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M100 & planned install questions

Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:12 am
by stephenjha
I am getting closer to replacing my system that found a new owner last fall. :x

So to recap my progress. I am going to reuse my Alpine deck/changer that are currently installed in my Ford Explorer. The deck is 10 years old (4V preouts) and works fine.

For power I am planning to use a M50 for front channel, M50 for rear channel (unless I locate a nicer M25), and a M100 for the subs.

I am in the process of buying my speakers right now. I am going with Polk Momo MMC5250s for the front stage, Polk Momo MMC570s for the rear stage, and a pair of Momo 12s for subs.

So my question is do I go with the DVC 12s and run a bridged load of 4ohms or the single voice coil 12s and run a bridged load of 2ohms? Will the M100 handle the lower load?

The amps all run fine with no issues or current leakage on the caps, but I am planning to have the caps replaced in all three before I install and use them. Any other suggestions on the planned install? I used a 1 farad cap on my last install which was Polk DB speakers (same sizes) and a ZX450 & ZX500. The 1 farad cap worked for the most part, but was not quite enough when I pushed it hard. Any recommendations on what to do cap wise with the M50, M50, M100 combo?

thanks!

Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:23 am
by stipud
A 1 farad cap should be more than sufficient.

Bridge for 4 ohms. The M100 "can" take 2 ohms bridged, but it's not ideal... you just end up getting a bunch of extra heat for an unnoticeable difference in power output.

Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:25 am
by Bfowler
welcome to the phorum!

i would stick to a 4ohm bridged load on the M amps, you might be able to get away with 2ohms if you added a dedicated capacitor and built a fan shroud to cool it down, but i don't think the power gains would be worth the risk.


also...since you are on a PG forum...its my duty to ask if you've heard the RSD line against the polks :)

Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:28 am
by fuzzysnuggleduck
The M100 will handle 2 ohm mono but that's about the lowest load it will handle without potential complications... even 2 ohms mono is not one of the "recommended" ways to run it.

http://webfaq.phoenixphorum.com/M.htm

I was running 2 SVC 4 ohm subs, bridged from my M100 and it worked alright... however, the difference between that and just running stereo subs (4 ohm) wasn't very significant.

Now, I'm running 2 ohms stereo with DVC subs and it sounds great and has a decent amount of authority. I'd say run stereo at 2 ohms for a good ratio of power and longevity... but of course, that's only from my limited experience.

Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:57 am
by stephenjha
Thanks for the input. I am definitely going with the DVC subs. I can experiment with running them bridged or stereo and see what sounds best. :D

And as far as the Polks my old system was all DB series speakers and I had extremely good luck with them so that makes me very biased towards going with Polks again. The same way I am biased towards PG amps. 8)

The install is going in my 96 Explorer. Realistically I will only drive this car another 3-4 years so I really don't want to get too involved with this install or sink too much money into it. When I retire my Explorer I can carry over the amps to my next car, keep them in the car for my son, or perhaps do an install in my 64 Continental. I am just getting tired of no music. :roll:

Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 9:22 am
by Bfowler
sounds like you should be set then!

64 continental....Mmmmm 8). I generally don't like older american cars...but thats deffinetly on exception to the rule

Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 9:39 am
by stephenjha
The install in it will be interesting as well. It is a convertible (red on red) so the trunk space is very limited when the top is down. Being a convertible there really is no reason to drive it unless the top is down. :D

Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 11:45 am
by twisted
i tried to run the m100 side of my outlaw amp at 2ohm mono and it didnt like it at all!!! kept blowing the internal fuse even with cooling.
after i switched it to 2ohm stereo no problems at all!!!!