is it okay to over amp a subwoofer

[Steveopevo 10+ year member]

I get so many conflicting answers on this that it has left me still confused. I will be buying a 12" Boston G2 subwoofer that is rated at 300 watts rms. Some have said get a 400 watt rms amp and keep the gain seting low and this will keep the amp cool. others say stay under 300 watts because the gain control does not lower the wattage output of an amp. please help clear this up for me so I don't buy the wrong amp

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[plugitin 5,000+ posts]

you can get any size amp you want to run that sub. I would stay with a 500 watt amp and just set the gain lower. The gain will effect how much power the amp will put out...

 

[BloodyGuts335i 10+ year member]

its a good thing to have an amp that puts out more power. reasons being, if you want to upgrade later on, you have the power todo so without buying another amp. also, an amp that can do more power then the sub can take can allow you to run at higher ohms making it better for the amp and I feelthat it can run more efficient. so you can send a good signal to your sub(s)

 

[plugitin 5,000+ posts]

the best reason to get an amp that is more powerful is that you wont turn the gains up to try to get more power out of the amp, this would send clipped signals to your subs.

 

[Steveopevo 10+ year member]

its a good thing to have an amp that puts out more power. reasons being, if you want to upgrade later on, you have the power todo so without buying another amp. also, an amp that can do more power then the sub can take can allow you to run at higher ohms making it better for the amp and I feelthat it can run more efficient. so you can send a good signal to your sub(s)

whats kicking my a$$ is that others reject this philosophy

 

[Rodek 10+ year member]

The best option is to buy the larger amp. Like money, it's usually better to have extra than just enough or not enough amplifier power. The only voice of reason would be that the larger amp would normally cost more up front. To offset the extra cost, you could go for a used amp.

 

[BloodyGuts335i 10+ year member]

whats kicking my a$$ is that others reject this philosophy

I cant see any real negative reason for it not being a good idea. there is no right or wrong answer. you can match power for power and still have a good set up. You can also have a more powerful amp and also be good with that. A lot has to do with the gain. Sending good un clippe signals to your sub is always the better option in my opinion! lol

 

[Steveopevo 10+ year member]

Thanx, I appreciate all of your answers.

 

[blazeplacid 10+ year member]

im running about 1000rms on a 600rms sub

its an Re SE and it takes it fine, no bottoming out, no wierd sounds

100rms over will be ok

your amp is not constantly putting out 400rms, RMS is the average.

 

[I Like Waffle]

I overpower everything in my car, but you gotta know when to use the power and when not to. Getting a bigger amp will be more efficient for that sub though, keeping the gain low. Plus if you wanna add another down the road you can.

 

[quins90lac 10+ year member]

im running about 1000rms on a 600rms sub
its an Re SE and it takes it fine, no bottoming out, no wierd sounds

100rms over will be ok

your amp is not constantly putting out 400rms, RMS is the average.

is that before of after independence rise