Single Voice Coil vs. Dual Voice Coil Subwoofers (DVC vs. SVC)
Subwoofers are a great way to enhance your music experience. Especially for car audiophiles, they really want to amaze people with deep bass sounds around their vehicles. However, the subwoofer requires voice coils to work. We can say it’s the central part of any subwoofer, and it is just a piece of the magnet without the voice coil. There are two types of subwoofers in the market: SVC and DVC. I am into the car audio industry for a long time, and as an expert, I will share my thoughts on single voice coil vs. dual voice coil subwoofers. Let’s get into it.
Difference Between Single Voice Coil and Dual Voice Coil:
A critical distinction between different types of subwoofers is whether they have a single voice coil (SVC) or dual voice coil (DVC). SVC and DVC woofers offer unique advantages, so it’s essential to understand the difference between them when selecting a subwoofer for your audio setup.
Single voice coil subwoofer features just one set of terminals that accept incoming power from an amplifier, making it easier to install since there is only one connection point for both positive and negative wires. Additionally, you can easily afford SVC subs more than dual-voice-coil counterparts. On the other hand, the dual voice coil sub has two sets of terminals – one positive “+” and one negative “-“ – which provides greater flexibility when wiring up multiple amplifiers or creating complex speaker configurations. Furthermore, DVC speakers can often handle higher wattages than SVC models due to their increased connection points, which helps spread heat buildup over time.
Benefits of Single Voice Coil (SVC):
Let’s discuss the benefits of having a single voice coil car subwoofer below:
Simplicity: I must say that a single voice coil sub is very efficient in terms of ease. That’s because SVC subwoofers have only one set of terminals and one voice coil, making them easier to install and wire. As a beginner, this also limits the wiring you need, resulting in a more straightforward setup process. With fewer components and lesser complexity overall, SVC subwoofers are more reliable than DVC models regarding ease of use.
Affordability: SVC (Single Voice Coil) subwoofers offer an economical option for people looking to add bass to their sound system. It’s good news that single-voice coil subs have a lower price point than dual-voice coil subs, making them more affordable. For those on a tighter budget yet still wanting quality deep bass reproduction, SVC is the way to go.
Availability: These subwoofers are more widely available than DVC subs. Moreover, you can find a broader range of sizes and types of SVC subwoofers to fit your needs, making it easier to shop for the exact item you need without settling for a less ideal option.
Compatibility: You can quickly find an amplifier compatible with the SVC subwoofer. Compatible amplifiers help to maximize the power output while drawing less current. Additionally, SVC subwoofers tend to produce deeper low frequencies since they require less power due to their efficiency, making them ideal for bass-heavy music genres such as EDM and hip-hop.
Simple setup: In the end, I would just say that an SVC subwoofer is an excellent option for those who want a simple audio system and don’t require advanced flexibility in wiring or impedance ⁽¹⁾ matching. Also, the driver often uses a single coil with no complex components that may be difficult to hook up.
Benefits of Dual Voice Coil (DVC):
Higher power handling: DVC (Dual Voice Coil) subwoofers have higher power handling capacities than SVC (Single Voice Coil) subwoofers because you will find two voice coils instead of one. These two voice coils help the sub handle more power and produce greater output, resulting in louder volume, excellent dynamic range, and improved sound quality. Moreover, the additional coil also increases the driver’s temperature tolerance, allowing it to withstand high wattage without burnout or damage.
Increased wiring option: As mentioned above, DVC subs come with two sets of terminals that allow for various wiring options. With multiple wiring configurations, you can create different levels of resistance in each speaker or combine them in different ways to achieve ideal bass performance. You can also use various impedance ratings in combination with other components like amplifiers and receivers to amplify sound further and add more depth and power to your music.
More efficient use of amplifier: DVC (dual voice coil) woofers can use the amplifiers’ power more efficiently by handling more wattage than the one voice coil sub. You get more volume and bass from your car’s audio system and can maintain high efficiency. The higher power handling also improves overall performance since more amplifier power can be used for sound reproduction, resulting in more affluent and fuller sound quality.
Which One to Use?
When it comes to choosing between single voice coil (SVC) and dual voice coil (DVC) subs, it depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, I will help you make the right decision.
As mentioned above, SVC subwoofers are typically more budget-friendly than DVC subwoofers, making them an attractive option for those who want a good bass performance without spending too much. You can also quickly install the single voice coil subs than the dual voice coil counterparts, needing only one amplifier connection rather than two or more; this makes them ideal for you if you’re a beginner.
It doesn’t mean you will not get the deep bass if a subwoofer has only one voice coil. SVCs can offer decent bass response since they compensate for their power deficiencies with greater efficiency at specific frequencies. On the other hand, DVC subwoofers give you more flexibility when wiring and designing your system and provide better handling capabilities while delivering smoother sound with less distortion thanks to multiple coils, which divide the wattage output evenly among them.
As mentioned above, they’re able to handle higher amplifier powers which gives you much greater control over how loud you can play your music because of faster peaks and lower thermal degradation due to increased surface area on the heat sink created by the dual coils. However, remember that DVC subwoofers are more complex to install and require careful amplifier matching to achieve the best performance.
No matter which one you choose, it’s essential that you consider your budget, the size of your audio system, and sound preferences before making a decision. If you want a good bass performance and want to spend only a little, an SVC subwoofer is a great choice. If you have a more advanced audio system and want greater control over your subwoofer’s performance, go for a dual voice coil subwoofer.
General FAQs
Is Single or Dual Voice Coil Better?
It depends on the type of audio system you’re looking to build. As discussed above, single voice coils (SVC) are more straightforward and cost-effective, allowing for more excellent power-handling capabilities than dual voice coils (DVC). However, DVC gives you more flexibility in wiring configurations and sound systems as it can operate at different impedances or multiple amps. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference — if you want a basic setup without having to worry about complex wiring, an SVC should do the job; if you want more customization options or need extra power capabilities, consider going with a DVC.
What Happens if You Only Use One Voice Coil?
Using only one voice coil can negatively affect your audio’s sound quality and damage your speakers by affecting a subwoofer’s thermal power handling capabilities. When using one voice coil, you receive a single-channel signal with no stereo separation, producing an unbalanced sound which is not ideal for listening to music. The overpowering effect of the single speaker can also distort due to clipping and excessive power use, leading to possible audio system damage.
What Is the Benefit of a Dual Voice Coil Subwoofer?
A dual voice coil subwoofer is a type of speaker that offers multiple wiring options. It has two voice coils, each with its own set of terminals, allowing users to connect one subwoofer to two amplifiers or four different speakers to achieve the desired sound quality. Dual voice coil design also offers more flexibility regarding stereo and multichannel systems, as you can wire it for 2-ohm or 4-ohm operation (ohm load), depending on user preference. Ultimately, dual voice coil subwoofers provide superior performance, flexibility, and customization options for users looking to maximize their audio experience.