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QUALITY MOBILE VIDEO · CAR AUDIO GUIDE

Subwoofer Impedance and Amplifier Matching

Calculate the correct load before connecting your subwoofers.

Subwoofer wiring does not have to be confusing. The way voice coils and multiple subwoofers are connected determines the final impedance—or load—presented to the amplifier. Choosing the correct series, parallel, or combined wiring arrangement helps the system operate safely and allows the amplifier to deliver its rated power.

Before selecting a wiring diagram, identify three things: the number of subwoofers, whether each subwoofer has a single voice coil (SVC) or dual voice coils (DVC), and the impedance of each voice coil. Enter that information into the appropriate wizard below to calculate the final load and view the corresponding wiring connections.

Always compare the calculated load with the amplifier manufacturer’s minimum stable impedance. Wiring below that rating can cause overheating, protection-mode shutdowns, distortion, or permanent amplifier damage. If the calculated impedance is not supported, choose a different wiring configuration or a properly matched amplifier.

QUALITY MOBILE VIDEO · WIRING LAB

Series or Parallel Subwoofer Wiring Wizard

Choose your subwoofers and wiring method. We’ll calculate the final impedance and draw the connections.

1

Build your system

Number of subwoofers
Voice coils per subwoofer
Impedance of each voice coil
Wiring method
2

Your result

Final amplifier load
2Ω
2 SVC subwoofers · 4 Ω each Parallel wiring
Calculation 4 Ω ÷ 2 coils = 2 Ω
!

Check your amplifier. Confirm that it is stable at 2 Ω before connecting the subwoofers.

3

Wiring diagram

PositiveNegative

Before you connect anything

Use identical subwoofers. This calculator assumes every voice coil has the same impedance.

Match the amplifier. Never wire below the amplifier manufacturer’s minimum stable impedance.

Power off first. Disconnect vehicle power and verify every connection before turning the system on.

QUALITY MOBILE VIDEO · WIRING LAB

Series/Parallel Wiring Wizard

Combine series and parallel wiring for dual-voice-coil subwoofers and see the exact final amplifier load.

1

Build your DVC system

DVCThis wizard is for identical dual-voice-coil subwoofers.
Number of subwoofers
Impedance of each voice coil
Combined wiring arrangement
2

Your result

Final amplifier load
4Ω
2 DVC subwoofers · 4 Ω per coil Coils in series · Subwoofers in parallel
Calculation (4 Ω + 4 Ω) ÷ 2 subs = 4 Ω
Stage 1 · Each subwoofer8 Ω
Stage 2 · Final load4 Ω
!

Check your amplifier. Confirm that it is stable at 4 Ω.

3

Combined wiring diagram

Positive Negative Jumper

How combined wiring works

First, wire each DVC subwoofer. Its two voice coils become one combined subwoofer load.

Then, connect the subwoofers. The second wiring stage determines the final load at the amplifier.

Use matching equipment. Every subwoofer and voice coil must have the same impedance.

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