Rockville: Pair 1-Ohm DVC Subwoofer Wiring

Introduction

This guide will show you how to wire two dual voice coil (DVC) 1-ohm subwoofers using different configurations.
The steps are simple and easy to follow, even if you’re new to car audio installations.

Requirements:

• Two DVC 1-ohm subwoofers
• Jumper cables or speaker wire
• A compatible subwoofer enclosure with terminal connections
• A compatible amplifier (as indicated below)
• A multimeter (recommended for checking impedance)

Step 1: Check Voice Coil Impedance

• Use a multimeter to test each subwoofer’s voice coil terminals.
• Each terminal should measure close to 1 ohm (often around 1.1 ~ 1.2 ohms).
• This ensures both subs are functioning correctly before wiring.

Step 2: Wiring Options

Option A → Series-Parallel Wiring (Final Load ≈ 1 Ohm)
This is the most common configuration for maximum power when using a 1-ohm stable amplifier.

1. Series Wiring Each Subwoofer:
   • Connect the positive terminal of Voice Coil 1 to the negative terminal of Voice Coil 2.
   • Repeat on the second subwoofer.
   • Now, each sub has an impedance of 2 ohms.
2. Parallel Wiring Both Subwoofers Together:
   • Connect the remaining open positive terminals of both subs together.
   • Connect the remaining open negative terminals of both subs together.
   • Run these joined connections to the enclosure’s speaker leads.
3. Final Result:
   • The load drops back down to 1 ohm.
   • Perfect for a 1-ohm stable monoblock amplifier.

Recommended Use: Works best with a 1-ohm stable (or 0.5 ohm) monoblock amplifier.
⚠️Do not use with a 2-ohm (or 4-ohm) stable amplifier, as it may cause the amp to enter protect mode, in addition to blown fuses and/or internal damage.

Note:

• Some enclosures and amplifiers have multiple terminals that make parallel wiring easier.
• If your amp has two sets of speaker terminals, you can wire each sub directly to its own set, and the amplifier will parallel them internally.

Option B → Series-Series Wiring (Final Load ≈ 4 Ohms)
This allows for use with a bridged output from a multi-channel amplifier.

1. Series Wiring Each Subwoofer:
   • Connect the positive terminal of Voice Coil 1 to the negative terminal of Voice Coil 2.
   • Repeat on the second subwoofer.
   • Each subwoofer now measures 2 ohms.
2. Series Wiring Both Subwoofers Together:
   • Connect the open positive terminal of Subwoofer 1 to the open negative terminal of Subwoofer 2.
   • Run the enclosure’s positive speaker lead to the remaining open positive terminal.
   • Run the enclosure’s negative speaker lead to the remaining open negative terminal.
3. Final Result:
   • The load increases to 4 ohms.
   • Works well with amplifiers rated at 4 ohms.
   • Running a 2-ohm stable monoblock at 4 ohms allows the amp to stay cooler, more efficient and easier on your car battery.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: My multimeter is over by 0.1 or 0.2 ohms, is that okay?
Yes, readings are often slightly different (usually higher) than advertised due to coil resistance tolerances. These readings can often be 0.1 or 0.2 ohms higher than the exact number calculated.

Q: Which wiring gives the most output, or loudest bass?
The series-parallel (1 ohm) configuration will usually deliver the most power and volume when paired with a 1-ohm stable amp.

Q: Can I damage my amp if I wire incorrectly?
Yes. Always check the amp’s minimum impedance rating before wiring. Never run an amp below its rated impedance.

Conclusion

You now know how to wire two DVC (Dual Voice Coil) 1-ohm subwoofers in both series-parallel (1 ohm) and series (4 ohm) configurations.

• Series-Parallel (1 ohm) → For 1-ohm stable monoblock amps.
• Series-Series(4 ohm) → For 2-channel bridged amps or 2-ohm stable monoblocks.

We highly recommend that you double-check your wiring with a multimeter and make sure your amp is compatible with the final load.