Soundstream PCX2.540,..actual output??

[Blazer1 10+ year member]

Here are the specs Soundstream list;

Picasso Series 2-Channel Class AB Car Amplifier

RMS Power Rating:

4 ohms: 180 watts x 2 chan.

2 ohms: 270 watts x 2 chan.

Bridged, 4 ohms: 540 watts x 1 chan.

Total RMS power output: 540 watts x 1 chan.

I am running it bridged at 2 ohms (I know ,its not rated for that) and I curious to what it is really putting out?

Click to read more...

 

[Blazer1 10+ year member]

Anyone???

 

[VWBobby 10+ year member]

Only way to know for sure is to clamp it. Otherwise you could use a DMM and measure the voltage and amperage with a test tone and approximate how many watts you're putting out. To do the amperage test, you need to run your meter in-line with 1 of your + or - speaker wires.

Converting Volts to Watts

The conversion of Volts to Watts is governed by the equation Watts = Amps x Volts

For example 1.5 amps * 12 volts = 18 watts

 

[Blazer1 10+ year member]

Thanks for the reply,....I was hoping someone had tested this amp or one similar to give me an idea of output. My two 10" subs are rated 300w RMS and I was wondering how close to 300w I was getting. I may need to give this amp away, my nephew needs an amp and really can't afford one. So,..if this amp is putting out close to 540w bridged I see no reason to spend more money on a more powerful amp, I will just buy another $99 Soundstream PCX2.540 but if it is not putting out rated power I will take this opportunity and spend a little more on a more powerful amp.

 

[dbjunior 10+ year member]

being a class a/b amp and bridged lower than rated id recommend switching to a class d amp rated for 2ohm for less strain on your electrical. this would make a decent 2ch if you get a set of speakers for the front.

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

being an average quality amp designed for 540w at 4 ohms it is highly unlikely it is making much more power at all.

Unless the power supply is very over-built (which it's not) there's just won't be much more power you can milk from it.

Some bench tests I've seen in the past indicate that when some amps are run at lower than intended impedance their efficiency drops and power output is actually less than at the higher impedance.

 

[Blazer1 10+ year member]

Would you think I am getting 200w per speaker,..maybe 250w per speaker?

I am just trying to justify handed this amp down and purchasing a Soundstream Rubicon 1.1000D for $199.00 to replace it but my speakers are only rated for 300w rms and if the PCX2.540 is putting out close to 250w per speaker I see no reason to upgrade amps.

 

[VWBobby 10+ year member]

You are probably getting close to 270W RMS per speaker (540 / 2). Realistically, you won't hear a difference between 250 and 300 watts. It would equate to about 0.5db which is inaudible to the human ear.

The Rubicon 1.1000D would give you more efficient power. Typical class A/B amps max out at 65% efficiency where most Class D is about 79-85%. I'm a big SoundStream fan but haven't had the chance/guts to try any of their new equipment. The only Rubicon I have is a 404. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[VWBobby 10+ year member]

dbl post

 

[Blazer1 10+ year member]

So, what would be the real world effects of swapping the PCX2.540@540w for the Rubicon 1.1000D@800w could I tell the difference?

 

[VWBobby 10+ year member]

Well, going from 250 to 400 watts per speaker (I'm assuming), you would probably hear a difference, because it would be about a 2-3db gain. Would it be worth it? Not really, imho, but it would give you less strain on your charging and electrical system. If you lights are dimming now, they might not be dimming with the more efficient class D amp.

 

[duro78 10+ year member]

Disregard

 

[BrownVanMan 10+ year member]

I have a mtx thunder 6500d will do 600 at 2 ohm and does it well. 110 shipped

 

[Blazer1 10+ year member]

I have a mtx thunder 6500d will do 600 at 2 ohm and does it well. 110 shipped

Thanks for the offer but if I decide to upgrade I want to buy a bigger amp than that,... something like the AQ1200 or a Rubicon1000.1