Can I use just one channel of my amp?

[xyrium]

Hey guys,

I might be using a 4ohm sub shortly. However, my amp doesn't run bridged very happily into 4ohm loads. Does anyone see anything wrong with running the sub off of just one of the stereo channels while leaving the other channel unloaded?

Thanks!

[ThomasW]

Sort of depends in the amp, most are fine not having a load on both channels, others are not so happy...

The best answer would come from the amp mfgrs customer service rep.

[theblue]

maybe it's a sign you need a second sub?

[xyrium]

Thanks Thomas, I did send them an email yesterday. Crossing my fingers that they say it's no problem.

theblue: Please, this hobby continues to bankrupt me! However, I did consider stacking a pair in one box.

[JustinGN]

Wait, you mean your sub isn't powered? o.O

[xyrium]

LOL, that's correct, if you're asking if I bought a prefab subwoofer system. I'm using a dbx Driverack 260 to filter and PEQ, out to a either an Adcom GFA555es, or Crown CDi1000 to power the sub. This is for accurate music reproduction, not SPL.

[whoaru99]

The CDi 1000 specs seems to indicate 4-ohm bridged compatibility.

OTOH, I ran a Yamaha M-80 amp for years using only one of its channels for a center speaker and it's fine.

[xyrium]

Thanks for your reply. I suppose I'm trying to squeeze out every last possible potential out of the amp. If I run that unit bridged into 4 ohms, THD rises to 1.0% I believe. Maybe I'm nitpicking though...

[whoaru99]

Thanks for your reply. I suppose I'm trying to squeeze out every last possible potential out of the amp. If I run that unit bridged into 4 ohms, THD rises to 1.0% I believe. Maybe I'm nitpicking though...

Yes, I think so...considering 1% is at full rated power and that 1% is well below what I understand to be the audible level of distortion at subwoofer frequencies, and well below that which the typical subwoofer itself contributes.