I got a new JL w3 (dual voice coil) coming.... The maunal says you can wire it in series for 4 ohms or wire it in parallel for 1 ohm. The amp i got will push 300watts rms at 4 ohms, and like 500 at 1 ohm.. What are the pros and cons of wiring it in series or parallel?

 

It depends on how much power you want to the sub. What is the continuous power handling rating for your sub? My 8"W3v2 is only rated for 125W continuous as such I run the voice coils in series for a 4 ohm load to keep my amp from overpowering and potentially blowing the sub.

JeffA

 

the 12w3v2d2 handles 300 rms...

 

So the sub handles 300 rms and the amp puts out 300 rms with 4 ohm load, a perfect match. I would wire the voice coils in series.

JeffA

 

It seems that many people don't understand the purpose of dual voice coil speakers. The main reason for this is flexibility. #1 You need to decide how much bass you want. Do what has been recommended and connect the DVC in series for the 4 ohm load. If you feel you need more bass after that then change the configuration. It sounds as if you've purchased quality components, as such you shouldn't need to worry about damaging anything. If the amp has a 1 ohm load rating then it can drive 1 ohm loads with out worry. In my experience over the past 12 yrs in this hobby, you damage speakers by not supply enough power, not the other way around. Remember you have a gain control on the amplifier, only when the gain is turned completely up do you get full power to the speaker, and of course with the volume turned up as well. Just make sure you set the amp up properly and you should have no trouble with hurting anything. I know that crutchfield.com has a good tutorial on how to set up your amp. Check that out and enjoy your music. Next you'll be asking how to get rid of rattling, that's when it gets real fun.

 

thanks guys.... My real question is, does running series or parallel make any change in musical quality? or just pure output?

 

[QUOTE=r_duff,Nov 16 2004, 05:45 PM] thanks guys....