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Audio Systems/Car subs with power amplifiers

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Expert: - 12/5/2008


Question
Hello I was wondering can you use car subwoofers with pro power amps at home for bass?I also wondered how good that would sound sense power amplifiers are 4ohm to 2ohm stable and have alot of power.Thanks:)

Answer
A subwoofer designed for car audio can be used in the home if you match the impedance to the amplifier properly.  So many car woofers are dual voice coil at 4 ohms each. If you parallel them it gives 2 ohms which is usually not good for home/professional amps.  But, if you series them and get 8 ohms it is a good match for most amps.

The performance of car subs do not always sound good in home environments because they are designed to work in small enclosures and play into small spaces such as the cavity of the car; whereas home use puts them into a big room.

But, as stated above, you can certainly try it and see if it works out for you.

More questions?  Let me know.

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Cleggsan

Expertise

Audio Design Engineer; systems, loudspeakers, cd/dvd players, etc. I am knowledgeable in all high end audio equipment and installations. MAKE SURE YOU GIVE A MAKE AND MODEL NUMBER AND CAR IF IT IS AN AUTO QUESTION. Note: I am getting some who ask good questions that take a lot of time to research but then the questioner fails to read the answer. Please don't ask questions unless you are seriously looking for an answer. If you find an answer to your question otherwise then let me know with your reply. Thank you.

Experience

Have been associated with audio design, standards, testing and component systems for over 40 years.

Organizations
Life Fellow Member of Audio Engineering Society Life Senior Member of Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers

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Review technical manuscripts for IEEE Spectrum Write occasionally for high-end audio publications

Education/Credentials
BSEE/MSCS/MBA

Past/Present Clients
Past Employee/advisor to several well known audio products manufacturers

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