Date Posted: February 28, 2005 at 8:00 PM

Hello, I am a newbie here. I am currently have two Image Dynamics IDQ10 Dual Voice coil 4 ohm subs. If one speaker is 250/500 watt rms/program, when you have two does it double the wattage required for an amp? I want to buy an amp for the speakers, should I be looking at 500 watt 4 ohm amp or a 1000 watt or something that runs at 1 ohm? I am really at a loss with this and need help understanding. Can anyone explain how this works? Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me. Later,
Rick



Replies:

Posted By: stevdart
Date Posted: February 28, 2005 at 8:42 PM

Here's how you should set up wiring on the subs:

posted_image

Now, the "load" this will put onto an amp is 4 ohms.  An amplifier will make power according to the resistive load it encounters.  You'll see amp ratings with __watts at 4 ohms, etc.  This resistive load is what that is referring to.  So you have two subs each with a capacity to handle 250 watts of power....total is 500 watts.  Look for an amp that will output about 500 watts into 4 ohms.

You have the decision to look at either regular 2-channel amps or 1-channel mono amps.  With your subs, you would probably do better to go with a two-channel and use the bridging feature of the amp.  Look for an amp with the rating of about 500 watts X 1 at 4 ohms bridged.  The amp will primarily be rated for two channels at about 125 watts X 2 at 4 ohms.

I would suggest not going the 1 ohm load route at this stage of the game.  Get the two channel amp for a more versatile piece of equipment in the long run and a better overall install.  You can use less than 500 watts but you shouldn't try to use more and limit the power...... here is an example of an amp that would work and here is another.



-------------
Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.




Posted By: customsuburb
Date Posted: February 28, 2005 at 8:52 PM

Here is a good amp for a good price https://www.cardomain.com/item/MTX502. MTX's thunder 502, it does 500 watts bridged at 4 ohms so it'd be a perfect match to those Image Dynamics subs.





Posted By: warvenom
Date Posted: February 28, 2005 at 9:02 PM
Thanks! those are some good amps. I do have a cheap amp, but i think i am not using the speakers at their full potential. Oh, the amp is a bazooka el1500. thanks for the responses!




Posted By: stevdart
Date Posted: February 28, 2005 at 9:08 PM
What about the sub enclosure those subs are in?  It is just as important.  What do you have, sealed/vented and cubic ft?




Posted By: warvenom
Date Posted: February 28, 2005 at 9:13 PM
The enclosure is a sealed 1.2 cubic ft. with some polyfill in it.




Posted By: stevdart
Date Posted: February 28, 2005 at 9:55 PM
Okay, I would probably build a vented box for the pair if it were me but you should have good results with those in that enclosure.  Give them a clean 400 - 500 watts and make sure you set everything up properly and they should hit hard and sound good.

-------------
Build the box so that it performs well in the worst case scenario and, in return, it will reward you at all times.




Posted By: kfr01
Date Posted: February 28, 2005 at 10:41 PM
1.2 sealed with polyfill is actually fairly low Q for those speakers .... ~0.6

As a result, power handling on the bottom end will be slightly reduced. If you do buy the 500w amplifier watch your gain and volume levels.

Also, in a box that big you'll have good transient response and extension, but be aware that you might not get the classic "car subwoofer" peaky and punchy sound.

I'm confident any of the amplifiers stevdart or custom picked for you would be great and that your system will give you excellent sound quality.

Let us know what you pick and how it turns out.

-------------
New Project: 2003 Pathfinder





Print Page | Close Window