Amp Size

[Chrisw21 10+ year member]

Is there a general rule of thumb as to the ratio of power going to front speakers vs subs? I don't expect an exact ratio, but rather a good place to start and then adjust from there. Just looking for a balanced set up with 4 main drivers and 1 sub. I'd like to go with a sealed enclosure, which I know takes a little more power. From what I have seen, many systems seem to start around 2:1. For example, if there is 400w driving the fronts (100x4), then the sub amp would be around 800w. Sound about right or will I end up with a bass heavy system?? Thanks in advance!!

Click to read more...

 

[BnGRacing 10+ year member]

If there is a 'rule of thumb', it's probably wrong and only applied to stuff from 15yrs ago.

Generally, the best thing to do is get a listen. Some components are loud & in your face while others are very mellow and polite. Those speakers are like that with 10w or 100w and the same can be said for many subwoofers. I remember when someone could buy a pair of 12's, cheap pre-fab sealed box, a 2ch, and have no issues running off the alternator in their 80s Civic. Today? Many of the heavy coned woofers need massive amounts power to make some noise while a "lesser" subwoofer will get just as loud with 1/4 the power.

While it's not a rule per se, I don't think you should pay any attention to power numbers and instead focusing on what you like the best. What the hell does a watt sound like anyway?