Underpowering or Overpowering

[solidcrowd 10+ year member]

Alright say i have 1100watts rms, is it better to get a sub that can handle 1500-2000watts or get a sub that is rated 900-1000watts? or does it not matter, the because i read a while ago something about having the sub reach its excursion.

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[mlstrass 5,000+ posts]

I'd go with more amp power, so you don't have to push the amp as hard. You'll just have to be careful setting the gain. You could also probably use all the power for a burp or quick demo to show off or whatever.

I'd hate to have a sub rated for 2k rms and only give it 1/2 of what it needs as that wasted potential would drive me crazy.

 

[Max_Power 10+ year member]

I second that

 

[newusername 10+ year member]

The difference between the two is that the larger amp allows you to "overpower" or "underpower" your speakers, whereas the smaller amp only allows you to "underpower" them. How much power they see, and how much is necessary, is a function of many other variables beyond the amplifier's RMS rating.

Buy what your budget allows.

 

[shortyg83 10+ year member]

def a higher rms for the amp over the sub

 

[PatFitz9 10+ year member]

yup, i always go with a stronger amp