Quick question about subwoofers and amps...

[lazybum]

Alright, here's my deal... I have 2 ten inch rockford P3's, (400 watts RMS, 800 peak) and they're both being pushed by a kenwood KAC-7204 (bridged at 4 ohms, putting out 500 watts rms)

Kenwood KAC-7204 2-Channel Car Audio Amplifier (http://techronics.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_id=8351&aff=72182)

So, I realize i'm underpowering my subs, and i'm also trying to pull too much from that amp, because it's overheating and going into protect mode, then coming back on a few minutes later once it's cooled. I'm thinking about buying another of the same amp, and wiring one sub per amp. That *should* fix my overheating problem, as well as making the subs run louder, right? or wrong?

(i also have a SWX 1 farad capacitor installed, i don't think it matters, but i'm saying it just in case)

Thanks in advance,

-Chris

(edit) Also, if i did this, i would have to wire each sub to an 8 ohm load, and the amp would see it as a 4 ohm load? The amp is stable in 4 ohms when bridged

[LostRacer]

Are the P3's DVC 4ohm?

[lazybum]

Yea, they're 4 ohms and DVC. Wow, the one think i forgot... *feels stupid*

[iceberg65]

If the amp is overheating from driving your subs that means either its not cooling properly because there is no airflow or more likeley that you have your gain set too high and its causing clipping (gain is usualy not set much more then 50% of max) If the settings are set properly underpowering subs shouldnt overheat an amp.
your wiring should look like this correct?
http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/ca/learningcenter/car/subwoofer_wiring/2DVC_4-ohm_mono.jpg

try turning down the gain a bit and see if it solves the issue. the subs wont be as loud but they also wont be distorting and it will be easier on the system as a whole.

[lazybum]

Yea, that's the wiring I have. So that's correct, i'll mess with the gain and see what that does... BTW, wiring in a second amp will improve sound, etc. right?

[iceberg65]

I would actually recommend getting a more powerful class D (mono) amp for the subs and use the amp you have to power some good speakers. that would make for a full system and your subs wont drown out your actual music. I just ordered an Phoenix Gold Xenon 600.1 amp for 250 bucks plus 40 shipping (20 in the states) its rated for 600w rms but is known that they do at least 800.

to answer your question tho, yes a second amp could improve sound but I dont know how you would wire it, there is not a rating for bridged 2 ohm operation on that amp so it probably wouldn't be able to handle it; and individually you can wire each sub to only 2 ohm or 8 ohm loads. and wiring each individual voice coil to a channel would still give an 8 ohm load at 8 ohms you would probably see a minimal difference because the amp will actually put out less then its rated power. Overall its just not optimal to run 2 of those amps to 4ohm dvc subs. if they were single 4ohm or dual 2ohm you would be able to get the full power out of the amps.

[lazybum]

This is the amp I'm looking at... Good amp?

Kenwood KAC-9104D (kac9104d), Car Amplifiers, Mono Subwoofer Amps - Sonic Electronix (http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_11795_Kenwood+KAC-9104D.html)

And that should power the subs just fine if i run them at 2 ohms, right? I don't wanna blow the subs, so i don't think i'd wire at at 1 ohm, seeing as the subs peak power is 800 watts


edit: and just as a little add on to my message... Thanks to everyone on this site that's helped me the past few times i've asked for help. You guys are really nice people. I went to other electronics sites and people acted like i was stupid. Just wanted to say that.

[iceberg65]

looks to me like that amp would do the job, kenwood doesnt have the best name for quality car audio stuff but thats a nice price for an amp with those ratings and kenwood has been around for a long time. Go for it and grab some good speakers to run off that other amp. amplified speakers make a world of difference. when you get everything set up make sure to post pics in my audio system thread.

did turning down your gain solve your overheating issue?

Ive been on car audio forums too and the people there make me feel like I know next to nothing bout car audio. There is so much to know my knowledge pretty much scratches the surface.
I think the most knowledgeable car audio guys on newcougar that come to my mind would be excellier and ice992

[lazybum]

Yea, i just realized that that amp puts out the same bridged at 4 ohms as my current amp. And my subs are 4 ohm DVC, so I can't put out a 2 ohm load. Oops? I really need to start paying attention. Aug. In any case... I came across this

Power Acoustik OV1-2000D (ov12000d), Car Amplifiers, Class D Amplifiers - Sonic Electronix (http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_9464_Power+Acoustik+OV1-2000D.html)

So I'm probably gonna end up getting that instead.

[iceberg65]

just wire them to 1 ohm
http://www.the12volt.com/12voltimages/2_4ohm_dvc_1ohm.gif
as long as the gain is set properly your subs will be fine. rockford subs should be able to handle some extra power over what its rated.

[lazybum]

Alright, and that's the end to my questions. Thanks alot. :)

[blustreak]

If you go with that last amp you posted and wire you subs at 1 ohm, make sure your gain is down. That amp should not have nay problems pushing those subs if you wire it correctly.

Try having a friend at the back of your car and you sitting in the driver's seat. Turn your volume up to almost as loud as you'd really ever listen to it. If you go with that amp you'll have a remote bass control so turn that baby up 100%. Then slowly or in multiple steps have your friend turn the gain up from zero. Once you reach a point where it sounds good to you and no distortion occurs, leave the gain alone. Then you'll be able to turn your bass control to max without worrying about anything giving you problems.

[skater]

I don't know about that specific amp, but I have quite a bit of Kenwood stuff, including an amp, and it has all been great for me.

[lazybum]

If you go with that last amp you posted and wire you subs at 1 ohm, make sure your gain is down. That amp should not have nay problems pushing those subs if you wire it correctly.

Try having a friend at the back of your car and you sitting in the driver's seat. Turn your volume up to almost as loud as you'd really ever listen to it. If you go with that amp you'll have a remote bass control so turn that baby up 100%. Then slowly or in multiple steps have your friend turn the gain up from zero. Once you reach a point where it sounds good to you and no distortion occurs, leave the gain alone. Then you'll be able to turn your bass control to max without worrying about anything giving you problems.


Do you really think that amp would push those subs without blowing them? They're 800 watts peak, remember. (that is if they were wired at 1 ohm)

[lazybum]

Now that I've really started shopping around, i'm debating between that one i posted before and this one

Power Acoustik OV2-2200 (ov22200), Car Amplifiers, 2-Channel Amps - Sonic Electronix (http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_8843_Power+Acoustik+OV2-2200.html)

I just want to make sure it's not gonna overheat.

[blustreak]

I'd wire them to 1 ohm and leave the gain down but it's really up to you. The last two amps you posted should push the subs just fine but if you get the last one you won't be running them at 1 ohm.

[lazybum]

Right, i'd be running at 4 ohms bridged. Thanks for all the help guys.