AMP RMS vs SUB RMS

ChrisM · Nov 20, 2023

Good morning,

I am looking to have some guidance with this.

I have a sub that is rated at 600 RMS and 1200 PEAK. It is a dual 2ohm running a 1ohm on my amp. This amp is just not doing it as it is struggling to put out 300RMS.

I have an opportunity to buy an amp that is rated at 1200RMS. It is appealing as it gives me some overhead if i want to upgrade in the future to a different sub.

My question is will I destroy my current sub running it with this amp with gains adjusted properly.

Im sorry if this is a newbie question. I just have joined as there seems to be a lot of differing opinions on the web. People saying to have overhead is a great thing. Others say to match the RMS exactly for best performance.

I have a SKAR 12" in a under seat rear box with 1.3ft3 air space. It sounds awesome, the load is just too heavy for current amp and keeps shutting er down when huge bass hits.

Please help!

Thanks everyone

Chris

Grinder · Nov 20, 2023

It is not at all unusual to run amplifiers with higher output potential than the driver(s) are thermally rated for. Set gains properly, and it will be just fine.

ChrisM · Nov 20, 2023

Grinder said:
It is not at all unusual to run amplifiers with higher output potential than the driver(s) are thermally rated for. Set gains properly, and you'll be just fine.

Thank you. Two amps are on sale for the same price. one matches and the other doubles. I think i will go with the higher RMS to have some breathing room. Something tells me that this wont be the last amp or sub i purchase. The addiction has bitten hard!

Thank you for the help!

Grinder · Nov 20, 2023

Oh, and be aware that, depending on the tuning frequency of your ported box, and the presence (or not) and setting of any infrasonic/HP filter (in your HU, amp or DSP), the cone could unload below tuning and exceed mechanical limits.

ChrisM · Nov 20, 2023

Grinder said:
Oh, and be aware that, depending on the tuning frequency of your ported box, and the presence (or not) and setting of infrasonic/HP filter, the cone could unload below tuning and exceed mechanical limits.

Thank you. I have it running through my DSP and have the frequency set. I'm using a sealed box.

Muu · Nov 20, 2023

remember it's only 6db difference between 1200w and 600w, so easy enough to wind back

ChrisM · Nov 20, 2023

Thank you! These are the things im trying to learn. Back in the day it was all about "how much bass can i pound in there" Now, i still love the bass, but matching it with everything else.....refresher courses are needed. Thank you for the patience.

PSYKO_Inc · Nov 20, 2023

For what it's worth, I have a small, cheap full range speaker at my test bench that's rated for 15w rms. I've tested amps rated for up to 2kw rms with it. Just set your gains properly and you'll be fine.

Just like if you have a sports car that can do 180 mph, it doesn't mean that you can't cruise down the road at 35.

ChrisM · Nov 21, 2023

PSYKO_Inc said:
For what it's worth, I have a small, cheap full range speaker at my test bench that's rated for 15w rms. I've tested amps rated for up to 2kw rms with it. Just set your gains properly and you'll be fine.

Just like if you have a sports car that can do 180 mph, it doesn't mean that you can't cruise down the road at 35.

Thank you. Makes sense. I ended up getting the the amp. Set the gains properly and its a nice improvement. Also nice to know I can upgrade subs down the road if needed.

Muu · Nov 21, 2023

sorry yes, I'm conflating adding a sub where your doubling electrical and acoustic

AMP RMS vs SUB RMS

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