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What to look for in an amp?

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Old May 5, 2007 | 05:49 PM
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Default What to look for in an amp?

Basically, im looking for an amp that will power 1 10" (RMS 150-250).

Im assuming by 2 and 4 chan, you're able to hook up 2 or 4 diff speakers to the amp.

Any suggestions on the brand and wattage of amp i should get? I'll most likely get a sub with about 150 RMS somewhere
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Old May 5, 2007 | 06:52 PM
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Most of recommendations depend on your budget.
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Old May 5, 2007 | 07:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Walking-dead
Most of recommendations depend on your budget.
Not paying more than $125
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Old May 5, 2007 | 07:46 PM
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bleh..

Would you be able to put all the power into 1 sub from a 2 or 4 chan amp?

edit...

i assume thats why you "bridge" it.. 2 or 4 chan into 1 sub

Last edited by woswill; May 5, 2007 at 08:09 PM.
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Old May 5, 2007 | 09:37 PM
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You always want a Class D monoblock amp for subs. They draw less power from your electrical system for the same amount of output (in other words, they're more efficient). Phoenix Gold and Hifonics are two "bang for your buck" brands.
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Old May 5, 2007 | 10:38 PM
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Originally Posted by woswill
bleh..

Would you be able to put all the power into 1 sub from a 2 or 4 chan amp?

edit...

i assume thats why you "bridge" it.. 2 or 4 chan into 1 sub
when you bridge your adding both channels l and r together to make more power but not all amps bridge the same. Your just looking for a mono block amp for your one sub. If you got a deal on a 2 channel amp you could bridge it depending on the amp. Not all amps bridge the same and are stable. AT the power levels and money your looking for ebay is your best friend.
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Old May 6, 2007 | 12:36 AM
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How are lightning audios amps and subs?

Apparently they are designed by RF so they cant be that bad, im guessing?
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Old May 6, 2007 | 01:08 AM
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Originally Posted by dragonrage
Phoenix Gold and Hifonics are two "bang for your buck" brands.
Definitely the brands you should be looking into with your budget. -or buy used
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Old May 6, 2007 | 01:18 AM
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hifonics amp


400W MAX POWER
1 x 200W @ 2-ohm

I'm assuming it can run 100 W @ 4 ohm, but would it fail trying to power a 10" 150 RMS?
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Old May 6, 2007 | 01:28 AM
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Ok heres a list of questions...

_______________________
Amp with 200 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms (4-ohm stable in bridged mode)

Would that blow a 150 RMS sub?

Iirc you can tune the RMS down on the amp?

________________________

Would a 100 RMS amp fail trying to power a 150 RMS sub?

Do these 2 have to be similar in RMS?

________________________

What difference does the OHMS make in a amp/sub combo?



Ya.. im a complete noob at this ****.



Im thinking about getting a Phoenix Gold amp as recommended, and buying a sub that matches its specs or comes close to it...

(ie.... 125 W x 2 @ 4 Ohms RMS powering 1 10" sub with 150 RMS, other chan is left alone so it doesnt blow sub)
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Old May 6, 2007 | 01:46 AM
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Originally Posted by woswill
Ok heres a list of questions...

_______________________
Amp with 200 watts RMS x 1 at 4 ohms (4-ohm stable in bridged mode)

Would that blow a 150 RMS sub?

Iirc you can tune the RMS down on the amp?
No. RMS is the continuous power it will hold.

________________________

Would a 100 RMS amp fail trying to power a 150 RMS sub?

Do these 2 have to be similar in RMS?
You want something close to the RMS on the sub if you can.

________________________

What difference does the OHMS make in a amp/sub combo?
OHM is the resistance the amp sees from the sub. Obviously the lower the OHM the more power the amp will put out. But that doesn't always work on some amps as they can not handle the lower OHM ratings, and will most likely throw the protection circuit on or fry one.
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Old May 6, 2007 | 01:51 AM
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Memphis 500 rms x 1 at 2ohm class D amps can be had for $125 range used. They are compact, arguably very nice looking, and very efficient.

Better to have more power and not use it than not have enough.

Having said that, properly matching the driver to your enclosure will make more difference than using a 250 watt vs. 500 watt amp. You should pick all three carefully as a combination.
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Old May 6, 2007 | 02:06 AM
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Mono amp : 1 x 200W @ 2-ohm

That should be enough to power a 250 RMS sub at 4 ohm?




It seems the majority of subs are 4 ohm, so i should maybe look for a 4 ohm amp
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Old May 6, 2007 | 02:17 AM
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Originally Posted by woswill
Mono amp : 1 x 200W @ 2-ohm

That should be enough to power a 250 RMS sub at 4 ohm?




It seems the majority of subs are 4 ohm, so i should maybe look for a 4 ohm amp
No - not the power you would want.

Most voice-coils probably are of 4-ohm impedance, but so many have dual voice coils that can be wired for 2 ohms so it's a tough call. Also, most all amps are stable down to 2 ohms where you will produce the most power typically.
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Old May 6, 2007 | 01:35 PM
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RF amp

125 W x 2 @ 4 Ohms RMS
250 W x 2 @ 2 Ohms RMS
500 W x 1 @ 4 Ohms Bridged RMS

I think this amp would be best for powering 1 sub, since u can run 1 sub at 125 w @ 4 ohm or 1 sub at 250 wat @ 2 ohms

You can adjust the wattage though right? I dont want the full channels power going into the sub, im trying to make them last awhile
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Old May 6, 2007 | 01:39 PM
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This damn high bidder is bidding on both of the RF amps..
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Old May 6, 2007 | 01:59 PM
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Why are you asking us for advice when you're not listening to a single piece of it?
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Old May 6, 2007 | 02:16 PM
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Originally Posted by dragonrage
Why are you asking us for advice when you're not listening to a single piece of it?
Elaborate?
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Old May 6, 2007 | 02:31 PM
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Originally Posted by woswill
You can adjust the wattage though right? I dont want the full channels power going into the sub, im trying to make them last awhile
Most amps have a gain control that will let you limit it to some extent. The real control for how much wattage is going to your speakers is your volume ****. I guess it can be hard to hear distortion in subwoofers, but if you think you're hearing any, definitely turn it down.

I also agree with what some of the other posters have said: Get a Class D mono amp.
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Old May 6, 2007 | 02:33 PM
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Elaborate?

-You're not looking at a monoblock
-You're not looking at Class D
-That amp is too small
-You're not listening on what brands to buy (unless you're NOT looking for value)
...
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