For those who love to add a little more bass to their car audio system, subwoofers are a must-have accessory. And when it comes to subwoofers, the dual 2 ohm subwoofer is one of the most popular options out there. Not only does it deliver excellent sound quality, but it’s also easier to wire compared to other subwoofers. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about dual 2 ohm subwoofer wiring diagram.
What is a Dual 2 Ohm Subwoofer?
A dual 2 ohm subwoofer is a type of subwoofer that has two voice coils each with a 2 ohm impedance. This means that the subwoofer can be wired in a variety of ways to match different amplifier setups. It’s also worth noting that dual 2 ohm subwoofers are more efficient compared to their single voice coil counterparts.
What are the Benefits of Using a Dual 2 Ohm Subwoofer?
There are several benefits of using a dual 2 ohm subwoofer, and these include:
- Increased power handling capability
- More wiring options
- Better sound quality
- More efficient compared to single voice coil subwoofers
What do I Need to Wire a Dual 2 Ohm Subwoofer?
To wire a dual 2 ohm subwoofer, you’ll need the following:
- A dual 2 ohm subwoofer
- An amplifier
- Speaker wire
- Crimp connectors
- A wire stripper/cutter
How to Wire a Dual 2 Ohm Subwoofer
Wiring a dual 2 ohm subwoofer can be done in several ways, but the most common are:
1. Parallel Wiring
In this wiring configuration, the two voice coils of the subwoofer are wired in parallel. This results in a total impedance of 1 ohm or 4 ohms depending on the amplifier and subwoofer setup. To wire the subwoofer in parallel:
- Strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from the end of each speaker wire.
- Twist the exposed wires together for each voice coil.
- Insert the positive and negative wires into the crimp connector, and use a crimping tool to secure the wires.
- Repeat the process for the other voice coil.
- Connect the positive and negative wires from each voice coil to the corresponding amplifier terminals.
When wiring in parallel, ensure your amplifier can handle the subwoofer’s impedance without falling below its minimum recommended impedance load. Additionally, make sure that your power supply can deliver enough power to the amplifier to prevent overheating or damage to your equipment.
2. Series Wiring
In this wiring configuration, the two voice coils of the subwoofer are wired in series. This results in a total impedance of 4 ohms or 8 ohms depending on the amplifier and subwoofer setup. To wire the subwoofer in series:
- Strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from the end of each speaker wire.
- Twist the positive wire from the first voice coil to the negative wire of the second voice coil.
- Connect the remaining positive and negative wires to the corresponding amplifier terminals.
When wiring in series, be sure to check that the amplifier can handle the resulting impedance load. Additionally, ensure that your power supply can deliver enough power to the amplifier to prevent overheating or damage to your equipment.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a dual 2 ohm subwoofer with a mono amplifier?
A: Yes, you can use a dual 2 ohm subwoofer with a mono amplifier. However, you’ll need to wire the subwoofer correctly to match the amplifier’s impedance. If you wire the subwoofer incorrectly, it can cause damage to both the subwoofer and the amplifier.
Q: Can I wire a dual 2 ohm subwoofer to a 2-channel amplifier?
A: Yes, you can wire a dual 2 ohm subwoofer to a 2-channel amplifier. However, you’ll need to use a wiring configuration that results in a total impedance that the amplifier can handle. You can wire the subwoofer in series or parallel, depending on the desired impedance load.
Q: What is the maximum power handling capacity of a dual 2 ohm subwoofer?
A: The maximum power handling capacity of a dual 2 ohm subwoofer depends on the subwoofer’s build quality and specifications. Generally, dual 2 ohm subwoofers can handle anywhere from 500 watts RMS to 2500 watts RMS.
Q: Can I wire multiple dual 2 ohm subwoofers together?
A: Yes, you can wire multiple dual 2 ohm subwoofers together. However, you’ll need to use a wiring configuration that results in a total impedance that your amplifier can handle. You can wire the subwoofers in series, parallel, or a combination of both.
Q: What is the difference between a dual 2 ohm and a dual 4 ohm subwoofer?
A: The primary difference between a dual 2 ohm and a dual 4 ohm subwoofer is their impedance. Dual 2 ohm subwoofers have a lower impedance and are more efficient compared to their dual 4 ohm counterparts. Additionally, dual 2 ohm subwoofers are easier to wire compared to dual 4 ohm subwoofers.
Conclusion
Wiring a dual 2 ohm subwoofer can seem complicated at first, but it’s actually quite simple. By following the wiring configurations discussed in this article, you can ensure that your subwoofer and amplifier are properly matched, resulting in excellent sound quality and performance. Remember to choose a wiring configuration that results in a total impedance that your amplifier can handle, and always use the correct wiring tools to prevent damage to your equipment.
