I just got 2 12" XPL Kicker subs that are 4 ohms each. They don't have an RMS rating but they do have a peak power of 500W each. They are SVC. So what amp should I get? I check crutched field and got really confused. Partly because I don't know anything about amps but mostly becuase they all say 2 ohm. Wouldn't I need to get 4 ohm? 400W x 1 mono subwoofer amplifier. This would mean I'm getting 200W to each sub?
Also why are the prices so rediculously high? I checked out most of the cars on cardomain that have sound systems and they list the prices of their amps, which are brand name (kenwood, polk, ect..); and they said they bought it for $300 NEW.
Someone please help me.
Thank you,
-j-
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1994 Camry XLE V6 3.0L - somewhat modified.
If the sub is rated for 500 watts max, then it is probably rated for 250 watts RMS each. You will wire the subs like this.
Notice how you end up with a 2 ohm load? You will need to get an amp that is 2 ohm stable when bridged. Or an amp that does 250 watts rms X2 @ 4 ohms, which there isn't many of and it would be really expensive for that type of amp. It'll be cheaper to get an amp that is 2 ohm stable when bridged.
You can look for a 2 channel amp or a mono channel amp. What's the most you are willing to spend on a decent amp for them?
$300 max for the amp, im spending another $300 for an alpine headunit.
What does bridged mean? <( sorry for soundin like a noob but i am)
Can you reccomend me one? also 250w RMS each? thats kinda low isnt it?
bridging an amp is when you only connect one of the (+) and one (-) speaker output
instead of all 4
you are basicly tricking the amp to make it push harder, however bridging a amp that is too small for the load will make it REALLY hot and may damage it.
Always better to have too much power than too little, besides, you can always turn down the gain controls so as not to demolish the sub. And, you'll probably want to go bigger at some point, so when you do, it'll be cheaper with a good amp to start with
Why should he over power other than under power (just want to let him know why) well that and to pick your brain.
Lets say you have a 200W amp and your asking it to dump every ounce of power it can. Eventually the transistors get saturated, amp runs out of power, and you get a distorted signal.
Distortion as well as over powering can kill speakers.
Now on the other hand lets say you have a 800W amp and your only asking it to do 400W. That gives you 400W of headroom. IOW the amp is not sweating it, it can still put out more power.
This is why over powering is better then under powering.
Now this doesn't mean go out and buy the biggest baddest amp you can afford. Which is the problem I have right now, to much amp and not enough speaker.
my only question now is does the signal to noise ratio have anything to do with hwo the subs will sound? ^ that amp is a Class D and its signal to noise ratio is 60dB. Which is kinda low considering other class D amps are rated at 80dB.
Also.. I need wires, and the streetwires is a little too expensive. I need 4 gauge wires, can anyone reccommend me a place that sell good quality but cheap wires?
__________________
-=TOTALED=- Need money for a new car...
1994 Camry XLE V6 3.0L - somewhat modified.
Last edited by strmagiceet; 03-01-2005 at 02:34 PM.
For wires go to www.knukonceptz.com If you haven't bought that amp yet, give me a few minutes to see if I can get you something better than that for the same money shipped.
That alpine would be a pretty sweet amp. Pretty good deal for the money, other option would be the mtx amps.
If you want better SQ for the subs look into a class AB amp. Class D amps are good because they tend to be more effiecient in that they don't draw as much power. But for most people and depending on the sub it can be hard to hear the difference between class ab and class D amps.
I wouldn't worry too much about the s/n level, you probably won't be able to notice the difference. If in the future you want to go with more higher grade SQ subs then I would look into a class AB 2 channel amp.
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Last edited by cam2Xrunner; 03-02-2005 at 12:00 AM.
Also.. I need wires, and the streetwires is a little too expensive. I need 4 gauge wires, can anyone reccommend me a place that sell good quality but cheap wires?
If you don't care for fancy wire with colored insulation and shit. Goto a welding supply store, they sell wiring in different sizes.
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I'm so confused about amps..
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