Amplifier wattage.

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KoniChagwa
Amplifier wattage.

I have a question about watts.  How can a watt be different from one manufacturer to another?  I've read that some company's rate their amps at "true watts".  example,  A Rockford Fosgate 400watt Rms 4ohm amp would out power a Profile 750 watt Rms 4ohm amp.  both have relatively the same specs, 2channel, same frequency response etc.  How can you measeure the watts coming out of an amp?  Is there a special meter to test the "true watts" coming fom the amp.  I have a amp thats supposedly pushing 1000 watts, but I dont think so.  Plus if I have a speaker that is rated 250 watts rms, I would want to be able to know when the gain on my amp ,bridged at 4ohm, is set to around 250 watts rms so I dont damage the speaker.  Thanks for any help

 

Larry Dillon
Matt has posted a great

Matt has posted a great article about what your asing about.  Hope this helps.  if you need any other answers please ask.  Good Luck.  http://www.techlore.com/article/10309/

KoniChagwa
Mr. Dillon thanks for

Mr. Dillon thanks for relaying me to that article, it did help.  I have another question.  I'm going to get a new amp, (320watts rms x2) for my subs and a second amp (60watts rms x4) for my midrange and tweeters I'm replacing the  4 factory 6 1/2" mids with POLK db650's that have an rms of 60 watts.  The car I have already has a factory amp for the mids and highs but is old and not very good.  I know the wattage of the new amp is around 30 watts higher than the factory amp.  Is this going to put too much strain on my car?  My headlights dim a little when I play it loud already but it doesn't make a significant difference in sound qualty.  But would putting an amp that will need more power be too much?  If so how can i correct this.  Also should I run a new hot wire and Ground for the more powerful mid and high amp, or would using the factory wiring be okay.  If I need to run new wires can I split into the hot and ground I have for my subwoofer amp, or would that be too much pull from one wire.  I'm running 4 gauge wire for the hot straight from the battery and 4 gauge for the ground.  The distance from the battery to the amps is around 9 feet of cable and 2 feet for the ground.  Thank you once again for taking the time to answer everyones questions.  I know it must keep you busy.

Larry Dillon
KoniChagwa, the answer to the

KoniChagwa, the answer to the first question is no. I would for shure run a new B+ power wire for the new mid/high amp. If when you turn up your main amp, and the headlight flicker or dim, I would have the alternator checked out or get a higher current type installed. You will nedd to see what the factory installed and go from there. If you run both of the amps,the 320 watts and the 60Watts, it may be a bit too much for the auto to handle. I have installed systems where a new heavy duty altenator was needed as well as a second battery. I doubt very much if your going to need a second battery. And yes it can be trying sometimes answering questions, its fun and I enjoy it, as since I was a kid, over 40 years, I have loved gadgets and electronics.

 

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