Wiring for Dummy Loads?

[Do_ 10+ year member]

I was wondering if it would be possible for me to wire a 4 ohm resistor in paralell with my 4 ohm sub to make the amp switch over to 2 ohm mode. Just basic circuit logic says it should work but I wonder why no one does it. I was thinking that with a cheap part from Radioshack I could improve my volume. Am I missing something? 1/4 + 1/4 = 1/2 So it would become a 2 ohm load?

Also do they make Multimeters that can detect watts? That take the current and the voltage and multiply them for you? I thought that would be a nice feature.

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[Moe Lester 10+ year member]

the only problem is your "dummy load" is gonna soak up that extra power and you won't benefit from it. Youll also be driving the amp harder and will be drawing more current. I cant think of any reason where this would help at all.

Clamp meters can measure amperage without breaking the circuit. They are an excellent tool to have. I recommend the Craftsman True RMS clamp meter. They go on ebay for around $45-$50 shipped.

 

[azbass 5,000+ posts]

the resistor will probably burn out.

 

[squeak9798 5,000+ posts]

the only problem is your "dummy load" is gonna soak up that extra power and you won't benefit from it. Youll also be driving the amp harder and will be drawing more current. I cant think of any reason where this would help at all.

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Useless in almost every situation. The resistor will just waste that extra power as heat, resulting in no increased sonic performance, but making life harder on your amp and electrical system.

 

[engineerdude 10+ year member]

yeah.. that resistor would fry almost immediately.. most radioshack resistors are rated at 1/4 watt.. besides... not all amps are designed for 2 ohm loads.. the best way to reduce the load is to get another sub.. maybe with dvc.. seemed like a good idea at the time ( I once wondered the same thing while I was sitting in an electronics class)