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Sub-Amp Wiring Question - Damping Factor Vs. Power Vs. Bridged/Stereo Mode

I have a subwoofer with dual voice coils rated for 600 W. It can be wired to 2 ohm or 8 ohm. I have a two channel amp that can be bridged. Here are my wiring options:

1) 2 ohm subwoofer wiring on one channel of the amp which in this case provides 1,000 watts RMS

2) 8 ohm subwoofer wiring with bridged mode on the amp which provides 1,300 watts RMS. (The amp isn’t stable at 2 ohm bridged by the way)

As you can see, either mode provides ample wattage. More watts is usually better but there are other factors at play. One channel at 2 ohms provides a lower damping factor than the bridged option (I believe an 8 ohm load on the bridged amp would make the amp see a 4 ohm load which should provide a better damping factor. That being said, it seems to be the general consensus around here that bridged mode operation of amps doesn’t sound as good as just using one channel). 
 

So it really comes down to:

1) Less power, lower damping factor, non-bridge mode.

2) More power, higher damping factor, bridged mode.

 

Does anyone know what would provide better sound quality?

mkgus
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 

I use 12K Behringers on 91% efficient speakers @ 8 ohms. BUT I have a TON of overhead. I see the price doubled too. I use to get 3 for 1200.00 Great deals..
I'll tell you something else, they are dead quiet. They have fans, I disconnect 2 and put one on a toggle.. LOL Never even get warm, without a fan..6 years old now. They run 12 8" drivers or 4 18" HE drivers right up a flag pole.

82.7 mercy!!! 90-91% efficient is what I run. 82.7 you would need a welding machine to pump it out.

Start there 83% efficient is a tosser for me. Get a better driver, FIRST. 375 watts at 8 ohms on any of my systems will run you right out of the room. 110-115db. I can turn it all the way up to 100% 700 watts per sub (close) and hit 125 db, I can bump the gain, quit a bit. That is under 35% gain . High power class Ds and High efficiency speakers will get really loud, IF that is what you like. Direct coupled great dampening, otherwise VERY little.

Have a half way safe New year and the other half, don't be unsafe. BUT if you're gonna do something with the stereo while you're drunk, please take a video.. 

Half Safe, ALL the way HAPPY NEW YEAR.... Video Please.. :-)

mkgus's avatar
mkgus OP
324 posts
 

82.7 mercy!!! 90-91% efficient is what I run. 82.7 you would need a welding machine to pump it out. Start there 83% efficient is a tosser for me. Get a better driver, FIRST. 
 

No need to get a more efficient driver when we live in the 21st century and the price of amplifier watts can be had for much less than $1 per watt. High wattage requirements and low driver efficiencies no longer hold us back, fortunately. 

holmz's avatar
holmz
2,328 posts
 

82.7 mercy!!! 90-91% efficient is what I run

Which subs are 90% efficient.@oldhvymec ?

mkgus's avatar
mkgus OP
324 posts
 

My guess would be very large subwoofers, 15” or 18”. I’ve seen efficiencies that high on large subwoofers. 

holmz's avatar
holmz
2,328 posts
 

I use 12K Behringers on 91% efficient speakers @ 8 ohms
…

I have seen 90-100 dB/W/Meter sensitivity, but even that 100dB is like 6% efficient.

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