Differences Between SVC and DVC Subwoofers

Curious about Single Voice Coil (SVC) vs. Dual Voice Coil (DVC) subwoofers? Let’s break it down.

SVC and DVC refer to the number of voice coils inside the subwoofer—a crucial part of its “engine” that drives sound production. Both types are widely available, but they offer different advantages, especially when it comes to wiring flexibility and system design.

Single Voice Coil (SVC) Subwoofers

SVC subwoofers have one length of copper wire wound around a circular former (the tube on which the coil is wound). This means they have:

• One positive (+) terminal

• One negative (–) terminal

Wiring Limitations:

For example, a pair of 4-ohm SVC subwoofers can only be wired down to a minimum impedance of 2 ohms.

(Image example: Pair of 4-ohm SVC subs wired for 2 ohms)

If you want a 1-ohm load for your amplifier, you’d need to switch to subs rated at 2 ohms each.

(Image example: Pair of 2-ohm SVC subs wired for 1 ohm)

Dual Voice Coil (DVC) Subwoofers

DVC subwoofers feature two separate voice coils, each with its own winding on the former. This results in:

• Two positive (+) terminals

• Two negative (–) terminals

This design allows DVC subwoofers to be wired in different configurations (series or parallel), giving you much greater flexibility in matching your subwoofer system to your amplifier’s capabilities.

Key Benefits of DVC Subwoofers:

• Multiple wiring options to achieve different impedances

• Ideal for high-performance systems that need low-impedance loads for maximum power

• No change in performance characteristics like power handling or frequency response—the difference lies purely in wiring flexibility

Wiring Examples:

• A pair of 4-ohm DVC subwoofers can be wired to produce a 4-ohm load for the amplifier:

(Image example: Pair of 4-ohm DVC subs wired for 4 ohms)

• By reconfiguring the wiring, the same pair can also achieve a 1-ohm load:

(Image example: Pair of 4-ohm DVC subs wired for 1 ohm)

Important Note:

Whether you choose SVC or DVC subwoofers, always follow the manufacturer’s recommended enclosure specifications. Proper enclosure size and design are crucial for getting the best performance from your subs—regardless of how they’re wired.