by 71buickfreak » Sat Jan 01, 2005 7:08 pm
As far as power to a speaker goes, as long as you don't send a clipped signal, you can't have too much power. Distortion is what kills a speaker, not too much power. A properly set up system will allow you to run a larger amplifier to your subs and you will be able to keep the input levels set lower than if you were to use a smaller amp. I always overpower my subs. in my last system, I ran 3200 watts to my Crossfire BMF 15"s (rated at 1500) with no problems at all. And I play my system hard. The best way to set up your gain structure is to an oscilliscope, but if you don't have one you can use your ears. Set everything at its lowest point (keep eq's flat, bass boost off) then you start with the HU and move down the signal path turning each piece up till your system distorts and then back it off until it stops. Most HU's clip the signal at appx 3/4 volume, once you have found that level, NEVER turn it past that. I'm not saying run a 200 watt amp to a 150w rated sub, but if it is properly set up, it can be done with out problems.
so if you are going to buy a 200 w sub, get a 400-500 watt amp. especially if you are going to use a sealed box as your power handling increases with a sealed box. I would look into a custom built slot-ported enclosure. you will get the big bass and you will cut down on the port noise. if you don't listen to rap or pop very much and are an SQ purist, then do the sealed box.
As far as power to a speaker goes, as long as you don't send a clipped signal, you can't have too much power. Distortion is what kills a speaker, not too much power. A properly set up system will allow you to run a larger amplifier to your subs and you will be able to keep the input levels set lower than if you were to use a smaller amp. I always overpower my subs. in my last system, I ran 3200 watts to my Crossfire BMF 15"s (rated at 1500) with no problems at all. And I play my system hard. The best way to set up your gain structure is to an oscilliscope, but if you don't have one you can use your ears. Set everything at its lowest point (keep eq's flat, bass boost off) then you start with the HU and move down the signal path turning each piece up till your system distorts and then back it off until it stops. Most HU's clip the signal at appx 3/4 volume, once you have found that level, NEVER turn it past that. I'm not saying run a 200 watt amp to a 150w rated sub, but if it is properly set up, it can be done with out problems.
so if you are going to buy a 200 w sub, get a 400-500 watt amp. especially if you are going to use a sealed box as your power handling increases with a sealed box. I would look into a custom built slot-ported enclosure. you will get the big bass and you will cut down on the port noise. if you don't listen to rap or pop very much and are an SQ purist, then do the sealed box.