Car Stereos: sub/amp install, watt rms amplifier, alpine type r 15

Question
I have a alpine type r 15" sub that is 2 ohm dvc at 1000rms. My amp is a us amps that is 1500rms at 1 ohm and 550rms at 4 ohm. I want to get it as loud as possible without harming the sub or amp. Should I wire to 4 ohm or down to 1 ohm?

Answer
Hi Chris,

I'd recommend wiring the sub for 4 ohms, especially as (according to Alpine) the RMS power rating of your 15" Type R is 750 watts, not 1000 watts.  Anyway, I've never agreed with the school of thought that says it's better to over-power a sub than to under-power it; the power ratings are there for a reason, and they're meant to specify the maximum recommended RMS power rating of the amplifier.  I think a 550-watt RMS amplifier will be a good match for a 15" Type R; and your amp will run cooler and cleaner with a 4-ohm load than it would with a 1-ohm load.

Hope this helps!

Brian