Can i make my sub run in 2ohm instead of 4ohm on a mono amp?

[polm 10+ year member]

EDIT*: Got the main problem solved. Is there a way to make my mono amp push my amp more? I don't feel like I'm getting 400rms power right now... It's running at 4ohm, Is there a way to make it run at 2ohm or even 1ohm?

Thanks!

Original post:

Hi guys,

I got a new setup and the sub doesn't work. Here are the parts I have:

Sony GT550UI head unit

Alpine sps 410 front speakers

RE65FR rear speakers

Sony XMZZR3301 amp

Pioneer TS-W309S4 sub

Sound ordnance 12in ported box

If you have anything to say about the quality of the stuff, please keep it for yourself...

So everything works except for the sub when its connected to the Head unit. If I plug my ipod in the input rca channel on the amp, the sub will work, even with the lowest possible settings on the amp (like practically no bass). But when I connect it to the HU, the sub doesn't work, at all. The amp has power, the green power LED is on and I've tested it with a voltage meter. The front and rear speakers work too. I've tried messing with the settings on the radio but it doesn't help.

Please help me solve this I'm kinda tired of this...

Thanks a lot in advance.

Click to read more...

 

[IonRL205 10+ year member]

Do you have RCAs connected from your head unit to the amp?

 

[polm 10+ year member]

Yes and I've tested it, it works

 

[IonRL205 10+ year member]

Do you have the RCA pre outs set to subwoofer instead of rear?

 

[polm 10+ year member]

I've tried setting that. According to this crappy manual, I have to set Rb ENH to 1,2 or 3 but whenever I do that, only the front speakers work. When it's at off, all speakers power up but not the sub. Thanks for the reply btw //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[polm 10+ year member]

Ok so I crancked the amp to the max and I get something. The bass is good but I feel it could be doing more. It's a monoblock amp so I can't bridge it but right now the sub is running at 4 ohm. Is there a way to make it run at 2ohm? Or even 1 ohm? Thanks

 

[zako 10+ year member]

EDIT*: Got the main problem solved. Is there a way to make my mono amp push my amp more? I don't feel like I'm getting 400rms power right now... It's running at 4ohm, Is there a way to make it run at 2ohm or even 1ohm?Thanks!

If I understand your question correctly, no there is no way. 4ohm sub is a 4ohm sub. If you would like your amplifier to see 2ohm load, either add an identical subwoofer and wire it parallel with the current one or.. get a subwoofer that can be wired for 2ohm impedance. That's it.

I am not quite sure how you 'measure' your amplifier wattage by ear. You need an oscilloscope for that.

 

[zako 10+ year member]

Ok so I crancked the amp to the max and I get something.

That's a likely way to clip your signal and destroy the subwoofer. I am almost sure you're boosting something that does not exist. That's right. If your recording does not have much bass information OR it's in the midbass region (should be played by fronts), the subwoofer will not be of much help here.

If you can't set gains by ear, at least use the DMM method.

http://www.caraudio.com/forums/amplifiers/531983-%5Bhow-%5D-setting-gains-dmm.html

 

[neonblack 10+ year member]

If the specs say it can run at 2 or 1 ohm stable you can. If specs don't state this I wouldn't try it at 2 ohms.

 

[mast240 10+ year member]

If I understand your question correctly, no there is no way. 4ohm sub is a 4ohm sub. If you would like your amplifier to see 2ohm load, either add an identical subwoofer and wire it parallel with the current one or.. get a subwoofer that can be wired for 2ohm impedance. That's it.
I am not quite sure how you 'measure' your amplifier wattage by ear. You need an oscilloscope for that.

just a little correction... you dont use an O-scope to measure wattage, you use it to see your sine wave... i.e. stop clipping... you'll use a clamp and DMM to measure wattage

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

Unplug one RCA and see if it gets louder. If so then the RCA cables are bad, one has opposite polarity.

I can't access the manual remotely as easy, do you have more than one preout pair?

You say not to comment on quality, but lower your expectations on how loud it can be. A better head unit would be easier to set up and probably give better sound. FYI for the future; I avoid budget Sony car audio, poor manuals are just one reason. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif.