TomP

Hey guys, got a question regarding the Pioneer Premier subs, DVC versus single-coil sub. I'm thinking of re-doing my system (for about the 20th time), and might go with a single subwoofer setup.

Would it hurt a DVC sub at all to just run one coil, and leave the other unhooked? Would it sound as well as a single coil sub?

Here's the reason I'm asking: My current amp isn't 1-ohm stable. I have the blown-apart MOSFETs to prove it. (And I have the replacement chips in my room, whenever I get around to fixing the amp.) So if I bridge both channels into one, I can drive one 4 ohm sub. But, say in a few years, I buy an amp that is one-ohm stable. That'd mean I'd have to buy a dvc sub and wire both coils in parallel- unless I start off with a dvc sub!

The cost is so darn minimal between the single coil and dvc (about $10-$20 extra for dvc), it almost makes sense to plan for the future and get the dvc now. That way, when I do finally get a better amp, I wouldn't have to spend another $150 for a sub. But if I'll damage the dvc sub by running only one coil, or, if it won't sound as good as a single-coil sub, I'll just buy a single-coil.

I don't see how the dvc sub would get damaged, OR, how it would sound worse- but anything's possible, so I figure I'll ask the experts! Thanks!

TomP

Hey c'mon guys, nobody even has an opinion? Or did my message just get forgotton?

demicon

You will not hurt your sub just running one coil.

The sub will not have the low end rumble or power handling that you would get from using both coils though. But you probably expected that.

The only thing you might want to consider though, if you run one coil, it will be more worked in than the unused one when you do get your 1 ohm stable amp.

So, two things you could do to avoid this..

1) Switch coils once in a while..

2) Or better wire the coils in series and run an 8 ohm sub for a while. Granted with this configuration you will not get the loudness you would want.. but you will get clairity

I hope this helps ya. :lala:

lykan

Why couldnt you run your amp unbridged, and run one lead from each chanell to each coil.

I am assuming that it is 4 ohm stable in stero if it's two channel?

GI looked at it this way, say it's 100 watter. 50x2. If you run it bridged at 4 ohm, your getting 100w to one coil

If you hook it up in stereo, your getting 4ohm, 50 to each side. this wy your running the coills the same and 50x2 your still getting 100 watts to each coil. I think you will find it will hit harder that way.

Not to mention, in stereo it should do 2 ohms (unbridged) you will be running at 4ohms which is well underneath the limit it wont even get hot..

Just a sugestion. In un-bridged mode it should be able to run both coils at 2ohms. you could concievably run 2 dvc one off each channel un bridged..

What I always do tho.. is hook it up in everyway possible (that doesnt put to much load on the amp) and see which one sounds better and is more efficient. To answer your question, no I dont belive it will hurt your sub to run one coil.

fireturd350

iTrader: (8)

Take a look at this page.

http://www.jlaudio.com/tutorials/dvc/howWired.html

TomP

Awesome!! Good point demicon, and thanks for that link, fireturd350!! I'll nix the "run a single coil" idea. And I think lykan's got the answer for me!

The amp is a Rockford Fosgate 60.2 ... that's a 1997 model. Does 30x2 into 4 ohms, 120x1 into 4 ohms. So that'd be the reason for bridging my amp into 1 channel... extra wattage. BUT, it is an RF amp after all, might sound pretty darn good running 30x2.

Thanks again guys! Especially for that great JL link!! I'll keep you posted on what I decide to do. Oh and for fun, here's what happens when you try to run a RF60.2 amp at 1 ohm (running two 12" subs wired in parallel)!

lykan

Wow, I have a fosgate 120@2 thats the name on it, have the specs in the closet. I ran 2 kenwood 12" 4 ohm speakers in parallel. 20 the amp is bridged and it runs at 2 ohm. Pounds hard and runs all day long. IM sure it wouldn't survive one ohm tho heheh

TomP

Is that one of the older Fosgates? 'Cause you are running it at one ohm!

Running two 4-ohm subs in parallel = 2 ohms
Bridging two 4-ohm channels into 1 = 2 ohms

Overall amp output = 1 ohm

lykan

Here's the link to the amp I run

Here's an image of what have done amp is rated for 4 ohm bridged does better tho