Whether 1 ohm or 4 ohm is better for bass depends on your specific needs and goals. If you are looking for the absolute loudest and most powerful bass possible, then a 1 ohm subwoofer is a good choice. However, if you are looking for a good balance of power handling and efficiency, then a 4 ohm subwoofer may be a better option for you.
Here is a more detailed comparison of the two:
1 ohm subwoofers
- Pros: Can handle more power, produce louder and more powerful bass, more efficient
- Cons: Requires a specialized amplifier that is capable of delivering a high amount of current, more expensive, can put a lot of strain on your electrical system, can run hot
4 ohm subwoofers
- Pros: Easier to find an amplifier that is compatible, less expensive, do not put as much strain on your electrical system, do not run as hot
- Cons: Cannot handle as much power as a 1 ohm subwoofer, do not produce as much bass as a 1 ohm subwoofer, less efficient
Which one should you choose?
If you are looking for the loudest and most powerful bass possible, then a 1 ohm subwoofer is a good choice. However, if you are looking for a good balance of power handling and efficiency, then a 4 ohm subwoofer may be a better option for you.
Here are some additional things to consider when choosing between a 1 ohm and 4 ohm subwoofer:
- Your amplifier: Make sure that your amplifier is compatible with the impedance of the subwoofer you choose. Not all amplifiers are stable at 1 ohm, so it is important to check the specifications of your amplifier before you wire your subs.
- Your electrical system: If you have a weak electrical system, you may want to choose a subwoofer with a higher impedance, such as 4 ohms. This is because a 1 ohm subwoofer will put a lot of strain on your electrical system.
- Your budget: 1 ohm subwoofers are typically more expensive than 4 ohm subwoofers.
- Your listening habits: If you listen to music at high volumes, then a 1 ohm subwoofer may be a better choice for you. However, if you listen to music at lower volumes, then a 4 ohm subwoofer may be sufficient.
Additional information
- Impedance: Impedance is a measure of the opposition to current flow in an electrical circuit. The lower the impedance, the more current will flow through the circuit. Subwoofers typically have an impedance of 1 ohm, 2 ohms, or 4 ohms.
- Power handling: Power handling is the amount of power that a subwoofer can handle without being damaged. A 1 ohm subwoofer can handle more power than a 4 ohm subwoofer.
- Efficiency: Efficiency is a measure of how much of the power input to a subwoofer is converted into sound output. A 1 ohm subwoofer is more efficient than a 4 ohm subwoofer.
The best subwoofer for you depends on your specific needs and goals. If you are looking for the absolute loudest and most powerful bass possible, then a 1 ohm subwoofer is a good choice. However, if you are looking for a good balance of power handling and efficiency, then a 4 ohm subwoofer may be a better option for you.
