Expert: Brian - 11/6/2009

Question
Hi Brian.  Will a Powerbass ASA 1500.1DX mono subwoofer amp set at 325 rms x 1 channel 4ohms, power 2 Pioneer Premier TS-SW 1241D 12 inch shallow mount subwoofers. The subwoofers are rated at 350 rms at 4ohms. How much power would each subwoofer receive. Or do I need a different amplifier. Thanks George

Answer
Hi George,

Keep in mind that when you combine two 4-ohm, single voice coil subwoofers like the TS-SW1241D, you'll end up with a 2-ohm load.  The relevant amplifier power rating isn't the 325-watt, 4-ohm rating.  When used with a 2-ohm load, your amplifier is rated for 750 watts RMS.  

The power produced by the amp will be evenly divided between the two subs; at the maximum RMS output, each sub gets 375 watts.  This makes your amplifier a fairly good match for the 350-watt Pioneer subs.  I think you could certainly blow the subs with this amp, if you're not careful; so be sure to set the gains with care, and don't abuse the system.  For normal music listening, it should be fine.

Hope this helps!

Brian