best use of sub and amp

[lordbigsack]

What is going to give the best sound out of the following options

1, single sub running bridged from amp at 4ohm

2, 2 x subs running bridged from amp at 2ohm

3, 2 x subs running a channel each at 4ohm

4, single sub dual voice bridged from amp at 2ohm


Dont really understand the significance of the ohm ratings other than the maths to work them out.  Does it make any difference to the performance of the amp/subs?

cheers,

Scott

[vr4000d]

amps put out more power at into lower ohms but it also makes the amp work harder, best option will be the one that matches the ratings best.

[Chris 'N' Jen]

If you have already bought your kit it would be helpfull to let us know what you have.

have a look at this wiring calculator. punch in what you have/want and it will tell you options of wireing to show different ohm loads.
always match it with your amp, or your amp to match. I personally run 2 alpine 2ohm dvc subs and have wired them accordingly to show 2 ohms. as it happens they show 1.6 ohms which strictly speaking isnt 2 ohms so i got a 1 ohm stable amp. point of all of that is a multimeter always helps when installing audio and each application will show a slightly different ohmage (if thats even a word).

http://rockfordfosgate.com/rftech/woofer_wizard.asp

hope that helps 

[lordbigsack]

If you have already bought your kit it would be helpfull to let us know what you have.

 

I havent bought any subs yet but have got a FLI800s amp coming in the post.  It is a 4x100w rms@4ohm but bridges to 1 x 240w rms 4ohm and double for 2ohm.  It is 2ohm stable (I think)

I have seen an audiobahn dub200 dual voice coil (2x4ohm) that I like the look of - V shiny
The JBL gt 12 looks about right as well 4ohm 

Dont have loads of dosh but wanted to add a bit of bass to my install as currently I have none.  Once I have all the gear I am going to be installing a fibre glass / mdf boot build in the rear wheel arch.

Come to think of it, I dont even know if a 12 will fit in the gap 

[Ben Lessani]

1, single sub running bridged from amp at 4ohm - With the amp you mentioned will drive a sub at 240W RMS...

2, 2 x subs running bridged from amp at 2ohm - With the amp you mentioned will push 480W @ 2ohm, divided by two subs, 240W each. Trouble with this - you need twice the volume to house the subs, and the subs need to be pretty perfectly matched (same make/model/revision) to get equal power without straining the amp - personally wouldn't bother.

3, 2 x subs running a channel each at 4ohm - Will drive each sub at 100W (with the amp mentioned), its a better plan to drive subs off independent channels (even though they are mono) if they are different makes/models. Issues are only 100W (not much to drive a sub effectively).

4, single sub dual voice bridged from amp at 2ohm - Best one to go for out the lot, will deliver the full 480W @ 2ohm, with an even impedance and won't need an entire boot.

Audiobahn kit looks nice - but isn't particularly good (looks > performance). Throw up your budget and I'll give you a rough idea of what to go for, its worth hopping onto talkaudio.co.uk for a decent thorough answer.

As always, recommended upgrades are:

3 Channel Amp (or 1x2 Channel + 1x1 Channel Amps)
Front Components (Driven off amp, with crossover)
Rear Sub (The enclosure makes 99% of the difference, so depending on the music style you like, you can go down the route of sealed, ported, bandpass etc.)