I have a Rockford Fosgate amp 400.4 running my mids and a Rockford Fosgate 160.2 running my subs. I have 2 - Rockford Fosgate Punch 12's (8 ohm) and would like to buy new subs. I don't want to tear my system apart, nor do I want to replace my amps. I am happy with the amount of sound I have. I would like to go 4 ohm instead of 8.

First question, can I simply remove my 8 ohm subs and replace with 4 ohm subs?

Second question, JL Audio WO-4 best bang for $100. per sub (which is what I want to spend) or should I but Rockford Fogate again?



Thanks everyone for your help.

 

your subs are 8 ohm but the final load is 4 ohms. so are you saying you want to go to 2 ohms? also do you have the specs for your amp and what is the internal volume of your enclosure?

 

My subs have a sticker that says 8 ohm, and I wanted to upgrade to 4 ohm speakers. Does that make sense? I will have to get back to you on the internal volume of my enclosure. I will measure it tonight. I will also check on the specs of the amp.

 

well if you want to get a lower impedence to your amp to make more power (if it can go to 2 ohms) then yes it makes sense. but if you are upgrading from 8 to 4 because you think the speaker will sound better just because it says 4 makes no sense.

 

Your 8ohm subs are probably wired in parallel for a final impedence of 4ohms. Your amp is probably bridged into this 4ohm load which is the equivalent of running it in stereo at 2ohms. Switching to a pair of 4ohm speakers will give you either 4ohms stereo or 2 or 8ohms bridges. Two of those, your amp is putting out LESS power than before. Bridged to 2ohms will probably send your amp into protection mode unless it's a high current model (based on the specs it's not).

-Robert

Specs for the RF 160.2:
Stereo, bridged mono or Tri-Way output
80 watts x 2 at 2 ohms
160 watts x 1 in bridged mode
MOSFET power supply and output devices
80 Hz low-pass/high-pass crossover, 12 dB/octave
TOPAZ noise-killing differential inputs eliminate 80% of ground loop noise between the head unit and the amp
NOMAD advanced protection circuitry monitors temperature, voltage, current and impedence, and provides "intelligent" shut-down protection without limiting system performance
TRANS-ana circuit designs keep voltages low and signal paths simple in the pre-amp section, for minimum distortion and maximum musicality
Punch Bass (0-18 dB boost) at 45 Hz
Speaker-level inputs
Dimensions: 10-7/16"W (6-11/16" without endcaps) x 2-7/16"H x 9-7/8"D

 

If you go 4 ohms you will have to run the amp in stereo. If you bridge it and wire the speakers in parallel your amp will see a 1 ohm load. Your amp will probably keep cutting off but it will play until it heats up.

You could put the 4 ohm speakers in series but you will cut your amps power in half. Stay with the 8's. If you feel you need 4's you have to upgrade your amp to a 4ch bridged to 2 channels or a good mono amp.

My advice...keep your 8 ohm subs and buy yourself a better 2 ch amp. Get a Rockford 5002. That will give you plenty of power.

You could always buy another 8 ohm and run 3 subs instead of 2. Your amp can easily handle it. I put 6 4ohm 12's in my friends Navigator powered by a Rockford 2 X 50 watt amp. It's unreal ! Not too many cars louder than that. It's all about moving air.

Back in the day I've run 30+ speakers w/custom passive x-overs off a 2 X 25 watt Orion 225 HCCA.