Class D Amplifier(s) for SWARM Subwoofer System
Hi All. I've got a SWARM subwoofer system (4 8ohm passive subs powered by two Class A/B Dayton Audio sub amps, each amp powering a pair in series). I've recently purchased a JL Audio CR-1 crossover, which is a true swiss army knife for integrating satellites and subs. I am considering using the settings on the CR-1 to control the subs and using Class D amplification for the subwoofers. I'm looking for recommendations and advice on questions such as:
1) Would it be better to wire two subs in series (effective impedance 4 ohms) and drive with a single Class D channel or using four separate Class D channels and powering each sub individually?
2) The passive subs themselves do not seem to be all that efficient. So how much power should I shoot for? (Sorry, I don't have a spec)
3) Looking for suggestions on manufactured products. I can envision anything from a four-channel design, two stereo amps.... OR if I keep the subs in series - a single stereo amp or two monoblocks. I know that I can get a custom 4-channel amp from D-sonic (for instance) - but I'm not up on other reasonably priced options.
4) Am I better off building my own? It seems like hypex is as simple as buying the components and stuffing them in a case. (But I'm pretty busy these days, so......)
BTW - I don't want to go wild spending $$$ on subwoofer amps! Preferably I'd like to keep the expense b/t $1k and $3k.
Thanks in advance for helpful thoughts.
@peter_s , it's not apparent to me where the lack of gain is coming from. With the JL Audio CR-1, do you have plenty of gain? The Dayton amp just has a single channel. The two sets of output terminals on the back are both connected in parallel to that single channel. Duke |
Hi @peter_s
The Swarm with Dayton amps "not being able to keep up with" your 87 dB speakers puzzles me. I've use the Swarm with an Edgarhorn system, claimed efficiency 107 dB. The Dayton amps easily had enough gain.
How are you getting the signal to the Dayton amps? The symptoms sound to me like the signal going into the Dayton amps is too weak for some reason.
As far as how much power the amp(s) should have available for the individual subs, from 250 watts to 500 watts is the range I suggest. The Dayton amp puts out 500 watts into 8-ohm load presented by two 4-ohm subs wired in series. So that would be 250 watts per sub.
I have nothing against your using the JL Audio CR-1! As an interim step before you buy new amps, you could bypass the crossover circuitry on the Dayton amps by using the "LFE" inputs.
Duke
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