Subwoofers are used to improve the lowest frequencies of any audio.
Understanding How to Connect Two Subwoofers to a One Channel Amp can be quite advantageous to an audiophile, bass, or rock music lover or someone who prefers listening to loud and hard audio.
This guide is well designed for your convenience. An interesting fact is that a subwoofer can be set up anywhere; in your room, living room, and even in your vehicle.
So, setting this up anywhere in your environment can greatly improve the bass of the speaker and let you enjoy the rhythmic sound of the boosted audio.
Besides, this is very much practical and less challenging for your convenience. Without further ado, let’s get started.
How do Subwoofers Work to a One-Channel Amp Step by Step
Equally important, subwoofers or (sub) can be referred to as loudspeakers that are designed to enhance the lowest audio frequencies, which is the bass or sub-bass of audio.
In furtherance, it can be added to your speakers to effectively improve its sound bass. At the same time, an amplifier aids the hearing of the sound frequencies.
Note that there are crucial trade-offs to subwoofers when it boils down to the output, size, and extension. Consequently, they come into play when determining the overall output.
In other words, the size of the subwoofers, their extension, and capacity determine their overall output. Subs have diverging configurations.
Furthermore, there can be an active subwoofer or a passive subwoofer. Active subs contain a built-in amp, whereas passive subs are fueled by external amps.
Although, the passive subwoofers are usually smaller, less bulky, and hold a lot of power intensity.
Some Common Examples of Subwoofers Are
Passive Radiant Subwoofers
Passive Radiant is a common type of subwoofer found in Bluetooth headsets, car audios, and the likes. Likewise, they are greatly used to improve the bass frequencies of the audio by allowing the sound to escape through.
The speaker but with a greater level of frequencies similar to the port, but different because in this case, the port has been replaced with the passive Radiant though not connected to the amps.
Ported Subwoofers
Ported Subwoofers or bass reflex speakers are a common type of subwoofers that are variously used to bring out the rich bass sound of audio.
However, this is dependent on the escaped hole designed on the appliance to improve the bass frequency of the sound.
Sealed Cabinet Subwoofers
This is a subwoofer without a passive radiator and port. As the name conveys, its design is sealed with a well-rounded hole, and the bass only has one route to leave the cabinet.
Front and Down Firing Subwoofers
Front-firing sort of subwoofers always have their speakers pointed forward. Subsequently, sounds from this sub would emanate from the front and from the side of the sub.
In comparison, the down-firing subwoofers have their speakers facing downward. A proper way of enjoying such a downward speaker is if it is placed on a shelf or something higher from the ground level.
Horn-Loaded Subwoofers
In addition, these types of subwoofers tend to be louder than its counterparts because it tends to focus the sound in one direction.
In a case where the sound spreads across the room, this does not apply to horn-loaded subwoofers because the output of the sounds is more directional.
Band-pass Subwoofers
Band-pass subwoofers are more complex and produce a specific type of bass sound that is pleasurable and rhythmic to one’s ear.
It is commonly used by professionals for sound equipment for large areas and as well as car audio.
Difference Between Connecting Two Subwoofers to a One Channel Amp and One Receiver
In the quest to achieve a bass level frequency, there are varieties of systems used to achieve this goal.
Besides, there are similar but varying techniques on how to connect two subwoofers to a one-channel amp and how to connect two subwoofers to one receiver.
In this guide, the major differences between both systems are highlighted. This would aid your understanding and guide your choice.
Functionality Differences
A palpable difference between both systems is their varying functionality. When a subwoofer is connected to an amplifier, it only sends and receives signals from the audio, processes it, and takes out the signal to the subwoofers.
In contrast, a receiver sends and receives signals from the speaker and allows videos to pass through, and displays it on the TV or projector.
Differences in the System
When connecting two subwoofers to an amplifier, you can basically replace a receiver with an amplifier because it has an amplifier in it as well, but it is not in all cases where amplifiers are used as receivers.
Cost
One should note that a receiver costs more than an amplifier.
Componential Distinction
In addition, when connecting two subwoofers to a receiver or amp, you should note that they have distinctive differences that serve numerous purposes.
For instance, a receiver has an amplifier in it as well as a preamp, radio, tuner, and many more.
Upgrading Features
A distinctive feature is the upgrading feature of an amp and a receiver. After connecting two subwoofers to a receiver, if an upgrade is required, you might have to upgrade the entire unit. In comparison, an amplifier can be easily upgraded as a separate unit.
How to Choose the Right Subwoofers to a One-Channel Amp Step by Step
Further, there are different ways to connect a subwoofer to a one-channel amp. However, before you get started, you need to figure out the power and impedance of your applications. Impedance refers to the measure of opposition electrical flow in subwoofers.
Note, the ideal method of connecting your subwoofers to one channel amp is when the range of power and the impedance of the subwoofers match the amplifier perfectly.
Next, figure out the voice coils of the subwoofer and its type. Surely, it could be a single voice coil (SVC) or dual voice coil (DVC) type. The latter is designed to handle more power and performance.
Figuring all that out would also aid you to know the maximum load of the amplifier because you do not want to exceed it (extremely advisable).
To start, begin with
Step 1: Figure Out the Multiple Coil Type and its Impedance
For the first step, you have to ensure that the two subs have the same coil type and the impedance has to match. Consequently, it can interfere with the power flow of the systems if not done properly.
Step 2: Find Out the Total “Watts RMS” Rating of the Amplifier at Different Loads
You are required to do this to make certain that the total RMS of the subs matches the amplifier.
Step 3: Determine the Result of Combining the Coils and Subs
Figure out the result of the total impedance that the subs connected make.
- A single voice coil (SVC) = One terminal.
- A dual voice coil (DVC) = Two terminals.
- Study the table below for more info:
- SVC- Single Voice Coil
- DVC- Dual Voice Coil
| 1. | SVC\DVC | Total Impedance |
| 2. | 1 SVC 2-ohms | 2 ohms of Impedance |
| 3. | 1 SVC 4-ohms | 4 ohms of Impedance |
| 4. | 1 DVC 2-ohms | 1 ohm or 4 ohms of Impedance |
| 5. | 1 DVC 4-ohms | 2 ohms or 8 ohms of Impedance |
| 6. | 2 SVC 2-ohms | 1 ohm or 4 ohms of Impedance |
| 7. | 2 SVC 4-ohms | 2 ohms or 8 ohms of impedance |
| 8. | 2 DVC 2-ohms | 2 ohms or 8 ohms of impedance |
| 9. | 2 DVC 4-ohms | 1 ohm or 4 ohms of impedance |
| 10. | 3 SVC 2-ohms | 6 ohms of impedance |
| 11. | 3 SVC 4-ohms | 1.3 ohms of impedance |
| 12. | 3 DVC 2-ohms | 1.3 ohms or 3 ohms of impedance |
| 13. | 3 DVC 4-ohms | 2.7 ohms or 6 ohms of impedance |
| 14. | 4 SVC 2-ohms | 2 ohms or 8 ohms of impedance |
| 15. | 4 SVC 4-ohms | 1 ohm or 4 ohms of impedance |
| 16. | 4 DVC 2-ohms | 1 ohm or 4 ohms of impedance |
| 17. | 4 DVC 4-ohms | 2 ohms or 8 ohms of impedance |
Step 4: RMS Rating of the Amps
Determine the RMS rating of the amps at different loads. Whether it is 4 ohms, 2 ohms, or even 1 ohm, figure it out, and the total rating would be the total sub’s impedance.
Step 5: The Right Subs
Divide the power chosen in step 4 by the number of subs you plan on using.
Step 6: Determine the Possible Coil Configuration
Study the table below as well:
| 1-ohm | 2-ohms | 4-ohms | |
| 1 subwoofer | DVC 2-ohms | SVC 2-ohms DVC 4 ohms | SVC 4-ohms DVC 2-ohms |
| 2 subwoofers | SVC 2-ohms DVC 4-ohms | SVC 4-ohms DVC 2-ohms | SVC 2-ohms DVC 4-ohms |
| 3 subwoofers | (1.3 ohms) SVC 4-ohms DVC 2-ohms | (3 or 2.7 ohms) DVC 2-ohms DVC 4-ohms | (6 ohms) SVC 2-ohms DVC 4-ohms |
| 4 subwoofers | SVC 4-ohms DVC 2-ohms | SVC 2-ohms DVC 4 ohms | SVC 4-ohms DVC 2-ohms |
With the table, you can figure out the right subwoofer and how much impedance it would produce with the amps.
Step 7: Choose the Right Subwoofers
And finally, the right subwoofers that match the voice coil and the total impedance. Equally, the subwoofer would be optimized and better used with the right amount of power with the amp.
And to achieve this, you have to match the subs and amps to be perfectly fitted.
How to Connect Two Subwoofers to a One Channel Amp at Home
To set up two subwoofers to one channel amp can be easily done at home in your home theater, Tv, Projector, etc. As discussed, a subwoofer is used to boost the lowest frequency of the audio, and as such, it can be implemented in any speaker at your home, car, anywhere.
On this note, figure out the total impedance of the amplifier and the speaker. Make sure they match. Essentially, if you can correctly match the sub with the amplifier, you can successfully connect them to your speaker.
In furtherance, plug the terminal (-ve) of the amp into the terminal (-ve) of the speaker. Apply the same method with the positive terminal amplifier with the other speaker.
Adding, (-ve) here means the negative terminal. And you are good to go!
What Is Speaker Impedance and How Does It Affect You
Unless you’re simply interested, you don’t need to read any more if you already know what impedance is and why it matters.
Speaker impedance describes the load that a speaker places on an amplifier. It is measured in ohms and denoted by the Omega symbol ().
In technical terms, impedance is the “resistance” a speaker offers to the current provided by an amplifier. However, unlike resistance, which remains constant throughout time, impedance changes with frequency.
Instead of listing the impedance for each frequency, speaker manufacturers list the “nominal” impedance, which is an approximate average of the speaker’s lowest values.
The majority of automotive speakers are classified as 2, 4, or 8 by the manufacturers. The name “impedance” derives from the Latin word “impeder,” which means “to obstruct” or “to limit” current flow; hence, the lower the impedance, the more current may flow.
A higher current necessitates the amp to produce more power. In other words, the lower the impedance, the greater the load on the amplifier (and the harder it has to work).
All of this may be summed up as follows:
- Low impedance higher current higher load higher power
- High impedance means less current, a smaller load, and lower power output.
According to the explanation above, the lower the impedance of the speaker(s) given to the amplifier, the more power the amplifier provides through that speaker (s). This is correct up to a degree.
It’s true until the amplifier can’t handle the additional current and power demands. At this point, either the amp fuse will blow, or the amp’s protection circuit will activate and turn the amp off to prevent serious damage.
As a result, using an amplifier with a load impedance less than the specified minimum is strongly discouraged.
Why Should You Care About Speaker Impedance
For one simple reason: to ensure that each speaker connected to an amplifier has an impedance that is within the amp’s capability. Using many speakers with a single amplifier is a serious issue.
For example, connecting four speakers in series across an amplifier result in a total load impedance of only 1, which may be far too low unless your amplifier is stable at 1-ohm load.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you hook up two subs to one amp?
As a result, these voice coils would have positive and negative terminals. Using two subwoofers, hook the positive and negative terminal of the subs together, and further, hook a wire from one of the subs into the amplifier.
Remember, the positive for positive and negative for negative.
How to bridge a 4 channel amp to 2 subs?
Next, connect the amplifier terminal of 5-6-7-8 for the second sub. Ensure the connection is secured, the screws are tightened, and ensure there is no loose wire.
How to wire a 4-ohm dual voice coil subwoofer?
And on the other side, the terminal (-ve) would take on the second voice coil. Therefore, positive connects to positive, and negative connects to negative.
How to connect two subwoofers to one soundbar?
On this note, you can simply connect two subwoofers to a soundbar, but you need to check the product first. Some can be expandable to accommodate two subwoofers, while others can not accommodate it.
Whereas some soundbars come with in-built subwoofers. Equally important, it is advisable to buy wireless subwoofers to wirelessly connect to the soundbar easily.
Note, the wired method is possible but tricky. Here, you have to check the features of the soundbar and subwoofers, check to see if they match before you can begin the connectivity.
Connecting dual subs to a single soundbar would give the kind of audio output you prefer, and it also ensures the specs, power output, driver, and frequency are the same.
How do I connect two powered speakers to a powered subwoofer?
Set the Stereo RCA to send two parallel-frequency audio signals to the two powered subwoofers. An alternative is connecting one receiver output to one subwoofer and the other one to the second powered subwoofer.
How to connect two powered subwoofers in a car?
Next, connect the two negative terminals (black) on the subwoofer to the two negative terminals on the amplifier. And you have successfully connected the two powered subwoofers to the amp in the car.
How do you connect two subwoofers to one output?
What is the difference between 1 ohm and 2-ohm amp?
In addition, 2 ohms can produce more power output from the amplifier, which would enable the subwoofer to play louder and clear. The increase in power supply reduces the resistance(ohms).
Consequently, you have to keep setting them up in a balanced way. A 1-ohm amp is near resistance and can lead to more power consumption and low-quality sound. This is why a 2-ohms amp and higher is quite advisable.
Conclusion
Further, the subwoofer can be a great means to achieve an impressive end. The subwoofer boosts the low-level frequency of audio to produce a great sound.
When used the right way and with the right extensions, the utilization can be quite thrilling. At the end of this guide, you should be able to know how to connect two subwoofers to a one-channel amp.
The steps to achieve this and other information have been provided in this guide for your convenience and understanding.
In addition, there are so many variances when it comes to subwoofers and their usage. You have to determine the points required before they can be used effectively.
