Amplifier load?

[mikett 0]

Haven't been here in a while guys

Just wanted to know the advantages and disadvantages of running amplifiers at different loads.

Nothing specific, in terms of amplifier brand, but just general advantages and disadvantages.

Thanks.

[johnecon2001 82]

There's no disadvantage or advantage. Ohm loads are to help you wire your subs to something your amplifier and vehicle electrical can handle.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

Are you looking for a certain purpose?

[mikett 0]

Sorry guys i should have been clearer in my asking.........

What i meant to ask was basically;

Amplifiers are able to produce power at different loads....what differences ,if any, in terms of output power, heat produced,sound quality,dampening factor, slew rate, thd etc, are there when an amplifier is run at a 4ohm load as oppossed to a 2 ohm load?

Basically i guess it boils down to an "is it better to run an amplifier at a higher or lower load" that is,if the amplifier is able to do so?

Pros and Cons with proper explanation would be nice as well

Thanks guys

[johnecon2001 82]

Entirely depends on the particular amplifier and the goal of your project. Unfortunately, there's no cut and dry answer.

[crosspug 2]

General rule as far as I know.....

Higher = better, because....

Less Heat, Less Current, Lower THD (but this may not apply on a sub amp etc...) BUT......... obviously power output is compromised by this (usually lower except in some cases such as JL Slash etc......)

So as stated above depends on the amp, depends on the car and depends setup.

Jono

[ABXX49 20]

Entirely depends on the particular amplifier and the goal of your project. Unfortunately, there's no cut and dry answer.

I think what he is referring to a situation like this: If you wanted to run 1000watts off of a JL 1000/1. He has a d2 subwoofer so he can wire it at 1 or 4 ohms. Would he be better off running it at 1 or 4?

[johnecon2001 82]

It doesn't matter on that amp.

[lorenzo 0]

the lowest ohm load that amp is capable of running at is 1.5 ohms, or else the low ohm indicator light will come on and there will be no bass.

4 ohms is a much better load anyway because the damping factor increases dramaticly.

[KU40 173]

You also have to realize the differences in amplifier topologies. So you can't compare a 2 channel class A/B amp with a mono class D amp. Those A/Bs are made to run at 4 ohms but the D's are made for 2 or 1 ohm and will put out less power at 4 ohms. There are only a few amplifiers designed to have the same power output from 1-4 ohms. So if you are talking specifically about those amps, higher impedances are better. But if you start comparing A/B to D, the difference in topology will have a much greater effect on the properties than the impedance will.

For example, my old Crossfire BMF1000D was more efficient, had lower THD, higher dampening factor, etc. when it put out 250 rated watts at 4 ohms than it did putting out 1000 watts at 1 ohm. But it put out less power. So if you want 1000 watts, running at 4 ohms just to get better specs would be pointless. Not to mention that a lot of these properties are lost on subwoofers and are more prevelant on mids and tweeters.