When it comes to building the perfect car audio system, choosing the right subwoofer is crucial. Subwoofers are responsible for reproducing the low frequency sounds in music, and can make a big difference in the overall sound quality of your system. One of the most important decisions you’ll make when choosing a subwoofer is whether to go with a single voice coil or a dual voice coil design. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
Single Voice Coil Subwoofers
Single voice coil subwoofers (SVC) have one coil of wire that generates the sound. They are typically less expensive than dual voice coil subwoofers, and are a good choice for those on a budget. They are also easier to install, as they only require one set of terminals.
One of the biggest advantages of SVC subwoofers is that they are more efficient, meaning they can handle more power than dual voice coil subwoofers with the same impedance. This makes them a good choice for those who want to push their subwoofers to the limit.
However, there are some downsides to single voice coil subwoofers as well. One of the biggest is that they are less versatile than dual voice coil subwoofers. For example, if you want to wire your subwoofers in parallel or series, you’ll need to use a dual voice coil design. Additionally, SVC subwoofers are not as durable as DVC subwoofers and tend to overheat and burn out faster.
Dual Voice Coil Subwoofers
Dual voice coil subwoofers (DVC) have two coils of wire that generate the sound. They are more expensive than single voice coil subwoofers, but offer some distinct advantages. The most significant advantage is that they are more versatile than SVC subwoofers. With a DVC subwoofer, you can wire the coils in different ways to achieve different effects. For example, you can wire the coils in parallel to achieve a lower impedance, or in series to achieve a higher impedance. This makes them a good choice for those who want more control over their subwoofers.
Another advantage of DVC subwoofers is that they are more durable than SVC subwoofers. Because they have two coils, they can handle more power without overheating and burning out. This makes them a good choice for those who want a subwoofer that will last a long time.
However, there are some downsides to dual voice coil subwoofers as well. One of the biggest is that they are more difficult to install than SVC subwoofers. They also require more space in your vehicle, as they have two sets of terminals. Additionally, DVC subwoofers are less efficient than SVC subwoofers and require more power to achieve the same output.
How to Choose the Right Impedance for your Subwoofer
The impedance of a subwoofer is measured in ohms, and it represents the amount of electrical resistance the subwoofer offers to the amplifier. A lower impedance means that the subwoofer will draw more power from the amplifier, while a higher impedance means that it will draw less power.
When choosing the impedance for your subwoofer, it’s important to consider the power handling capabilities of both the subwoofer and the amplifier. A subwoofer that is rated for a lower impedance will handle more power than one that is rated for a higher impedance. On the other hand, an amplifier that is rated for a lower impedance will produce more power than one that is rated for a higher impedance.
If you’re using a single voice coil subwoofer, it’s recommended to use an impedance of 4 ohms. This will ensure that the subwoofer is able to handle the power output of the amplifier without overheating. If you’re using a dual voice coil subwoofer, you have the option of wiring the coils in parallel or series to achieve different impedances. For example, wiring the coils in parallel will result in an impedance of 2 ohms, while wiring them in series will result in an impedance of 8 ohms.
When choosing the impedance for your subwoofer, it’s also important to consider the number of subwoofers you’ll be using. If you’re using multiple subwoofers, you’ll need to make sure that the total impedance of all the subwoofers matches the impedance of the amplifier. This can be done by wiring the subwoofers in parallel or series, depending on the number of subwoofers and their individual impedance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a single voice coil and a dual voice coil subwoofer?
A: A single voice coil subwoofer has one coil of wire that generates the sound, while a dual voice coil subwoofer has two coils of wire that generate the sound. This means that dual voice coil subwoofers are more versatile and can handle more power than single voice coil subwoofers.
What are the advantages of a single voice coil subwoofer?
A: Single voice coil subwoofers are typically less expensive and easier to install than dual voice coil subwoofers. They are also more efficient, meaning they can handle more power than dual voice coil subwoofers with the same impedance.
What are the advantages of a dual voice coil subwoofer?
A: Dual voice coil subwoofers are more versatile and can handle more power than single voice coil subwoofers. They also have a higher durability and can handle more power without overheating and burning out.
What impedance should I use for my single voice coil subwoofer?
A: It’s recommended to use an impedance of 4 ohms for a single voice coil subwoofer to ensure that the subwoofer is able to handle the power output of the amplifier without overheating.
How do I match the impedance of multiple subwoofers to my amplifier?
A: To match the impedance of multiple subwoofers to your amplifier, you’ll need to wire the subwoofers in parallel or series, depending on the number of subwoofers and their individual impedance. This will ensure that the total impedance of all the subwoofers matches the impedance of the amplifier.
Can I wire a dual voice coil subwoofer in parallel or series?
A: Yes, you can wire a dual voice coil subwoofer in parallel or series to achieve different impedances. Wiring the coils in parallel will result in an impedance of 2 ohms, while wiring them in series will result in an impedance of 8 ohms.
Are dual voice coil subwoofers better than single voice coil subwoofers?
A: It depends on your specific needs and preferences. Dual voice coil subwoofers are more versatile and durable, but are also more expensive and difficult to install. Single voice coil subwoofers are less expensive and easier to install, but are less versatile and not as durable.