Can I connect two amp channels to the same sub?

[Johns98TA]

OK, I've got my flame suit on, so I can take it.

Here is my question:

The factory amplifier in my car dedicates four seperate channels to the two DVC 4-ohm 6.5" subs in the back seat area.

I want to replace the factory "subs" with aftermarket SVC 4-ohm subs. Most guys tell me to leave two of the amplifier channels unhooked and run the SVC subs off the other two channels. Some guys tell me that they hook two channels to each sub, leaving nothing unhooked. Specifically, they connect two positive leads to a speaker positive, and two negative leads to the speaker negative. Essentially this is wiring two amplifier channels in parallel with each other, if I understand correctly.

That sounds to me like it would damage the amplifier in short order, but there are guys swearing that's how they hooked it up and it "sounds great". I'm not one to fry my amps and ask questions later, nor do I believe everything I read on the internet.

What do you guys think?

PS: The amp is a "Monsoon" 500 watt (peak) 8 channel amplifier that comes standard in 98+ Firebird Trans Am's

[Bfowler]

both are "right" answers depending on if your amp can take it.

the first way you described is the "safe" way to do it. you potentially wont be getting full power from the amp, but you wont break it either.



the second way will is the best way to do it assuming the subs are the same final load as the OEM subs.

do the stock subs tell you what their impedance was?

(a stamp on the magnet maybe that says 4(omega symbol) or even a model/part number?

[Johns98TA]

Yes the stock subs are dual voice coil, 4 ohms each. So each amplifier channel is running at a 4 ohm load in stock form.