So. I don't exactly understand this.

[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

Just because the voltage is the same doesn't mean the signal isn't affected. There is more to it than just the voltage. Shitty equipment can degrade the signal, thus the sub performs differently.

You realize that makes no sense, right?
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Its widely known these days that many companies intentionally 'underrate' their equipment for marketing purposes. An amp that was rated for 1000 watts and produced 1000 watts doesn't really stand out from the crowd. But, rate that amp at 800 watts officially, while knowing it will output 1000 watts, presto instant quality built-in. Somehow people seem to think that an amp that outputs more power than its 'rated' for (marketed as) automatically means quality, and any amp that 'only' does rated power must be average, at best. I even see experienced people fall into this trap, all the time. Don't be fooled by marketing gimmicks.