over powering subs

[mustangog2003]

Is it ok to get an amp a 100 watts rms over the sub rms power? I would think if you did that and turned it down a little it could make it more efficient. Is this true?

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[miker 5,000+ posts]

Just tune the amp to the same wattage as the sub... You are better off getting an amp that does higher than the rated power of the sub..

 

[tcguy85 10+ year member]

yes, head room is good to have, set the gains right and you'll be fine.

 

[creyc 10+ year member]

As long as you don't clip it, yes.

 

[thegreatestpenn 5,000+ posts]

setting gains correctly is much more important than a little extra power. Clipping kills subs much faster than extra power(heat) in most installs that have mechanical failure

 

[mustangog2003]

What is clipping and how will i know when its doing it?

 

[thegreatestpenn 5,000+ posts]

When an amplifier is pushed to create a signal with more power than it can support, it will amplify the signal only up to its maximum capacity, at which point the signal will be amplified no further. As the signal simply "cuts" or "clips" at the maximum capacity of the amplifier, the signal is said to be "clipping." The extra signal which is beyond the capability of the amplifier is simply cut off, resulting in a distorted waveform.

Many electric guitar players will intentionally overdrive their guitar amplifiers to cause clipping in order to get a desired sound (see guitar distortion).

All amplifiers have Voltage and Current limits. Some amplifiers will use creative techniques to increase these limits or decrease them as needed. If an amplifier needs to output 20V, but is limited to +10V to -10V, then the amplifier will output +10V. It is best not to speak of a power limit outside of specific applications where the amplifier has an output impedance nearly equal to the load. For instance, a modern solid state amplifier may achieve maximum power output into a load that is ten times smaller than it can thermally handle over a long period of time.

Say thank you to Wikipedia

 

[TeoTorriatte 10+ year member]

Good article on amplifier power and clipping....

http://www.bcae1.com/2ltlpwr.htm

 

[motox_727 10+ year member]

I have heard your better off going with more power than not enough power...

 

[Famous_78]

I have heard your better off going with more power than not enough power...

You wont kill a sub by underpowering it.