amp 2 ch or 1 ch what's the difference with subs
 

I'm looking at having 2 12" subs that are 200W RMS each and 400W peak each. They are 4 ohm subs.
What is the difference if the deck your using is set up with a sub pre out and if you use an amp that allows for 2 channel compared to bridging to one channel?
Example
RMS Power Output:
4 ohms: 200 watts x 2 channels
2 ohms: 300 watts x 2 channels
Bridged, 4 ohms: 600 watts x 1 channels

is there really a difference if you set up using the 4 ohms 200W x 2 ch or the bridged 4 ohms 600w x 1 ch.
I realize then the bridged would be 200W over the total RMS wattage of the subs i may be getting. But then with the 4 ohms 200w x 2 ch does that mean then it's 400W but different channels. Are you still able to run the subs off of separate channels and still have it sound good?

Edit:
This may be a dumb question... or confusing but I'm kind of confused myself.

and for the system that I may be getting (which is mentioned at the beginning on the first post) which amp would be better to get?

ROCKFORD FOSGATE T400-2 2 CHANNEL
ROCKFORD FOSGATE PUNCH P400-2 400W 2 CHANNEL AMP

When running subs in stereo, you can end up with cancellation issues due to phasing. If u have 2x single 4ohm VC subs you will end up wired at 2 ohms on a single channel. Most 2 channel amps are only 4 ohm stable of bridged.

2ohm load on 4ohm amp usually equals letting the smoke genie out of your amp, or at least a protection light. Find a cheap, 2 ohm stable mono block to run your subs. 4-500rms. Mono blocks are cheaper per watt as well.

You could also sum the RCA inputs by converging them with a Y splitter and then splitting them again into the amp. Not really the "right" way to do it, but you'll get a mono input into the amp and u can run it in stereo with no cancellation.

Having a sub pre-out on the headunit usually let's you adjust the sub output in the hu settings

also depending on the hu
u may get extra features to be able to tune the subwoofer ...again right from the hu setting

Difference in using a 2 channel oppose to a mono amp is that assuming the mono is d-class it will run much more efficiently than the 2 channel(less strain on vehicle electrical and no wasted power)

Alot ofthe time you can't wire down to 2 ohms or less on a bridged connection to the 2 channel amplifier.( wiring both subs to bridged connection will give amplifier 2 ohms and it won't be too happy with it for long)


Yes you can wire a sub to each channel onthe amplifier and no it won't effect any sound quality but if you haven't bought the amp yet I would look into a mono.

As for which is the better amp.......don't know.

I suggest a mono.

if you suggest a mono amp... then what decent but inexpensive amp would you suggest that would do about 400W RMS and 800W peak? That's not going to be too costly.?

I was just looking but what's everyone's ideas on a Infiniti Reference 1600A? it's a 400W RMS @ 4Ohms and it peaks at 894W would that still be ok? And is it a good amp?

If your subs are single 4 ohm VC each they will end up wired, most commonly, at 2 ohms to the amp. Alpines M500 amp is 500 RMS@ 2 ohms. They can be found almost anywhere (future shop, many smaller retail stores, etc.) for a good deal. It's always better to have an amp that's slightly too much power for the subs vs. underpowering. You can always tune the amp to the subs. More power means more room to adjust without distortion.

If your alright with used... You can also look for a Rockford amp that'll do the recommended rms at 2'ohms(kijiji can be you friend)

Also this site should have a ton of amps
In the classified section...that's where i got my latest amp and I'm extremely happy.

Also pay no attention to peak wattage...means nothing...rms is what matters.

Buying an alpine from a local shop means warranty if anything goes
Wrong with it.....that always good.

I believe the subs are duel 4ohm vc which would mean they git wired as 4ohm to the amp yes?

Nvm... they are 4ohm svc subs.