Dual vs single sub


Sorry Im sure this is all over the forums but I only found old articles. Situation. I have Two SVS 3000s that arent really doing it for me. Thinking of trading it in on the Big one and adding another in a year or so. Any thoughts on Big single vs 2 Medium?
128x128bryantdrew
One question concerning 4 subs-
How are they connected to the amp?
Stacked spades/bananas?
Seems like a lot of hardware to me.
B

"One question concerning 4 subs - How are they connected to the amp?"

The amp I supply with the Swarm is the Dayton Audio SA-1000, part number 300-811 at Parts Express.

It has a single channel of amplification but two sets of output binding posts wired in parallel.

The subs are connected in series-parallel, such that the four 4-ohm subs present the amp with a 4 ohm load.

Two subs are connected in series (via binding posts on the bottom), forming a two-sub "series string". Then the other two are also connectged in series, forming a second two-sub "series string". Then the two "series strings" are each connected to one of the sets of binding posts on the back of the amp, which puts them in parallel with one another.

Going into a bit more detail, the first sub in each "series string" has two sets of binding posts. One set is connected to the amp, and the other set is connected to the second sub in the "string", which only has one set of binding posts.

So you’d need four sets of speaker wire: Two sets go between the amp and each "first" sub of a "series string", and the other two sets of speaker wire go between the "first" and "second" subs of each "series string".

Some people use two amplifiers, typically one for each series-wired string, for a bit more flexibility.

"Stacked spades/bananas?  Seems like a lot of hardware to me."

No stacked spades or stacked bananas.

I guess it’s a lot of speaker wire. Unless the runs are really long, sixteen gauge wire works just fine. You end up with the equivalent of thirteen gauge wire because of the series-parallel topology.

Duke

millercarbon,

     Yes, you'll be amazed just how well it works.  Have you given any thought about positioning your 4 subs in your room?  If not, I can detail the process I used that worked out very well. 

Let me know,
    Tim  
gdnrbob,

     I have my 4 subs connected to a single amp just as Duke described.  It's all fairly basic but I would suggest having a plan for running the wiring.
     In my case, my living room is directly above a crawl space and I drilled 1/2" holes through my living room carpet and sub floor for access. I have a hole in back of my rack that holds the Dayton sub amp and a hole underneath each of the 4 subs.  Remember, the spkr terminals are on the bottom of each sub and there's the option of using spiked or flat footers.  I ran thickly coated 16 gauge wire suitable for outdoor use which wouldn't be needed indoors.
      There are a lot of methods you or a ht installer could use to run the 4 sets of wiring inconspicuously.  I'd definitely recommend hiding the wiring, however, since the finished look is so clean and even stylish.  All that's visible just looks like a wooden pedestal. 
      In my 23x16 ft room, each of the 2 subs positioned along my front 16 ft. wall are actually hidden from view by each of my 6x2 ft. panel speakers.  The 2 other subs, one along each of the 23 ft. side walls are visible but look good to my wife and I.   
     Oh yeah, and the whole system sounds awesome.

Tim