Question about wiring up my subs.

[Z32redondo]

Ok so for the past like 5 months I have had these subs wired up like this and have not had a problem. I just recently heard my friends system which is tearing mine apart basically and he is running 2 12's on a 1300 watt amp.

What I have are 2 Alpine Type R subs (dual 2 ohm) both are 10's and a kenwood KAC-9102D amp. I currently have it wired like this



The amp has 2 positive and 2 negative ports. I used to have each sub wired to one port. But just recently one of my friends changed it and said that I would get more sound if I put both positives in one positive port and both negatives in one negative port.

Is this correct or is it wrong. While im at at just curious but is it wired right at all?

[Z32redondo]

And for the people that will come in here saying "maybe he is running more power than you are" It is a 1700 watt amp. Also box design plays a role as well but I mean 400 watts more and his is still bumping way louder.

[redgst97]

Box design is a part of it, but so is the vehicle itself. Does your friend have a hatchback? Maybe an Eclipse or Integra? That would explain a lot. Is his set-up ported? yours sealed?

Also, I think you have your sub wired in series, which is not a "wrong" way, but may not be maximizing your amplifier. If you sub is dual 2-Ohm coils, then you have it wired for a total of a 4-Ohm load. If you wire it differently, you can get a 1-Ohm load (per sub), and the lowest you can get with 2 subs is a 2-Ohm load.

Also, just because your amp "says" 1700 watts, does NOT actually mean that it is actually putting out 1700 watts. The Kenwood site lists a KAC-9103D as rated at 500x1 at 4-Ohm, 900x1 at 2-Ohm, and Over 900x1 at 1-Ohm. "Maximum output" is listed as 1800. The way you have it, you are getting maybe 500 watts. If you re-wire it, you will probably get close to 900-1000 watts. Keep in mind, this is listed at 14.4 volts....which you will probably only get with the motor running. Once you shut the motor off, you are probably closer to 12.4 volts (depending on how good/new your battery is). Also, take into account voltage drop for the wire run itself. If you are using cheap 8 AWG power wire, you might not be getting a full 14.4 volts AT the amp.

WAAAYYY too many variables without more information (at least), and possible actually seeing both set-ups...

I hope that helps a bit.

[Z32redondo]

Well I know his box is bigger and ported and I know if I had a bigger box than yes I would be louder...Or at least i think. But it is in a 280z.

Any suggestions on wirring it better? And it is the KAC-9102D not KAC-9103D

I am also planning on getting a cap soon as well so I susppect that will help as well. And I am using 4 Gauge power/ground wires. And I believe 12 gauge speaker wire. Will have to double check the speaker wire.

[redgst97]

Yeah...I couldnt find the specs on the 9102, but found the 9103...whats the difference? Possibley on the year they were made... what at the power ratings of YOUR amp?

4 awg is probably enough for this amp...hopefully you do not have a 4-channel in there also running off the same 4 awg...that might be a bit much; depending on how you have it all wired up.

All things being equal, (same equipment and install) I would wager the 280 would be louder than your truck anyway....its just acoustics. Also, a vast majoority of the time, a properly built ported box will be louder (at a given frequency) than a properly built sealed box (again, everything else being equal).

[Z32redondo]

No I have one running off of a 8 gauge though. But how would I go about wiring it up for a 2-ohm load?

[Kyle]

I'm confused with which voice coil is which. Is it wired at 4 ohms? It looks like you are bridging across the sub.

[BanginJimmy]

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/graphics/S...C_Series_2.gif


wiring it in this fashion will give you a final 2 ohm load on your amp.


rms ratings on your amp
500 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms (850 watts x 1 at 2 ohms)

[Z32redondo]

http://mobile.jlaudio.com/graphics/S...C_Series_2.gif


wiring it in this fashion will give you a final 2 ohm load on your amp.


rms ratings on your amp
500 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms (850 watts x 1 at 2 ohms)

Thats how I have it wired right now. So that I have it at a 2 ohm load as it is now?

[BanginJimmy]

grab a meter and check for yourself, but yes you should have a 2 ohm laod at the amp now.

[Codeman1407]

your friend is right. wiring it in paralell (both + to + on amp, both - to - on amp) will make it two ohms, which will give it more power.

series = doubles the ohms (4-8)
paralell = cuts ohms in half (4-2)

[j225]

u should brige da subs