Watts & RMS for Amps & Subs
 

Alright I have a problem and Ive been hearing both sides.
Question is:

Should my Amp be over powering my Subwoofer?

Right now Ive got a Kicker KX450.2 amp its got 450Watts RMS and I am looking at a subwoofer right now that is rated at 400Watts RMS(10" Rockford.P3). Should I be looking for a subwoofer with more RMS than my amp or is that P3 good?

Thanks:smilie_da

You have it right, your amp should be putting out slightly more power then the sub's rating. +50watts is a good margin.

I always like to have a bigger amp than my sub.
Some subs can handle more than their rated power, some cannot.
You always have the option to adjust the output power of an amp to lower than it's potential, where as if you have a smaller amp you cannot provide sufficient power.
I would definitely stay away from underpowering subs. Most of the time it leads to distortion and clipping, which does not allow the voice coil to dissipate the heat properly, which is followed by failure.
I'm not saying your sub will be fine overpowered, just like I did say, you can adjust the amount of power the sub is receiving and then you have the option for more power if necessary.

I agree wit westong. When u underpower a sub u tend to put the gain all the way up and start damaging the sub.. Most name brand sub n amp normally put out more then its rated. So having a more powerful amp is a better thing to have. Also u should knoe how much rms is being put out at a curtain ohm and match that with ur sub

You are far better off to go with an amp that is rated at a higher RMS (continuous) power rating than an amp that is underpowered. If you underpower, the amp stresses trying to keep up and causes high distortion called clipping which can damage the amp, and can toast the voice coil of your sub in the process, and cause the amp to overheat and shut down constantly. An amp that is operating at its rated power (in your case an easy 450 watts rms) will be much more able to provide better sounding bass and have power to spare for tighter cleaner bass when you turn it up. That particular Rockford you are looking at is a decent performer, but if I were you I would spend a bit more cash as the amp you are using bridged mono for a sub would likely shred that woofer if you werent careful. A good match would be any of Kickers L series (the square ones) or try a solo-baric Kicker. Those subs are good musically, and can take some harsh punishment .

lol yea i would always get a slighty more powerful amp

however just make sure u keep track of the birth sheet if possible
cause on some higher end amps you could be getting nearly 900 rms
more then their rated power lol (i.e: T4000-4)

Why not pick up a 12' P3? The new series handle 500RMS

Not a bad idea to have a stronger amp, most subs can handle more then their rated anyway, just watch your gains.