I got into a discussion with a friend earlier. We are planning almost the same system for our cars. The amp I already have pumps out 500RMS @ 2ohms, and the sub choices we've narrowed to 600RMS @ 2ohms, or 450RMS @ 2ohms. Which would be the better choice for the amp?

 

Which amp, which subs?

 

That difference in power specs, your putting too much thought into it.....

 

I would choose to overpower because after imp rise, voltage drop and all that other stuff, you'll be closer to the rated RMS of the woofer(s)

 

That's exactly what I was thinking because that 500RMS will probably be at 14.4V and it probably will be getting lower.

 

Over power for all the reasons listed ... so your amp says 600 watts rms (for instance) ... you won't be getting that when you hook it up and start driving.
You'll need more power just to be sitting comfortably at 600.

Therefore, when you're underpowering from the get go, I can only imagine what you're truly sending your subs. So slightly overpowering is the safer side of things IMO.

 

When overpowering, though you must be sure to avoid any distortion as it WILL damage your sub faster than anything else.

P.S. most cars run at about 13.8-14.0 under real world conditions. Almost every amps RMS ratings are at 14.4

 

overpower like the noobs said.

 

dont you sell woofers?

 

i have ran 600 watts rms to a 125 watt rms sub ( for over year ) with clean power and a box made for the setup....but if you run a ipod with low bitrate to you HU 300watts can kill a 500 watt sub...clean power is safer at twice rated power in right box than 1/2 power with bass boost maxed....clipped signal is bad