Quick guide to matching subs & amps
How to put together the best amp and sub combo

When you're ready to add a subwoofer and bass system to your vehicle, there are a lot of options to choose from. Once you get past the basic question of the size and number of subs you want in your system, you need to decide on the type of sub(s) and the type of amplifier(s) you'll use.
When choosing subwoofers, you can choose between single voice coil (one set of terminals) and dual voice coil (DVC) models (two sets of terminals). Dual voice coil subs give you more wiring options than single voice coil models. Usually, but certainly not always, dual voice coil models are built for higher power handling and performance.
When choosing an amplifier, the most important thing is to pick one with the right amount of power for your subs. Once you've decided how much power you need, you'll need to decide which type of amp to use. For most bass systems, you'll want to choose either a mono (single-channel) amp or a 2-channel amp.
To get you on the fast track to big bass, let's look at four common combinations of subwoofers. We'll check out the advantages of each, the best wiring configuration, then discuss the type of amp to choose. We'll even show you how to hook 'em up!
If you already have either an amplifier or the subwoofers and need help choosing the other piece, be sure to check out our more in-depth article about matching subs and amps.
One single 4-ohm voice coil sub
Advantages
Simplicity, price, and compactness are the big advantages of a single sub system. A single sub is pretty easy to hook up, there are a lot of reasonably priced models to choose from, and it won't take up too much room (although a 15" sub isn't exactly small!) You may not knock over small buildings with one sub, but you can still get a lot of solid bass.
The right type of amp to use
This is a perfect place for a 2-channel amp. By bridging the output of the amp, you'll get lots of power for a relatively low cost. Avoid using a mono amp here — they work best at a lower impedance than 4 ohms.

A single 4-ohm SVC sub, connected to a bridged 2-channel amp.
One 4-ohm dual voice coil sub
Advantages
Don't be confused about dual voice coil (DVC) subs — having two voice coils simply gives you more ways to hook them up. In addition to wiring flexibility, the advantages of using one dual voice coil sub are power handling (most dual voice coil subs are built for heavy-duty use) and compactness.
The right type of amp to use
This is a perfect situation for a mono sub amp. Why? Mono amps are built to provide the most power at lower impedances, typically around 2 ohms. By wiring the voice coils in parallel, we can present a 2-ohm impedance to the amp and get maximum power output. Check the diagram below for how to hook it up.

A single 4-ohm DVC sub — best when connected to a mono amp.
Two 4-ohm single voice coil subs
Advantages
When you're looking for big bass, having two subs makes a lot of sense. After all, sound is just the movement of air, and with two subs you can move lots of air! As before, price can be an advantage when selecting 4-ohm single voice coil subs. Sure, two subs will take up more room, but what do you want — trunk space or bass?
The right type of amp to use
This setup is perfect for a mono sub amp. By wiring the two subs in parallel (see the diagram) you'll show a 2-ohm impedance to the amp. Mono amps are built for just this kind of situation, so you'll get maximum power output from your amp investment. Check the diagram below for how to hook it up.

Two 4-ohm SVC subs — a great place to use a mono amp.
Two 4-ohm dual voice coil subs
Advantages
Wiring flexibility is the key here. You've got lots of different ways to hook up this combination. With two subs, this is a great way to get the pounding bass you're looking for. Hook 'em up and hold on tight!
The right type of amp to use
This is a great place to use a 2-channel amp. When you wire the subs as shown in the diagram below, the total impedance will be four ohms. A bridged 2-channel amp can provide plenty of power at a reasonable price. Get some good subs and a good amp and let it rip!

Wire two 4-ohm DVC subs this way, add a 2-channel amp, and your car will be the "Temple of Boom!"
Want to see more options for subwoofer wiring?
These examples are just the starting point. If you want to explore other ways to wire and configure your subs and amp, check out our subwoofer wiring diagrams. Just select the number and type of subs you have, and we'll show you how to wire them to your amplifier. For more information about how to choose the right subs, read our subwoofer buying guide. And as we mentioned above, if you already have one or the other, check out our more in-depth article about matching subs and amps.
If you have any questions and want straight answers, contact our advisors. Just click on "Contact Us" at the top of any page on our site.
Brandon
Posted on 1/23/2023
I have a Alpine S-A60M and i wanted to use a Kicker 48TRTP82 subwoofer. is the amp too powerful for the subwoofer or will it be okay?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 1/23/2023
Logan Pollock from Waxahachie
Posted on 1/11/2023
I plan on getting 2 VD-10 subs and should i get a RP-1200 1D or should i invest into something with more power like 2 SDR-10 instead of the VD-10 and get an amp that'll match that one
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 1/12/2023
John from Costa Mesa
Posted on 12/11/2022
I have (2) 6.5 pioneer/ (2) 6x9 pioneer speakers with (1) 12" kicker run by a (5 channel amp) 1320 watt kicker amp. Is the epic center (concert series) needed? Also, have XP750-CK running them all.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 12/12/2022
Larry Hubbard from London ky
Posted on 11/28/2022
Hands down the best artical I've came across yet. didn't have to buy any thing its self explanatorythank guys and gals great job!
K from Tyler
Posted on 11/21/2022
I have a Kicker CompVR CVR122 (43CVR122) 800W Peak (400W RMS) 12" CompVR Series Dual 2-Ohm Car What kicker amp should I hook it up to
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 11/22/2022
Hamza from Pakistan
Posted on 9/22/2022
I have two 4ohm speakers and 2 ohm stable 2 channel amplifier How to connected for getting good result?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 9/22/2022
DERRICK MATTHEWS from SCRANTON
Posted on 7/29/2022
Could you tell the best amp for a shallow .mount 12 in pioneer 4 ohm single voice coil.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 7/30/2022
Tyler Garner from Hobbs,Nm
Posted on 7/8/2022
Is it safe to use one voice coil on a dvc setup ? 4ohm bridged to a 4ohm dvc sub?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 7/8/2022
Matthew Dolleman from Grand Rapids
Posted on 6/29/2022
I have a lanzar vct2610 amp I want to get 2 soundstream t5 12in but should I get them in 2 ohm or 4 ohm?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 7/1/2022
Cliff
Posted on 5/1/2022
To run 2 kicker L7T 12" 4ohm parallel on a cx1200.1 it would run at 1ohm right? And the amp will push 1200w at 1ohm or 2ohm?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 5/1/2022