QuestionQUESTION: Hello,
I have 2 12" MB Quart DWF-304 subs (400w rms, 4 ohm dual voice coils each, 4 binding post connections per sub). I am trying to wire them into a Kenwood KAC-7202 AMP (230w x 2 at 2 ohms). I want to run them parallel to drop the subs down to 2 ohm and get the most punch. However I have absolutely no experience in dvc subs and very little experience in parallel wiring. I was wondering if you could give me detailed wiring instructions (diagram would be an even better help) on how to accomplish this with what I have. Thank you.
Erik
ANSWER: Hi Erik,
Actually, I'd suggest wiring each sub's voice coils in series, so that each sub effectively becomes 8-ohms. Then, wire the two subs in parallel to the amplifier in bridged mode. This provides the amplifier with a 4-ohm mono setup.
The power produced by the amp in mono mode would be comparable to wiring the two subs at 2 ohms each, and using the amp in stereo mode. Either way, the subs get about the same amount of power. The advantage to the bridged/mono configuration is that each sub will be playing exactly the same sound at the same level. That's the ideal situation for a pair of subs.
Courtesy of JL Audio, here's a diagram showing how you'd wire the subs for a 4-ohm mono load:
http://mobile.jlaudio.com/graphics/Support/Tutorials/wiring_images/DVC_Series_2.
If you'd prefer to wire each sub for 2 ohms, and connect one sub to each amplifier channel, follow this diagram:
http://mobile.jlaudio.com/graphics/Support/Tutorials/wiring_images/DVC_Parallel_
Obviously, you'd do this for each subwoofer, connecting one sub to the left channel and the other sub to the right channel.
Either configuration would work, and you probably wouldn't notice a difference in the sound between these two setups. I prefer the bridged configuration, if only because a "mono" system is ideal when running multiple subwoofers. (Also, when I'm installing a system for a teenage customer, I have to assume his friends will try to "bridge" the amp sooner or later; and it's safer to let them try it with a 4-ohm load than a 1-ohm load).
Hope this helps!
Brian
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serial wiring
QUESTION: thank you for your help, i would like to ask one more question if i may. what type of wiring (cheapest if possible) would you suggest i use for this project?
AnswerHi Erik,
My favorite vendor of amplifier wiring kits is www.knukonceptz.com. They are an online-only vendor, but they offer excellent quality wiring at very good prices.
You have to be very cautious when purchasing amplifier wiring online, because many manufacturers will market a kit as "4-gauge", but when you get it you'll find that it's a very small wire in a very thick jacket. I've seen wire marked 4-gauge that was comparable to 10-gauge when you look at the actual cross-section of copper.
If you're buying at a local store, here are some brands that won't cheat you on the wire size (but may cost more):
-Stinger
-Streetwires
-Tsunami
-Monster Cable
-Rockford Fosgate
-Memphis
-Kicker
-Scosche (I don't really like them because of their fuse holders, but they do give you the promised wire gauge, and they tend to be less expensive than the others).
Your amp power wiring should be at least 8-gauge; it won't hurt to step up to 4-gauge but you don't really need to. Your subwoofer wiring can be anything from 16-gauge to 12-gauge.
The image you attached is a series wiring scheme. MB Quart uses a "bus bar" instead of a bridge wire between the two voice coils.
Hope this helps!
Brian
