How to choose the right amp to match a sub?

[VLC86]

Hey guys. Could some one give me a few tips on how to tell what amps will best runs what subs? Looking at buying some gear soon and I've heard not all amplifiers will runs all the subs.

Any help would be great.

cheers

[calais_cruzin]

You have to match the power of the amp to the impedience of sub and its power handling.

So for example if u got a alpine Xtype DVC 4ohm 12" sub (4ohm + 4ohm) that will either present a 2ohm or 8ohm load to the amp depending on how its wired. (series or parallel)

X type can handle 1000wrms, so you need to find a amp that produces 1000wrms@2ohm or 8ohm

Basically u have to match the sub load to the power of the amp at that load.

Hope that helps a bit

[Deutscher]

I'd say atleast 1000wrms. Headroom is always nice. You don't want the amp to go into clipping.

[VLC86]

You have to match the power of the amp to the impedience of sub and its power handling.

So for example if u got a alpine Xtype DVC 4ohm 12" sub (4ohm + 4ohm) that will either present a 2ohm or 8ohm load to the amp depending on how its wired. (series or parallel)

X type can handle 1000wrms, so you need to find a amp that produces 1000wrms@2ohm or 8ohm

Basically u have to match the sub load to the power of the amp at that load.

Hope that helps a bit

thanks alot mate. Really have no idea about subs and amps. But ill make sure i remember this when i buy some gear soon hopefully. So all ill need to do is make sure the amp has the same power load or more than the sub can handle?

Cheers guys

[acarmody]

So all ill need to do is make sure the amp has the same power load or more than the sub can handle?

Yep. You can turn the power output of the amp down to match the sub, but if you try turning the gain higher than it will 'clip' and will destroy gear fast.

What sort of budget you looking at? We could recommend some gear for you.

[VLC86]

Well im looking at doing a boot install sometime soon. So im not after anything huge, probably just a 10 inch sub and amp to match. The mp might also be wired up to the two 6 inch speakers i have on the parcel shelf.

At the moment the budget is pretty tight, im not after expensive gear, possibly second hand and then i can upgrade at a later time

[Bryce_VS]

Hey im in the same situation as VLC86, and i have just one question to add: what the hell is up with the 'ohm' dooby? If the sub is @4ohm, then why do u say +4ohm so run at 8 or 2 ohm? totally confused lol...

[VS dream]

dont worry Bryce_VS im doing year 11 physics we studies this heaps, and this is still all a major mind #### to me haha
im in the same boat as these guys jsut wondering whats some good gear that will cost me under $400?

[sweefu]

Well im looking at doing a boot install sometime soon. So im not after anything huge, probably just a 10 inch sub and amp to match. The mp might also be wired up to the two 6 inch speakers i have on the parcel shelf.

At the moment the budget is pretty tight, im not after expensive gear, possibly second hand and then i can upgrade at a later time

For subs, you will want a monoblock (1 channel) amp as these are the best for powering subs, generally bigger power at lower impendances compared to 2/4 channel amps. For your speakers you will need a 2/4 channel amp, you can't run your sub(s) and speakers off one amp.

Brycs_VS:
'Ohms' is the unit of measurement for the resistance of a sub/speaker/amplifier. The resistance can be changed by wiring the voice coils of the speaker/sub in a series or in parallel. Google it and read a few articles, its very very simple and you'll get it in no time!

VS Dream:
As for gear mate, what do you want for $400? Do you have a head unit already, are you looking to add a sub/amp first? Realistically $400 will get you hardly anything, and it will be very entry level or you might have to hunt aroud for some second hand gear.

Cheers.

[holdenboy]

My advice would be to save up some more $$$ and buy decent, new or second hand gear. Even $400 wont get you far for decent sub and an amp to power it.....not to mention a suitable box if you're not building one. $600-$700 and we can start to advise you of what to buy, for example you want about $200 for a 10" sub and $250-$300 for a good monoblock to power it properly. If you want to go with a 4ch amp to power speakers too then $250-$300 is required. So theres anything from $450 to $800 right there, this dosent include a box or the wiring needed, so if you havent got these you'll need to factor in another $150+.

Also if you havent already have a read of this thread, covers some of the questions you're asking:

Planning A System On A Budget