Here is what I have-

Sony 2-channel amp (55w/channel into 4 ohms), and an 8" DVC sub. The amp manual says max output is 120wX2 @ 4ohms, or 320wX1 at 4 ohms. I do not know the ohm rating of the sub, but I'm sure it is either 4 or 8.

What is the best way to hook this up? I know the amp is underpowered, but I need to use it for now. Is it better to:

Hook each voice coil up to its own channel- so I'd be using the amp in 2-channel mode,

OR

Hook one voice coil up to one channel- so I'd be using the amp in monaural mode?

Or is there a better way? I seem to remember someone telling me I can hook the two voice coils up in series, which would lower the ohms. I'm not sure how to do this.

Thanks.

 

First, i need to know what the impedance of each of the coils is on the woofer. that will determin in what fashion you need to connect the woofer to the amp.
never connect the two coils up to the amp in stereo. never connect just one coil. what brand/model number is the sub?

 

Well, details on the sub are tough. I found the driver on a clearance sale- I built the box and didn't keep any of the details. There are no markings anywhere on it.

I am almost positive each VC is 8 ohms.

 

There is an easy way to find out. use a volt/ohm meter on one coil. if it's close to, but not greater than 4ohm, then it's 4 ohm, same for 8 ohm. if it is a dual 8ohm, run them in paralel. posative to posative to posative on amp, same for negative. assuming you are using the amp in mono (which you should always do. bass in mainly a mono frequency and sounds better in mono). if the sub is dual 4 ohm, then you are a little screwd. your final impedence will iether be 8 ohm of 2 ohm. at 8 ohm, the amp will be a turd. at 2 ohm, the amp will overheat.