Matching Amp Wattage to Speakers?
02-19-2010, 02:40 PM
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Hi,
If running speakers rated at 50W RMS (nominal), what wattage amp should I match these up with?
An amp that does 50W RMS x 4, or an Amp that pumps a bit more juice than the speakers are rated at? Maybe an amp that does 75W - 100W RMS?
Advice appreciated
If running speakers rated at 50W RMS (nominal), what wattage amp should I match these up with?
An amp that does 50W RMS x 4, or an Amp that pumps a bit more juice than the speakers are rated at? Maybe an amp that does 75W - 100W RMS?
Advice appreciated
02-19-2010, 03:22 PM
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75W+/ch would be a good start. A 50W/ch amp would have distortion at lower power levels than a 75W/ch amp. Distorted output can kill a speaker quickly. Listen responsibly with this setup, as any audible distortion would be the result of over-driving your speakers. A higher-power amp can produce better quality sound at the same listening level then a lower-power amp, if both amps are of comparable quality.
02-19-2010, 03:42 PM
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I don't remember hearing the term RMS associated with speakers.......
Anyway, I somewhat agree with vhkong:
A higher output amp would be the better choice. Just remember the following:
-Make sure the power ratings are based on the same impedance
-You have a good source (head unit)
-Check the THD rating on the amp (maybe somebody else could explain this better)
-Remember you can't turn the volume up too loud since the speakers won't handle it.
Anyway, I somewhat agree with vhkong:
A higher output amp would be the better choice. Just remember the following:
-Make sure the power ratings are based on the same impedance
-You have a good source (head unit)
-Check the THD rating on the amp (maybe somebody else could explain this better)
-Remember you can't turn the volume up too loud since the speakers won't handle it.
02-19-2010, 04:39 PM
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Thanks for the input! 
The Alpine PDX-5, 5 channel Amp (4 channel + mono) has the following ratings:
SPECIFICATIONS
RMS Continuous Power (at 14.4V, 20Hz ? 20kHz, FULL RANGE)
? Per channel into 4 ohms (?1% THD + N) .................................................. ............................................. 75W x 4
RMS Continuous Power (at 14.4V, 20 ? 200Hz, MONO)
? Per channel into 4 ohms (?1% THD + N) .................................................. ........................................... 300W x 1
? Per channel into 2 ohms (?1% THD + N) .................................................. ........................................... 300W x 1
What do you guys think?
The Alpine PDX-5, 5 channel Amp (4 channel + mono) has the following ratings:
SPECIFICATIONS
RMS Continuous Power (at 14.4V, 20Hz ? 20kHz, FULL RANGE)
? Per channel into 4 ohms (?1% THD + N) .................................................. ............................................. 75W x 4
RMS Continuous Power (at 14.4V, 20 ? 200Hz, MONO)
? Per channel into 4 ohms (?1% THD + N) .................................................. ........................................... 300W x 1
? Per channel into 2 ohms (?1% THD + N) .................................................. ........................................... 300W x 1
What do you guys think?
02-19-2010, 05:02 PM
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My Ride: 2006 titanium silver metallic
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Cold Weather Package
I'm thinking of upgrading my system as well. I've had good luck with JL in the past. I'm leaning towards this unit:
Features:
JL Audio A6450 A Series 6-Channel Class AB Car Amplifier
Edit I see you already considered this option.
Features:
JL Audio A6450 A Series 6-Channel Class AB Car Amplifier
Edit I see you already considered this option.
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