QuestionQUESTION: Brian, I have a Kicker ZX1000.1 mono amp which as you know is rated at 1000W RMS at 2ohms. I want to install a single 10" sub for now in a ported box that is already built into my vehicle.
I had an Alpine SWR-1042D which is rated at 500W RMS. It is (was) a dual coil 4ohm unit that I had jumpered to be 2ohm when it was attached to a smaller amp. In this configuration, the Kicker amp blew it to bits after a few days. The sub may have been damaged already as it had a bit of a clicking sound when it hit.
So, I just want to check my understanding that in the above setup, with the 2ohm jumpered sub, I was inviting the full 1000W from the amp into a sub that could only handle 500 (RMS).
So what should I replace it with. I'm thinking either a sub that will handle the 1000W RMS or a 500W sub, but hook it up at 4ohms?
Trying to learn something here, but really just looking for clarity on what 10" to buy to pair with this amp.
Sorry for the long note. Thanks in advance.
Steve
ANSWER: Hi Steve,
You're correct that if you had the dual 4-ohm subwoofer wired for a 2-ohm load, then you could potentially have the ZX1000.1's full rated output running to the subwoofer--certainly enough to blow a 10" Type R. The fact is, 1000 watts is really overkill for most single 10" systems.
If you want to use all the power you have available, Alpine does offer a 10" sub with a 1000 watt RMS power rating in the SWX-1043D. The Type-X is Alpine's top of the line sub. Otherwise, if you were happy with the sound of your 10" Type-R, you could purchase the dual 2-ohm version (SWR-1023D) and wire the coils in series for a 4-ohm load. This should reduce the amplifier's output to make a better match for a single sub (though you'll still want to set the amplifier's gain control properly, and make sure you're using the right size sub box).
Hope this helps!
Brian
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I hadn't thought about that. So a dual 2-ohm wired in series vs parallel gives a 4-ohm load but maintains he full 600W (300 per coil) capacity of the 1023D because you are still using both coils?
AnswerHi Steve,
Sorry it took me a while to get to your follow up.
Whether you wire the sub's voice coils in series or in parallel, the amplifier's power will be divided evenly between the two coils. The final impedance will usually change the amplifier's output power; wiring in parallel gets you a lower impedance, and allows the amp to produce more power. However, the sub's power rating isn't affected by the voice coil wiring configuration--it's still a 600-watt sub when the coils are wired in series. The only thing you really wouldn't want to do would be to connect only one coil, and leave the other disconnected. That would certainly reduce the power handling capability of the sub.
Hope this helps!
Brian
