JL XR650 CSI power requirements

[Waterwookiee]

So I just got some JL XR650csi comps and I already have a Alpine MRP-T240 amp.

Amp= 40x4 @ 4ohms or 100x2 @ 4 ohms

The speakers rated at 70watts RMS contintous.

I was going to bridge my amp and run it at 100w per side, but I think that may be overkill for my single cab.

If I run it at 40watts on channel 1/2 alone, will I be endangering the speakers, due to underpower (running 40 watts to a 70 watt rated speaker? (nice speakers i would rather not damage)

Also, if I decide to use only channels 1/2 at 40watts per, can I load channels 3/4 at two ohms to a custom sub, or do the impedences need to be the same for each half of the amp?

Thanks all!

[touringcamry]

You cannot damage the speakers due to underpowering them. You will be ok running 40W to them. 100W would be fine also. Try both ways and see what happens and what you like.

And yes,you can use ch 1 & 2 for the components, and then bridge ch 3 & 4 for a sub. No problem at all.

[cam2Xrunner]

I'd bridge the amp!

[Waterwookiee]

Thanks....

I know that I can bridge 3/4 and use 1/2 for mains, the focus of that question is if it's safe to run 1/2 at 4ohms and 3/4 at 2ohms? (assuming my amp is 2ohms stable???

Thanks again all!

[touringcamry]

That will be fine.

[Corollacrazy42]

Why is it that people get the perseption that underpowering a speaker will damage it? I mean if you think about it less power less movement.. less change of damage. It should be all about overpowering it that would concern you. And even then, if you have to much you can always turn down the amp?

[Delay_FTB]

I've always been told that underpowering speakers does indeed hurt them. I forget why, but it made sense when I heard it, and now I usually run a little more head room just to make sure.

Originally Posted by Crutchfield Advisor

Power handling
A power source (receiver or amp) is required to drive any car speaker. The low number listed is the absolute bare minimum wattage required to get acceptable sound from the speaker, and the high number is maximum amount that the speaker can handle for an extended time. For best results, match your power source level (RMS, or continuous watts) to the upper part of the speaker's recommended range (RMS).

[cam2Xrunner]

Sending less power than what they are rated for does no harm to a speaker..hell, you barely ever actually do RMS power anyways.

What can harm speakers from using a small amp on them is the uneducated user who will crank the gain on the amp to get more loudness, thus clipping the signal and distorting the speakers.

Distortion will harm speakers, not lack of power.

[JLTD]

Distortion is a by-product of clipping. Clipping dramatically increases average power over time. Excessive power over time is what kills speakers.
The myth is a small amp is easier to drive into clipping than a big one. Distortion is high frequency noise which has no affect on a speaker. When I increase power I still drive my system into clipping and all I achieved is increased the amount of damage I can inflict.
It's not possible to "under power" a speaker to death.