Can you use only 1 voice coil of a DVC sub?

[NightScreams 10+ year member]

I have read that you can no problem except you have to use less wattage. Is it true? If so then how much less power should you use? So it would still act as if it was just a SVC of that ohm and I assume only can handle half the power?

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[NinjaBass]

Correct, if you do that to a dvc sub it can only handle half the power it is rated for.

 

[SounDrive Pro Seller]

It halves the thermal power handling but you'll have the same mechanical limits.

 

[NightScreams 10+ year member]

Well the truth is I screwed up when ordering a couple of sundown subs. I decided to go with 2 subs at the last minute and got dual 4 ohms and I wanted a 2ohm load on the amp. But I don't think putting 600 watts to 300 watts worth of handling is a good idea. I'm considering going with a 3rd sub but not sure offhand what ohm dvc to make that 2 ohm load happen.

Or, maybe I won't even notice much difference going with 400 watts instead of 600. But the box i'm building I could technically put in 3 subs and use the .25 ft3 per chamber recommended spec instead of the .50 I was initially going to use.

 

[CSCStang]

Why not parallel both and go for a 1 ohm load? What kind of amp are you running?

 

[bbeljefe]

If you run only one coil in a DVC you will also change the TS parameters of the sub and induce current on the unused coil. That wasted current will cause the sub to be even more inefficient than it already is and it will lower output dramatically.

I assume you're talking about the SA series and if so, they can handle double their rated power with no problems so go ahead and wire them down to 1Ω and just make sure your gain is properly set. Also, I assume you're talking about 10" subs since Sundown recommends .5ftⁿ sealed. Don't cut that in half or you'll wind up with atrocious low end response. And if it's 8s in a vented enclosure, the same thing would happen but it would be even worse.

Lastly, when you post a thread asking questions, sharing more information will get you much more accurate advice. ;-)