Will I have any problems if my amp and sub do not have matching ohm ratings? It's been years since I've done any stereo work and I'm a bit rusty on the basics...any input/recommendations would be appreciated

 

Nope, especially we you discuss subs and mono amps. Hell, you can get a .25 ohm load on older Orian Comp amps!

What setup exactly do you have in mind or already have?

 

Thanks for the reply

Not sure to be honest. I bought a new head unit and I just want to add some bass for SQ.

 

If the speaker resistance (ohm) is too low, you risk overheating/killing the amp if it can't handle it. Most sub amps these days are just fine at 2 ohms, and many will run at 1. 4 channel amps are usually only okay with 2 ohms if they're bridged, 4 ohms unbridged.

 

Thanks otter. So if I'm running a 4-channel amp bridged at 2 ohms with a sub that's rated at 4 ohms I should be okay?

 

Then you'd be just fine

 

 

Assuming your sub is single voice coil (SVC), yes! Now, if we'd got more complicated and thrown a Dual voice coil (DVC) in there and wired it in parallel and not series...the amp woulda had a problem!

But at the mentioned setup (SVC) you'll be golden. I ran 2 12" JL W0s off my Kenwood 4-ch bridged. Ran well for 6 years until both subs blew within one week! LOL Still using the amp to this day in my current setup. Oh how quality has gone through the window!

 

Yep, looking at a single voice coil sub

 

That will definitely simplify things. You are only running one, correct?

 

Yes, just one

 

I know you are looking for a sub, but do you have the amp yet?

 

only the woofer determines the ohm load, an amp can run any ohm load that a speaker presents to it, but actually handling it is a different story.

so your SVC woofer @ 4ohms will be bridged to 1 channel@4ohms mono, which roughly is the same total amount as 2 channels @ 2ohm stereo.

 

Yes and no. I see the point you are trying to get across, though.

Since you haven't bought anything yet, you will easily be able to match outputs and ohms to your preferences. You can pick whichever one you'd like to then base the other decision off of the rating or wiring options (if you choose a DVC).