One of the more frequent questions we get is about matching a sub or speakers to an amp.
There are many factors that will come into play when choosing the right speaker or sub and the amp. The basic information that we request in order to recommend the right equipment is:
Subwoofers:
How many subs?
How many coils on each sub?
What is the RMS wattage capacity per coil?
What is the impedance per coil?
Speakers:
How many speakers?
What is the RMS wattage capacity?
What is the impedance?
Amplifiers:
How many channels?
Full specs: RMS wattage, Peak wattage, impedance handling capacity, etc.
This is the minimum information needed so that the right choice can be made on the equipment recommended.
When it comes to subwoofers, it is important to know how the sub or subs are going to be connected to each other and, in the case of multiple coils per sub, how the coils are going to be hooked up. These connections will result in the final load to the amp. If the final load to the amp is lower that what the amp can handle, the amp will run hot and may burn a component. It may also cause thermal protection and the amp will momentarily shut down until it cools off.
We always recommend that you select an amp that can power no more than 90% of your subwoofer’s capacity and the rated impedance (ohms). And make sure that you compare apples with apples: If you are looking at the RMS capacity of the sub, match it to the RMS output of the amp. Many stores will advertise the Peak wattage capacity of a sub so it looks like a better deal. Get the RMS wattage for the sub and match it to the RMS output of the amp.