I plan on getting a system and have two question.
1. I plan on getting 2 12' subs which handle about 400 watts each. Should i run these subs with a 1000 watt amp or an amp putting out 600-700 watts.

2. SHould i get the speakers which are 4 or 8 ohm. I plan on using a rockford fosgate amp.


[Modified by Integra187, 4:12 AM 5/22/2001]

 

1) You said the subs can handle 400 watts each, but that is probably the max whats. What are they rated at for RMS? RMS is the constant wattage that they run best at. I am guessing that it would lie somewhere between 250-300, but not really sure. In that case, you'd want an amp that could put out 500-700watts RMS, when bridged/mono. Probably, going with a 1000 watt amp would be good. It would probably run constantly at about the right range, and you could always turn it down to get to the right range.

2) For the 4/8 ohm, it depends... are the subs you are getting SVC or DVC (one set of inputs or two sets of inputs)? For SVC (single voice coil), a pair of 8 ohm subs would be best. You can wire these in series, where the + off the amp goes to the + on both the subs, and the same for the -. This would put a 4 ohm load on the amp, which is what most amps prefer.

For DVC (dual voice coil), get subs with two 4 ohm voice coils, then you wire it in series-parallel, where the + off the amp goes to one of the +'s on each sub, and the - off the amp goes to one - on each sub, then the other - goes to the other + on each. This basically divides then multiplies the ohms, leaving it at 4.


I know I probably didn't explain this the best. Check out http://www.jlaudio.com/tutorials/index.html and check out the "Wiring your subs" section.

 

What subs are you getting?

I have 2 Infinity Perfect 12's. says 400RMS peak at 1200watts, But they are each getting 600 watts. I'm using a JBL BP1200.1.
It all bepends on the quality of subs. But I would go with the 1000watt amp.