How should I wire up these subs and amp?

[SIKMA]

Im trying to upgrade the sub + amp package in my sigma on the cheapest budget possible. It currently has:

1x 150rms 4 ohm sub
1x junk brand "100x100x100x100 max watts" 4 channel amplifier with 2 channels bridged for the sub
aftermarket speakers and aftermarket headunit

Its a pretty stupid way to run a sub imo lol, I would never use a 4 channel amp for everything in my car, let alone underpowering it at the same time.

When i bought this sigma I coincidently had a spare one of the same sub (the exact same 150rms sub) that came wth this car. So what Im thinking to do it is utilize that sub sitting in my room and chuck that in to create a duel sub system. I also have a spare amplifier, specs:

100rms x 2 (4 ohm)
150rms x 2 (2 ohm)
300rms x 1 (bridged at 4 ohms)

I am dieing to try and find a way to run it with those 2 subs, but the ohm ratings wont match!!!

The 2 subs are 150rms each, but when i run both of them together that will create a 2 ohm load...which means I cant bridge the amp to run them because of the ohm ratings i.e. running 4 ohms to 2 ohms

I dont want to run them separately because they will only get 100rms each, which is underpowered and in the long run my amp will get fried.

So right now, Im stuck with what to do but I dont really want to sell the amp or chuck the existing sub or anything like that...

Is there a way to convert the subs to 8 ohm or something then create a 4 ohm load when i run them together LOL.

Im not a car audio specialist but I have some sort of knowledge about it, any other way around this "dilemma"?

[dvsfin]

you dont have to run your subs at max power...do they have a recomended power rating..? i'd go with 100wrms x 2 at 4ohm its the best u are going to get without spending money on a new amp...btw 150wrms is hell low for a sub..

[SIKMA]

The recommended power rating is 150rms, max is 800. Wouldn't my amp over work by running 100rms to a 150rms sub? Since i like to have my music quite loud sometimes, Id think ill fry it overtime lol.

[tango76hardtop]

my bro has two 4ohm subs and has them running in 2 ohm format. I think if you hook up a negetive on 1 sub to neg on amp then the pos from that sub to the neg of the next sub and the pos from the second sub to the pos on the amp it'll run on 2 ohms, think thats what alberts car stereo did in my bros system but he was running a mono block

[SIKMA]

So basically he made the 4 ohm sub into a 2 ohm?! that sounds great! Could you please get some clarification on that though, so i dont blow up my sound system by accident

[dvsfin]

i dont think u understand how it works...u cant get more then 100 watts to each sub...if u run them in parallell and they are the same sub...they draw and equal amount and will run at 2 ohms...if u run them in series like tango said it will become an 8 ohm load...not a 2 ohm load... if u want to be safe running them in series will be ur best bet...but it wont sound the best

[tango76hardtop]

i asked my bro and he said yes that it is basically 4ohm subs converted to 2ohms but with the wiring he said he dosnt know its just the 2 cables coming out of his duel sub box to the amp so I'll have to try and convince him to let me crack open his sub box for me to check on the wiring for ya and i'll ask a guy at work that knows car sound systems tommorrow just incase my bro wont let me open his sub box will let you know asap

[SIKMA]

Thanks, that be greatly appreciated. If things dont work out i guess ill just have to run 100rms to each sub but set the gain so i dont get any clipped signals.

[Superscan811]

you dont have to run your subs at max power

ALWAYS have a higher rated amp than speaker. If you peak out your amp you will put DC into the coils and burn them in a second.

Just to explain how to wire up your speakers




Cheers

[dvsfin]

thats exactly wat i said superscan...and plz dont quote me unless u read the whole post...

[tango76hardtop]

okay this site has the details you need
http://www.rocketroberts.com/techart/spk_wire.htm
read the second diagram, the parallel wiring, this will half the ohms of the speaker ohm rating. this is the one you need to do to make 4 ohms to 2 ohms. hope this helps. let me know how you go

[dvsfin]

oops i jus realised i said hook it up in series >_< ... and ur system will be safe aslong as u dont turn ur gain all the way up...but u should already know that...be smart

[SIKMA]

Im just a bit confused why im getting explained:



I understood that from the start lol. Is there something im getting wrong or miss reading?

[dvsfin]

ok...i will make it crystal clear for u...run them 1 channel each which will be 100watts x 2 ....dont bridge it...and dont turn ur gain all the way up or u will most prob clip the signal and damage ur subs...have it about 2/3 max ...its the best ur going to get...and u wont damage ur system...no further posts should be needed here

[Superscan811]

thats exactly wat i said superscan...and plz dont quote me unless u read the whole post...

Im just a bit confused why im getting explained:

Your'e not the only peoples reading this post.

I have no doubt someone may not exactly understand what happens if they over drive the amp till it clips,
OR
the difference between speakers in PARALLEL or SERIES.

Just trying to clarify, not criticize.

Cheers.

[SIKMA]

ok...i will make it crystal clear for u...run them 1 channel each which will be 100watts x 2 ....dont bridge it...and dont turn ur gain all the way up or u will most prob clip the signal and damage ur subs...have it about 2/3 max ...its the best ur going to get...and u wont damage ur system...no further posts should be needed here

ahhhh ok, got you now.

thats exactly wat i said superscan...and plz dont quote me unless u read the whole post...

Im just a bit confused why im getting explained:

Your'e not the only peoples reading this post.

I have no doubt someone may not exactly understand what happens if they over drive the amp till it clips,
OR
the difference between speakers in PARALLEL or SERIES.

Just trying to clarify, not criticize.

Cheers.

Yeh thats true.. Ill just waiting for tango's reply on his bro's box.

[tandanus]

Years ago you could get a black box that detected clipping and stopped you destroying your drivers. If they are still available I'd recommend one in this case
T.

[tango76hardtop]

yeah checked my bros box and it is wired in parellel so pos on both subs goes to pos on amp and neg on both subs to neg on amp. so there is only 2 wires coming out of the box so both subs are wired into one channel on the amp