One of the most asked questions in the realm of car audio is how to calculate the impedance and power requirement of a single or multiple subwoofer setup to match the amplifier and configure how to wire them all together. 

When pairing amps with subs, it is best to match the combined total Subwoofer RMS wattage to the Amplifier RMS. Pairing your amps and subs with mismatched RMS power ratings could damage the amplifier or subwoofer. 

For ease and convenience in finding the right amplifier for your subwoofers, check out AmpliFinder: An Amplifier Finder Tool designed and tested by Sonic Electronix. Just select your subwoofer’s manufacturer, model number, and how many subs you’ve got, and wait to discover the best amp that matches your setup. 

The AmpliFinder: Designed and tested by Sonic Electronix


Wiring amplifiers and subwoofers

Subwoofers come in SVC (Single Voice Coil) which means it has two wiring terminal posts: one positive and one negative. 

There are two ways of connecting these two terminal posts to the amplifier through Series and Parallel wiring to properly manage the overall impedance load. 

Wiring in Series will double the impedance load and reduces RMS power.

  • Example: If we wire two 4-ohm voice coils together in series the total impedance will now be 8 ohms

Wiring in Parallel cuts the impedance load in half and increases RMS power.

  • Example: Two 4-ohm subs wired in parallel = 4 ohms/ 2 coils = 2-ohm impedance

Subwoofers also come in DVC (Dual Voice Coil), adding another pair to the positive and negative terminals to give more options in wiring the sub. 

Subwoofer Wiring Diagrams 

To help you in setting up the connection routes for your two audio devices, here are wiring diagrams to show you the proper, exact way of connecting your subs to your amplifier. Download these files and save them to your gallery for your reference: 

One Subwoofer 

Two Subwoofer 

Three Subwoofer 

Four Subwoofer