Ohms

[chad.SQ 0]

How do ohms have an impact on the electrical system.? I know that if the woofer is wired to a lower ohm rating then there is less resistance. Does this mean that a 600 watt amp at 2 ohms is the same electrical strain as 1200 watt at 1 ohm? And. I have heard that a higher ohm rating results in "tighter" bass. I believe it is a myth but I want to ask the input of the users on this forum.

Edited April 3, 2008 by chad

[denalilvr 0]

How do ohms have an impact on the electrical system.? I know that if the woofer is wired to a lower ohm rating then there is less resistance. Does this mean that a 600 watt amp at 2 ohms is the same electrical strain as 1200 watt at 1 ohm? And. I have heard that a higher ohm rating results in "tighter" bass. I believe it is a myth but I want to ask the input of the users on this forum.

1200 watts at 1ohm would be more of a strain because its putting out 1200 watts so its going to need more power where has at 2ohms its only 600 watts so its putting out half the power

[johnecon2001 82]

1200w @ 1 ohm is the same as 1200w @ 2 ohms.

[shizzzon 461]

Usually, the lower the resistance, the more output power, so more power draw...

And typically, the higher resistance may give off "tighter" bass because the damping factor is greater.

[Acidburn 10]

Usually, the lower the resistance, the more output power, so more power draw...

And typically, the higher resistance may give off "tighter" bass because the damping factor is greater.

There won't be any audible difference resulting from different impedances.

[creyc 1]

Often amplifiers run more efficiently at higher impedances. A particular amp may be 80% efficient at 4 ohms, but only 65% at 1 ohm. You can see how the strain on your electrical system goes up when you change from 4 to 1 ohm, not only due to lower efficiency but also increased power delivery as well.

As far as how the sub responds, I read a good thread about this on ROE. Whether or not the effects of running lower impedance is audible or not seems to be an issue of debate.