ohms and wiring for different versions

I am very curious on the differences between how one wires the subs to different amps to achieve different loads. I see all these different reasonings for wiring them from an 8 ohm load down to a 1 ohm load, and would just like clarification for what the different results can be. For example, have seen that different loads presented to the amp can make it run cooler or hotter, or affect sound quality, can affect how much drain is put on the electrical system, etc. Think this would be good info for all of us rookies to know.

https://www.the12volt.com/caraudio/woofer_configurations.asp

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the12volt • Support the12volt.com

Well I have been to that link before, several times, but it's just the calculator, unless I'm overlooking something?  I'm wanting more info on why it is better to wire for different loads and what kinda results relate to different loads, if that makes sense.

If we take the speaker out of it for a second, it boils down to loading the amplifier.  Lower impedance loads place more current demand on the amplifier.  More current = hotter operation, operating closer to amplifier component limits, and more demand from the vehicle's electrical system.  More heat and operating closer to limits = more distortion, more noise, more clipping, more damage to the electronic components.  More demand from car's electrical system = need for high output alternator, larger power wires, etc.  There are also effects on sound quality due to the heating effects inside the woofer voice coil caused by increased current flow.

So, in general, high impedance loads can mean less demand on the amp, higher sound quality and longer system life.  If you want it louder, use larger amps.

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tdsteele wrote:

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I am very curious on the differences between how one wires the subs to different amps to achieve different loads.

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Hence the link showing how one wires subs to differrent amps to achieve different loads.

tdsteele wrote:

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I'm wanting more info on why it is better to wire for different loads and what kinda results relate to different loads, if that makes sense.

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Just to add to the above and to be somewhat redundant ;), amplifiers are rated to operate safely down to a given load. Some can operate safely down to a 1 ohm load, others down to a 2 ohm load, and others down to 4, etc. Using multiple speakers and/or speakers with multiple voice coils allow multiple wiring configurations to achieve/present a desired load on the amplifier. Usually, but not always, this is the lowest safest load the amplifier can handle to achieve maximum output from the amplifier. In some cases a higher nominal impedance may be desired, especially if the speakers can not handle the output from the amplifier at a lower impedance.

If you have a two channel amplifier that is rated at 4 ohms stereo/2 ohms mono and you have two 4 ohm DVC woofers, the lowest safest load you can present to this amplifier with these speakers is 4 ohms mono or 8 ohms stereo using all voice coils. With the same amplifier and two 2 ohm DVC woofers, the lowest safest load you can present to the amplifier is 2 ohms mono or 4 ohms stereo using all voice coils. In this case, using two 2 ohm DVC woofers would only be the better choice/match for this amplifier for maximum output if the woofers can handle the output. If they can not, then the 4 ohm DVC woofers may be the better choice/match if they can handle the output. If neither, then you're back to the drawing board ;)

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the12volt • Support the12volt.com

Ok, those were the answers I was looking for. Just always see these posts where people are trying to achieve the lowest load they can to squeeze more power out of an amp, and just wanted to know the outcomes of this. Was thinking it would affect alot of things and now I know, thanks guys. This will help in decision making for a new system.