how do i do this? i have my gain set by ear and at volume 30 out of 40 is generally where i listen at the absolute loudest.

how do i tell exactly how many watts the amp is making at that volume level?

i was sure i was making close to 800rms with my amp but i have a feeling that it's bs. i want to test it and see just how much power.

 

so you support the sight eh....i guess youre allowed to ask questions that you should know allready

 

The easiest way is to use an ammeter and a digital multi - both true rms. I've been told this leaves out a few factors but at least it will give you a number.

 

what does being a supporting member have to do with it?
i have an amp that i feel is puttng out less than rated power and i feel like knowing what power it really is putting out. based on my math, it's putting out half of what it should no matter how high i set the gain, so i want to see if i am wrong.

 

http://www.canadiancaraudio.com/online/car-audio-technical-discussions/26461-amplifier-output-testing.html

 

iam new to all this but if memory serves me right if you are running a 4 ohm amp at 8ohms you will be getting half the power so check that out to.

 

well, i figured out that the amp is cea-2006 compliant so i guess it's making actual rated power

 

Haven't we been through all this before? True RMS only works with real sine waves. And sine waves are bad for speakers, so you don't want to do that.

You can measure music power. or with a test cd you can measure voltage using white or pink noise.

The only way to measure real power is with a real load resistor and a real test generator.

Really really hard to mearure music with a digital volt meter. Music is analog and varies level so much all you get is a bunch of scrambled numbers on the screen. But you'll get a rough idea.

 

Lighten up F1 smile, it is only car audio...

a static load and a voltage and amperage measurement will get you close enough for government work but yeah, it is an approximation