Elf amp install no input plug

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Jul 1, 2011 | 06:55 PM

#21

iclick

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2005

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Likes: 50

From: Baton Rouge, LA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Twi$t

If I'm understanding you correctly, your running a 1.5 ohm final load. If so, that's not wise, this amp is only stable down to a 2 ohm load. Not saying it can't handle it, a lot of time companies are very conservative with their specs. But, IMO...just not wise.

There is nothing in the Elf specs (that I can find) that suggest the amp can't carry a 1.5Ω load, but only show wattage specs at 2Ω and 4Ω. We must keep in mind that any impedance specs are nominal and change with frequency, output level, etc. The Hogtunes speakers and Tweeter Pods run the same impedance with their amps and are designed to work with the stock head unit, which runs at 2Ω (nominal) in stock form. At first I was hesitant to go below 2Ω but was encouraged by others, including a local car-stereo shop, who know more than I do and say it is be safe. Also, Biketronics sells the same HT Tweeter Pods (6Ω) along with several 2Ω main speaker combos with various amps and that's the same arrangement I have. I don't plan on using this system to power music for block parties or anything, so they're never going to be driven very hard.

That said, I'm considering replacing the Hogtunes speakers with Hertz, which are 3Ω and with the 6Ω TP's will bump the final load to 2Ω when run in parallel.

Last edited by iclick; Jul 1, 2011 at 07:02 PM.

Jul 1, 2011 | 08:49 PM

#22

Big Twi$t

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2007

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From: California

Basic rule of thumb (with any amp) is if an ohm rating isn't listed, it's not stable below the lowest specified rating. In this case, lowest recommended rating spec is 2 ohm, meaning the manufacturer does not recommend any final load lower. With that said, and like I mentioned in my above post...some manufacturers are conservative with their ratings/specs to CYA. But, I wouldn't bank on this amp in particular.

I know that the ARC mini is only stable to 2 ohms and I think we can all agree that the ARC and ELF are the same amp (innards at least) so it's safe to say the same with the ELF.

I'm not sure what you are trying to explain here...

Quote:

Originally Posted by iclick

The Hogtunes speakers and Tweeter Pods run the same impedance with their amps and are designed to work with the stock head unit, which runs at 2Ω (nominal) in stock form.

Any amp will work with any HU if installed right....the final impedance should be based off the stable load capability of the amp and the final impedance ohm determined by wiring set-up of the speakers (hence coming up with a final impedance) which should NOT be less than what the amp is rated. It has NOTHING to do with what the HU is rated at.

Yes, impedance will change with frequency, but not that drastically.

Basically, what you are doing is not good for the amp, it will shorten the life of it because it will be overworked and it will create excessive heat, which creates distortion, on and on, etc, etc...it's just not good.

If it works...good for you! All I'm saying is the amp is not rated for a 1.5 load nor is it good for it either.

Jul 1, 2011 | 11:20 PM

#23

iclick

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 11,615

Likes: 50

From: Baton Rouge, LA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Twi$t

I'm not sure what you are trying to explain here...

Quote:

Originally Posted by iclick

The Hogtunes speakers and Tweeter Pods run the same impedance with their amps and are designed to work with the stock head unit, which runs at 2Ω (nominal) in stock form.

The HT speakers and Tweeter Pods together (my current setup) run 1.5Ω together in parallel, and that combo is designed to work with the HT amp or the stock HU alone. Biketronics also sells that HT combo (1.5Ω) with other amps that are rated down to 2Ω and they don't provide warnings of potential problems.

Quote:

I wasn't clear in my original explanation. See above, which hopefully explains my drift.

All this said, I agree with you and would be more comfortable with a 2Ω final load, which is why I'm considering the Hertz 6½" that have a 3Ω rating that would put me at 2Ω together with the TP's in parallel.