Can you run 5000 watt amp at 1600

[Pyrofan]

Ok, say you have a 5000 watt amp and you car can only take 1600 until it distorts. Is that fine on the amp? I know you would have to O scope the amp to tell when it distorts.

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[cfox10 10+ year member]

What do you mean when you say your car can only take 1600 until it distorts? You mean you woofer? Or you don't have enough power for the amp?

 

[Pyrofan]

What do you mean when you say your car can only take 1600 until it distorts? You mean you woofer? Or you don't have enough power for the amp?

Not enough power for the amp.(assume the woofer can take it.) Like if you're putting a high watt amp in a stock car until you can hook up/buy more batteries.

 

[bgowdy 5,000+ posts]

Ok, say you have a 5000 watt amp and you car can only take 1600 until it distorts. Is that fine on the amp? I know you would have to O scope the amp to tell when it distorts.

it wont hurt the said "5000 watt" amp. the amp wont be working as hard

 

[Pyrofan]

it wont hurt the said "5000 watt" amp. the amp wont be working as hard

Ok good

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

It's fine. You think amplifiers are outputting rated power 24/7? Just use 1600 in your output voltage calculation when setting the gain with a DMM.