Rockville: Pair 2-Ohm SVC Subwoofer Wiring

Introduction

This guide will walk you through wiring two single voice coil (SVC) 2-ohm subwoofers in parallel. Parallel wiring is the most common method for this setup and results in a 1-ohm final impedance load at the amplifier. The process is simple and can be done with basic tools and speaker wire.

Requirements:

• Two single voice coil 2-ohm subwoofers
• Subwoofer enclosure with terminal connections
• Speaker wire
• Wire cutters/strippers
• Multimeter (optional, for impedance verification)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Verify Subwoofer Impedance

1. Use a multimeter to check each subwoofer’s impedance.
   • Place the positive probe on the positive terminal.
   • Place the negative probe on the negative terminal.
2. You should see a reading around 2.0–2.1 ohms, confirming they are 2-ohm subs.

2. Prepare the First Subwoofer Connection

1. Cut a piece of speaker wire.
2. Connect the positive lead to the positive terminal of the first subwoofer.
3. Connect the negative lead to the negative terminal of the first subwoofer.

3. Wire the Subwoofers in Parallel

1. Run another speaker wire from the positive terminal of Subwoofer 1 to the positive terminal of Subwoofer 2.
2. Do the same with the negative terminals (negative to negative).
3. This creates a parallel chain between the two subs.

4. Connect to the Enclosure Terminals

1. Take the enclosure’s built-in speaker wire leads (these connect to the binding posts/terminals on the outside of your sub box).
2. Twist the positive leads together and connect them to the positive side of Subwoofer 2.
3. Twist the negative leads together and connect them to the negative side of Subwoofer 2.
4. This ensures the enclosure outputs the parallel wiring connection to your amplifier.

5. Connect to the Amplifier

1. Run a speaker wire from the positive terminal on the enclosure to the positive terminal on the amplifier.
2. Run a speaker wire from the negative terminal on the enclosure to the negative terminal on the amplifier.

Final Result

• Two SVC 2-ohm subwoofers wired in parallel = 1-ohm final impedance load at the amplifier.
• This wiring maximizes power output if your amplifier is stable at 1 ohm.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: My multimeter reads higher than 2 ohms on each sub. Is that normal?
Yes, slight fluctuations (like 2.1 ohms) are normal due to coil resistance tolerance.

Q: What happens if I wire them in series instead of parallel?
Two 2-ohm subs wired in series will give you a 4-ohm load, which lowers the power output from most amps but may improve sound quality and amp efficiency.

Q: My amplifier is not 1-ohm stable. Can I still use this setup?
No, if your amp isn’t 1-ohm stable, do not wire the subs in parallel. Use series wiring for a safe 4-ohm load.

Conclusion

Wiring two single voice coil 2-ohm subwoofers in parallel gives you a powerful 1-ohm load for maximum performance, as long as your amplifier can handle it. Always double-check impedance with a multimeter and make sure connections are secure.