amp question
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2004
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amp question
I have one 10" pioneer subwoofer behind my seat, right now it is running of my head unit only, because i still dont know what amp i want. I was looking at some MTX amps today..and one that stuck out at me was a 200 watt 2 channel, with 160 watts RMS. Can anyone tell me how much RMS watts i need? the sub is 350 RMS. thanks in advance for any help.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Central Ohio
If you are buying the amp solely for sub use, buy a mono amp of about 300-400 watts RMS into whatever ohm rating your sub is. There are so many good mono amps available that there is no reason to buy a 2 channel and then bridge it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,107
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From: California Desert
It's always best to buy an amp that puts out just a little bit more RMS power than what your sub can handle. That way you don't have to turn the amp up so much that it starts clipping. If you go this route, make sure you don't turn the amp up all the way or you WILL fry your sub.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,240
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From: Dallas, Texas
Is that 350 watts peek or at 1% THD? If its rated at 350 watts peek get a amp that is rated around 100~150 amps.
I use a Alpine M501 that is rated 350 watts at 14.4 volts into 4 ohms at 1%. It can run a 2 ohm at 550 watts. the speaker I run is a Alpine SWR 1041D which is rated at 300 watts @1% THD and 1000 watts total.
Just don't get anything that can't run your speakers rated working load at 1%THD.
I use a Alpine M501 that is rated 350 watts at 14.4 volts into 4 ohms at 1%. It can run a 2 ohm at 550 watts. the speaker I run is a Alpine SWR 1041D which is rated at 300 watts @1% THD and 1000 watts total.
Just don't get anything that can't run your speakers rated working load at 1%THD.
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From: Central Ohio
Profile and Lightning are definitely several steps down from MTX, in terms of quality of parts and construction. However, that's not to say they can't be fine if used and connected properly in the right kind of a system. If it fits your budget and you have enough sense to not abuse it, then go for it. It may serve you well for a long time. But, there are reasons these amps are so attractive cost wise. The same reason a Kia isn't a BMW. What goes in to it.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,240
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From: Dallas, Texas
Well I broke down and bought a Alpine CDA-9833 Head Unit so I could upgrade without buying a new unit every year. I wanted to control all my amps from the unit and never need to open them up again. I also wanted the V-Drive too.
The V-Drive did make a big differance right off the bat. I had to buy a KCE-510M for $39.00 to contol up to 8 amps. Now I will never need to open them up again.
The V-Drive did make a big differance right off the bat. I had to buy a KCE-510M for $39.00 to contol up to 8 amps. Now I will never need to open them up again.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,624
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From: Bixby, OK
Some people say stay away, I say go with it. Most of the time, when you buy a new amp, it isn't tested at all, and refurbs usually are tested. I wouldn't go with MTX tho, I would go with Kicker, or Hifonics.