system help!!!!!!!!

[ZaCks LaSeR]

k.... im thinkin of gettin 2 12" pioneer IIMP's and set em up in a custom box in the back of my laser... they're about i think 400 watts per sub... im wonderin which kinda amp i would go for with how much watts? im kinda young and need a bit of help?
thanx alot
zack

 

[chrysler kid]

2 x 400 = 800 you need atleast an 800 watt amp, if you get 760 or so it should be fine.

 

[ZaCks LaSeR]

any ideas on specific amps? like which is better quality?

 

[nutshot]

How many watts RMS? I'm guessing that you'll need 400 RMS total system power. Look at the listing on your subs, never set your system according to Peak power claims, this is not only misleading, it is most often harmful to a sub that hits 400 watts at 160 hz and is used at 80hz and lower. Run an A-class amp for clean sound, run a D-class for pure volume. Run 8 gauge wire for amps up to 500 watts, 4 gauge for systems up to 1000 watts, and 2/0 gauge for systems above that. What draws you to Pioneer? I have personally found more longevity, clarity and a better frequency curve on MTX. For yer amp, look into an Alpine V12, Clarion or Memphis gold. Kicker and MTX are louder, but are typically dirtier. Talk to a reputable shop, usually the larger chains have training that includes very specific details of sound and quality.

 

[4g63tc]

well if i'm correct the pioneer subs are rated in terms of peak wattage instead of RMS wattage (working wattage) if this is true. a 760 watt rms amp would effectively destroy your subs.

RMS wattage is deemed as 70% of peak wattage, so 400watts peak, multiplied by .7 nets you an RMS rating of 280 watts.
for a set of two subs you would need an amplifier of at least 500 watts RMS to fully realize the potential of your subs.

for a comprehesive breakdown of amplifier specs try www.crutchfield.com (although i wouldn't buy from there cause they are just too pricey)

Go for a mono sub amp for best results ( they are designed for running subs and have larger powersupplies, and caps to keep up with the high demands of subwoofers.)

 

[nutshot]

The RMS is rated over the entire recomended frequency range then find the mean. This is typically .5 the peak wattage, but not as a rule, and if the subs are not listed with RMS ratings, do not purchase them. Mono amps are typically D-class and are dirty. This is fine if you have the system cranked all the time, but for clean sound an A-class amp is the best choice (check the THD of a D and A-class).

 

[4g63tc]

at DeVry it was explained that RMS was about 70% or less of peak power. but i won't argue the fact. my background is based in digital electronics,and only slightly in analog circuits.

 

[ZaCks LaSeR]

thanx guys... this really helps alot... any other help would be great... thanx again