OK, I have my sub choices narrowed down to 2. I am trying to decide between the alpine type s 10" and the Infinity perfect 10". The alpine is a dual (4ohm) voice coil. The infinity is a single (4 ohm) voice coil. I want to know if I need a multi channel amp to run the dual voice coil alpine or can I run it off of a single channel amp? Also the alpine and infinity are rated at 350 w rms and 375 w rms respectively. The amp I'm going to use is rated at 400 w rms. I have been told that one should try to match the power handling to the power output as closely as possible, but that if its not possible then the rule is flexible. Do you think it would damage (hurt, blow, whatever) either sub to exceed the power handling by such a margin? I really want to go with the alpine (a little cheaper and IMO looks better) but I might go with the infinity if I have to because of the single voice coil and higher power handling.

 

The Alpine Type-S with dual 4ohm VC's ran in parallel for a 2ohm load would be ideal for a mono Class-D subwoofer amplifier. Thats how I ran mine before I upgraded to dual Type-S subwoofers. I have the Type-S with dual 4ohm VC's priced to sell. PM me if you're interested.

The Infinity with a single 4ohm VC would work best with a bridged 2 channel amp.

As for matching subwoofer power rating to amplfier power rating you were told wrong. When I was using the single Type-S my subwoofer amp was delivering 600W into it's 2ohms. Power ratings are guidelines. They are not set rules. A 300W sub won't blow if it gets 301W.