Powering a sub with a Mono VS. 2 Channel

[Jazz 10+ year member]

Hi

After reading online for the past few weeks, it seems that some people suggest going with a Mono amp to power a sub while others suggest to Bridge a 2 Channel amp.

What are the pros and cons to these two options?

Thanks

Jazz

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[illbmeubu 10+ year member]

It depends on what kind of mono amp you're gonna run. If you run a class D, it will be more efficient than a 2 channel (because most 2 channel are class A/B). if you are gonna run a sub that is DVC, then it is better to get a mono amp and wire the sub to a 2 ohm load. If you have a sub that is single voice coil at 4 ohms, it would be better to get a 2 channel since you can probably find more power for less $

 

[jmanpc 5,000+ posts]

Really, it depends on the impedance of the sub. For dual voice coil subs, in most cases I recommend a mono amp because they can usually be wired to 1-2 ohms. If the sub is a single 4 ohm voice coil, bridging a 2-channel is your best bet.

 

[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

Theorectically speaking, there is no real advantage of one over the other. They both produce watts. So long as either setup produces the wattage you require at the given impedance, no other significant differences will be noticeable.

 

[Jazz 10+ year member]

Thanks for the replies. That answers my questions.

Jazz

 

[Tehgregzor 10+ year member]

Audioholic is correct. However, just to add my 2 cents, at the SAME output of wattage between the two options, the Class D will be more efficient. Not like day and night difference, but just easier on your electrical system.