Hey all

My sub is rated for 500w rms and 1000w peak. My amp only puts out 200w at 2ohm. Do I need to upgrade the amp to get the most out of the sub? Does it need at least 500w to be noticeable?

Thanks [img]graemlins/dunno.gif[/img]

[ November 29, 2004, 08:25 PM: Message edited by: go5 ]

You will notice getting a bigger amp.

The issue with smaller power number is trying to get it louder then the amp can push undistorted, inturn messin up the sub

You don't NEED more. But more is usually better.

You can use as little power as you want but you will not be able to play your subwoofer as loud as you could will more power.

200 watts can be plenty for a daily listening system.

X

i was just reading this from bcae about underpowering speakers.everyone seems to think underpowering a speaker is a bad thing [img]graemlins/dunno.gif[/img]
sending them a clipped singnal causes heat to build up in the voice coil and this is what causes them to fail,correct me if im wrong



link
1. If your speakers are capable of handling significantly more than your amplifier can produce, driving them with a clipped signal will not likely hurt them.
2. If the speakers can handle 3 or 4 times the power that your amplifier can produce, there's virtually no way to damage your speakers (no matter how clipped the signal is).
3.If your speakers are rated for the same power handling as your amplifier is capable of producing cleanly, driving them with a clipped signal for extended periods of time may cause speaker damage and/or premature failure.
4. If your speakers are rated for the same power handling as your amplifier is capable of producing cleanly, driving them with a square wave signal for extended periods of time will likely cause speaker damage.

[ November 29, 2004, 10:41 PM: Message edited by: hofulstrof ]

but....

although speakers can run at any power under their max power rating, if you go too far below, they will hardly make any sound at all. they more power they can handle, the more juice they will require just to move the cone and produce any type of audible sound at all.

but i guess that is kinda obvious. just make sure that they do get a fair amount of power if they are really beefy subs.

...also remember, the more power you want, the more power you need from your electrical system. I am very quickly finding out that what I want and what I need for my listening levels and general enjoyment are not really the same. I really only need about 300-400 watts. I actually have about 1KW and I can't turn it up too loud because my electrical system can not handle it. This means I have to spend some more money or keep it relatively low, which is what I do anyway. My advice is to figure out what you want from your system and build it to suit that criteria, you will probably save a lot of money, and your hearing and you will have what you want. After saying all of that,it is nice to have a little extra power though for showing off.

meh...who needs subs

I recently tuned my system by adding one component at a time. (started with mids, then midbass, then tweeters) I almost forgot to add the subs.

I good front stage can go a long way....

ive had many speaker in the past that can handld in access of 100-150 watts each but get plenty loud running off deck power(18*4 RMS)

[ November 30, 2004, 03:14 PM: Message edited by: hofulstrof ]

go5, yah u need a bigger amp to get the most out of the sub