amp output vs. speaker input
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New User
Joined: Mar 2002
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amp output vs. speaker input
How close can I get to matching these two numbers without worrying?
for instance: a speaker is rated up to 75 watts RMS and I have an amp rated at 75 watts per channel RMS. Theoretically the speaker will be able to handle it but it seems sketchy. Should I automatically build in some safety factor? (i.e. get a speaker rated to 80 or 85 watts RMS)
PS. assume these are all quality components, I don't want to get into a debate over actual vs. advertised power output/handling.
for instance: a speaker is rated up to 75 watts RMS and I have an amp rated at 75 watts per channel RMS. Theoretically the speaker will be able to handle it but it seems sketchy. Should I automatically build in some safety factor? (i.e. get a speaker rated to 80 or 85 watts RMS)
PS. assume these are all quality components, I don't want to get into a debate over actual vs. advertised power output/handling.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 642
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From: Nebraska
amp output vs. speaker input
Ok, assuming you are using quality parts like you said and are using RMS ratings (peak numbers are worthless) you should be fine. The main other factor you need to remember is distortion. Even if the amp is rated at half of what the speaker will take distortion will still kill it. Basically you need to use crossovers. If you are powering full range interior speakers (6.5, 6x9s, etc) you need to use a High pass filter (around 80-125hz). This will keep the extreme low notes out of them since they can't really reproduce them anyway. Same thing goes with a subwoofer. You need a Low pass filter around 125 hz.
If you propperly set up your system with no distortion it should last a long time.
If you propperly set up your system with no distortion it should last a long time.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 192
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From: Las Vegas, NV
amp output vs. speaker input
Matching the RMS ratings for an amp and speakers is the best way to go. You can even get an amp that puts out more power than what the speakers RMS rating is (not drastically) as long as you adjust the amp properly (i.e. don't turn the gains all the way up). A quality amp will have built in crossovers you can adjust to your liking.
John
John
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,545
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From: Coal Region
amp output vs. speaker input
distortion is somewhat like static on a radio or when the music is turned up to loud and it sounds horrible. best way to remember input and RMS is. if u have a 4 channel (4 speaker) amp that has 50x4 output and u have a speaker that is rated for 50rms then u will be fine. generally u can go above the RMS a little and it wont harm the driver (speaker). just make sure the amp gains arent set to high, if they are u will hear distortion and chance messing the speaker up. give this site a try http://www.eatel.net/~amptech/elecdisc/caraudio.htm
they have so many different topics (they are on the side bar to the right) realted to car audio its not funny and its written in lehmans terms for us common folks. hope this clears it up for u.
they have so many different topics (they are on the side bar to the right) realted to car audio its not funny and its written in lehmans terms for us common folks. hope this clears it up for u.
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