Subwoofer upgraded!

[runbuh]

I bought the p3sd2-8 and wired it like the picture on the right as well as the picture on the left. It was my understanding that the p3sd2-8 was already a 2 ohm speaker. What would be the reason for going with the 4-8 version? I'm def. not an expert on this.

My understanding, and I am not the expert, is that the 2-8 version wired like the left side picture will give you a 1 Ohm load. Wire it like the right side, and you get a 4 Ohm load.

If you get the 4-8 version, you get either a 2 Ohm or 8 ohm load based on the left/right side picture wiring.

Here's a guide from another brand showing single speaker wiring options for a sub with dual 4 Ohm voice coils (which is just iike what the p3sd4-8 is). Same 2 / 8 Ohm load results, depending on parallel/series wiring method.

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[8asic]

Wouldn't 1 ohm in theory make the speaker even louder than the 2 ohm configuration assuming the amplifier didn't overheat or shut off?

 

[runbuh]

Here's another guide, basically stating the same thing, but with specific examples for speakers with dual 2 Ohm and dual 4 Ohm coils.
https://www.the12volt.com/caraudio/subwoofer-wiring-diagrams.asp?Q=1&I=22
https://www.the12volt.com/caraudio/subwoofer-wiring-diagrams.asp?Q=1&I=42

p3sd2-8 with dual 2 ohm voice coils:

p3sd4-8 with dual 4 ohm voice coils:

 

[bn8959]

Wouldn't 1 ohm in theory make the speaker even louder than the 2 ohm configuration assuming the amplifier didn't overheat or shut off?

A lower resistance will certainly pull more power from the amp, at the cost of higher (harmonic) distortion (plus overheating/overloading the amp if it isn’t rated for that load). You’d be better off with a lower load, assuming it’s loud enough.

 

[runbuh]

Wouldn't 1 ohm in theory make the speaker even louder than the 2 ohm configuration assuming the amplifier didn't overheat or shut off?

I'm definitely no expert in that area. I just try to get them as close as possible. If all goes well, I might be testing this soon, as I might be getting a 2023 CWM GTS.

I did this in my 2021 Macan GTS with Bose (with the 4-8), and it worked great for over 3 years of abuse at my hands. I'll see if I can re-verify the impendence of the Taycan Bose setup.

 

[andb]

Mine is wired at 2 ohm, I returned the one at 4 ohm because of low bass.

 

[8asic]

If the 2-8 speaker is a 2ohm speaker didn't I already have it in the right ohm's for the amplifier if wired normally? I guess I don't understand why wiring a 4ohm speaker to 2 ohm would be better?

 

[runbuh]

If the 2-8 speaker is a 2ohm speaker didn't I already have it in the right ohm's for the amplifier if wired normally? I guess I don't understand why wiring a 4ohm speaker to 2 ohm would be better?

If you are wiring both of the 2 ohm voice coils of the P3SD2-8, which is a must, you have to wire them together in series, or in parallel. If you wire the two coils in series, you end up doubling the impedence/ohms to 4. If you wire them in parallel, you end up halving the impedence/ohms to 1. There is no way to wire up the dual voice coils of the P3SD2-8 in series, or in parallel, and have a net 2 ohm load.

That's why you need the P3SD4-8, which has dual 4 ohm voice coils. Wire those two voice coils in series, and you get an 8 ohm load. However, wire them in parallel and you get the desired 2 ohm load.

At least, that's my understanding.

 

[8asic]

If you are wiring both of the 2 ohm voice coils of the P3SD2-8, which is a must, you have to wire them together in series, or in parallel. If you wire the two coils in series, you end up doubling the impedence/ohms to 4. If you wire them in parallel, you end up halving the impedence/ohms to 1. There is no way to wire up the dual voice coils of the P3SD2-8 in series, or in parallel, and have a net 2 ohm load.

That's why you need the P3SD4-8, which has dual 4 ohm voice coils. Wire those two voice coils in series, and you get an 8 ohm load. However, wire them in parallel and you get the desired 2 ohm load.

At least, that's my understanding.

That makes sense. I was spacing the fact that it is a dual coil. Maybe I'll get bored one of these weekends and try it again with the 4-8m they aren't a lot of money.

 

[od253]

I'm curious how this integrates with the pcm though? Does all the settings and such work as expected with your new sound system?

 

[8asic]

I'm curious how this integrates with the pcm though? Does all the settings and such work as expected with your new sound system?

You're just replacing a speaker, as long as the ohm rating matches the PCM doesn't know. When I did the replacement with the 2-8 everything worked the same it just made the sound worse not better. We're hoping the 4-8 makes the difference and improves the sound over stock.

 

[theblksurfwagon]

Did this upgrade today. I didn't want to remove the left and right interior panels for fear of breaking clips.. I man handled the enclosure and flipped it 180 degree and installed the Rockford Fosgate P3SD4-8. The picture below shows the box flipped 90 degree.. but It was impossible to mount the new speaker this way, so I flipped it another 90 degrees. You have to trim the mounting surface and remove 2 tabs (red arrow) inside the enclosure. The new driver does indeed hit a little deeper, and it sounds more controlled. It does seem a bit louder.. but not as loud or hard hitting as my Jeep with dual 10's JL and a dedicated 500 watt JL amp Look at that tiny Bose magnet. I dont think a dedicated aftermarket amp would make the 8" sub much louder. so for now I'm happy.

 

[runbuh]

Thank you for posting those instructions and pictures. I can confirm that your Bose subwoofer is the same speaker that I had in my 2021 Macan. Definitely good to use the P3SD4-8 wired for 2 ohms.

 

[bn8959]

Would be interested to see what the Burmester driver and enclosure looks like. That seems to have lots more punch!
(Have Burmester in mind, but currently have a loan car with Bose - so been listening to the differences).

 

[8asic]

Alright, I did this upgrade with the 4 ohm speaker wired to 2 over the weekend. Unlike the 2 ohm speaker it doesn't sound worse. I agree with theblksurfwagon . It sounds more full, and deeper, a subtle upgrade. I'm sure it will continue to sound better as it breaks in. Worth the upgrade cost? That depends. The swap out takes around 30 min if you don't pull the box and rotate, and the cost is around $170. So cost and difficulty are low but so is the return. Best way I could describe the improvement is like getting an extra 1-3 steps on your bass adjustment. Like being able to move it to 11 instead of tapping out at 9. For me, improves it enough I don't think I need to pursue any more difficult/expensive options. But if you really want to feel the bass, you're going to need to do something else.

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