Amp + Sub help,

[Matts01VX]

having a bit of trouble getting my head around the amp and sub combo i have. Have a 2ohm DVC Option audio sub and a kenwood amp that puts out 500 watts rms at 2 ohms, Unfortunatey as far as i know i can only run this in either a 4ohm setup or a 1ohm? Which really lets down any performance of the sub, any information would be great, regards matt

[Philthy]

So the kenwood amp won't run at 1ohm?
If not, you will have to run your sub at 4ohm and probably end up underpowering it.
Ideally you want an amp that is 1ohm stable. The OAX-801 has plenty of power at 1ohm for most subs.

What power can the sub handle?

[Matts01VX]

Yeah underpowered by 200 watts, runs at 500rms thanks for the help. will have to look into new sub or wait and upgrade both later on.

[Matts01VX]

would have the same problem with that amp even. unless upgrades sub as i would either run it at 300wrms ( the same as now ) or 1ohm which puts out quite a bit more than the sub is rated at

[acarmody]

The amp doesn't HAVE to put out its rated power, you just turn the gain down and it will lower its output. Extra power is basically 'headroom', it ensures that the amp isn't constantly working at its maximum.