Add a 2nd amplifier (sub exclusive)

[DOOM_NX 10+ year member]

Okay guys, my setup is the following:

1x Pioneer DEH-4000UB head unit

2x Hertz DCX165 60W RMS coax front speakers

2x Hertz DCX690 95W RMS coax rear speakers

1x MTX XT12-44 250W RMS 12" DVC sub

1x Hertz EP4 amplifier

Amplifier's output is 4x60W RMS at 4Ohm load impedance or (the mode i'm using) 2x60W (rear speakers) + 1x190W (subwoofer) at 4Ohm.

My subwoofer is DVC with 2 x 4Ohm voice coils. That left me with 2 options: Either connect them in parallel resulting impedance of 2Ohm and a fried amplifier or connect them in series with an impedance of 8Ohm resulting less power but safe and proper operation. My installer first went with the option of connecting only the 1 of the 2 voice coils... As soon as I realised I forced him to connect both in series. But I don't like an "underpowered" subwoofer... I mean it's already a weak subwoofer and I make it sound weaker.

So, I made my mind in buying a new amplifier, class D, to drive only the subwoofer. The other 4 speakers are going to be powered by the EP4, duplicating the rear RCA signal of the headunit though. From the research I made, the most suitable is the MTX TC 3001, 300Wx1 @ 2Ohms load impedance. I'm gonna connect the voice coils in parallel and set the amp gain to 22.3VAC with a digital multimeter.

Of course, I'm a newbie and I will trust my local authorised installer for installing the 2nd amplifier. However after the "not so wise" move of connecting 1 of 2 voice coils, I'm afraid he might do something not by the book again...

So, I'm asking you guys: How is the 2nd amplifier going to be installed to the existing configuration? Where is it going to receive signal from? What do I need to look for?

Thank you all in advance.

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[DOOM_NX 10+ year member]

Anyone? //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif

 

[Bake 10+ year member]

If your head unit has a sub output he should run an RCA cable from that to your amp. Also if running two amps he should install a distrobution block for power somewhere near the amps.

 

[DOOM_NX 10+ year member]

Pioneer 4000UB has 1 RCA pair for either rear speaker or sub use. At the moment he has driven the signal of that RCA output to the EP4 amp. If we add another amp, that 2 channel RCA signal will be distributed somehow in 5 channels... I get how the amp will produce 4 channels out of 2, but I don't get how signal will get to the subwoofer amplifier... RCA Y-adapter or something? Where should it be placed?

Like:

                          -> Front Speakers
                        /
                  -> EP4 
                 /      \
HU-> RCA Y-adapter        -> Rear Speakers
                 \           
                  -> TC3001 -> Subwoofer

Am I thinking right? In general the whole configuration will be run by Rear speaker RCA signal.

EDIT: I just read online, that it's better to put a crossover after the headunit than an RCA splitter... That way I'm not gonna lose any signal level... Is this true? Do u recommend it?

Thanks again.

 

[DOOM_NX 10+ year member]

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