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Bridged Mono

Hi everyone, have a super basic question...

If you take a stereo amp which supports bridged mono, the watts usually double, i.e. 100 watts @ 8 ohms -> 200 watts @ 8 ohms. I have noticed even if the amp is rated at 150 watts @ 4 ohms, the specs do not show 300 watts @ 4 ohms bridged. Is 4 ohms not rated/recommend in bridged mode?

Thanks!

UPDATE: Sorry should have searched more thoroughly this was answered here: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/will-the-4-ohm-double-if-i-bridge-my-mcintosh
eziggy
5 responses Add your response
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
You might also want to search out a recent thread on the Benchmark amp.  Many posts relevant to your question.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,428 posts
 
eziggy, Power is proportional to output voltage squared. Since output voltage doubles in bridged configuration power will quadruple (400watt@8ohm).  Current also becomes doubled and amp might not be able to deliver it.  That's why 4 ohm bridged is likely not supported.
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
Many amps don’t allow bridged mono in 4 or 2 ohms.
check your Manual, or contact the Mfgr. 

Bee there, and I found higher quality pro amps with support low ohm bridging. 
QSC ETC. 
eziggy OP
137 posts
 
Thanks guys appreciate the insight!
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
If all your after far bigger watts at the expense of lowering quality, then bridging is the way to go, but all else will take a hit.

Stability
Damping factor
Distortion
Output impedance
Ability to drive low impedances
Maybe can also throw higher noise in there too
There's probably others as well.

Cheers George
 
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