Mxyzptlk

I have a Kenwood amp & 2 kicker comp 12s.

Not sure but if I set it up bridged I only have the left channel but I get more power. If I use it in stereo I get both right and left but less power. Which is better?

Maz94Protege

alright... this is a 2 channel Kenwood amp right?


L R
the speaker setup should be like this [+ - I + -]

You bridge the Left + to the Rights -, this bridges it, it also would have a diagram showing which to bridge, you then can also bridge ur subs to push out more. so it sounds even.

Say this is the back of your sub, you should have a set of {pos} and {neg} terminals on each sub.
you can plug one {pos} terminal OF ONE SUB into the {pos} on the amp, the other sub will be bridged oppositly, the {pos} on the sub to the {pos} on the amp. Now the other 2 remaining terminals on the subs, you can link them together. This will bridge ur subs from 8ohm to 4ohm, or if they are 4 ohm subs they will be bridged to 2ohm each. this will be like running one sub, but ull double the power of amp!. It wont hurt the amp either. Its what alot of people do when they run more than one or 2 subs.

If you need any help, i can make some diagrams and send them to you.
My e-mail is Jhar344@icqmail.com
My aim sn is Psxboy99.


Peace

mazdaspeedwest

Generally, for subs, they are wired in mono (or bridged), if your going for competition sound quality they could go in stereo. Low frequencies are not location dependant like mids and highs, they are omidirectional and in a small and non-ideal environment such as a car, (with out MAJOR work on speaker placement) subs in stereo will be near impossible to distinguish between subs in mono.

In your case, i say bridge the amp and run them mono.

Mxyzptlk

Well my main concern was this. If you have heard a song that jumps from the left channel to right and back (blind->Korn). When the amp is bridged I only hear the bass on one side Left and then when it jumps to the right all I hear is the highs.

mazdaspeedwest

thats odd....as most amps when bridged, are combining the left and right channels, as you use one connection for each "bridging" the 2 channels together. So the mono output should see both channels and play accordingly...what other devices are in the signal path? (eq, line driver, crossover...) are both left and right RCAs connected to the subwoofer amp?

If all checks out, you may need to run it in stereo or upgrade the amp.

Mxyzptlk

I guess my amp just sucks. It says on the side L channel only when bridged.

mazdaspeedwest

How much power does the amp have in stereo? if it's 50watts or less, you may want to upgrade. 250watts RMS mono into both 12" subs will be sufficient if your on a tight budget, if you can, go with the most the subs will handle and you can afford.

Mr_Green

I'd have to say for overall quality of sound (as far as hearing all channels to their full potential) don't bridge the amp.

Leave it stereo. Mxyzptlk is definitely correct (great song BTW).
Songs like that are SOOO much better with stereo subs.
I've done both and enjoy the stereo much better


Mr Green

Mxyzptlk

Man I dunno bout the power. The amps a 600w amp. But is rated by Crutchfield at 300w bridged. & 100W x 2 RMS. Whatever ?

mazdaspeedwest

100watts x2 stereo will get you by fine, until you feel the urge to upgrade.

Very true, for maximum effectiveness, stereo is better, but a good amp that combines the channels works quite well. All depends on your taste, so experiment and decide whats best for you. Give it 2 weeks or so between each set-up and a variety of music to get a feel for how each sounds.

Use an RCA "Y" splitter to send both left and right channels to the mono channel on the amp (2 female > 1 male)

are they single or dual voice coil subs?

Mxyzptlk

Single voice I think. They're kinda old. But I didn't think of that y splitter. Hmmm. Im getting the custom install on Friday. Can't wait to get rid of this box. Need the trunk space.