Can I use 150W RMS subs with a 200W RMS amp?

Question

Here is the amp:

http://sm.crutchfield.com/S-C6a7vlifyGn/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?search=XM+2002GTR&i=158XM2002

And here are the subs (x2):

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-RlNOWhRfCnM/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?search=w301r&i=130TSW301R

The speakers are rated at 800 W max power, and the amp is rated at 1200W max power. So, from this I am understanding that for a split second at maximum efficiency, the amp COULD deliver a MAX punch of 600W to each speaker. But, the speakers are rated at 800W max, so they shouldnt blow right?

But then I wonder, is it terrible to run at a slightly higher RMS even if your speaker max is higher than the amp max? I would think then they physically cant blow if the yfollow the scenario above.

Couldn't I properly adjust the gain so I don't get distortion at my maximum preferred listening volume? Or can speakers blow without a warning such as distortion?

Note: The Amp has a peak output of 1200 watts and the RMS is 200Wx2 Channels (4ohm).

Answer 1

yes you can use that amp with those subs. chances are you will not blow them. it is better to have too much power than too little. too little power can hurt subs easier than too much power can!!! kudos to you for doing what most people do not!!! you lookes at rms. so many people NEVER do that. there system ends up sounding like total garbage. just turn the amp down slightly. another thing to consider is are you running seled or ported? cause if you run a sealed enclosure you will need all that power. ported takes less power to make it hit. sealed is a much cleaner sound though. so if you don't have an inclosure yet. run a swaled box. if you want clean sound it is the only way to go. good luck and i hope some of what i said helps you!!!

Answer 2

When considering what amp to buy for your subs, always make sure that you power them with at least 70% of their rated rms spec. So yeah you can definitely use that amp with your subs, speakers will usually give you a warning if they are gonna blow up, unless you feed them way too much power, but that's not the case here so no need to worry!


yeah....they can give u a warning its called distortion, and your amp will shut off if the speaker is receiving too much power.

Answer 3

that guy is a joker. Speakers won't give you a warning if they're going to blow. It's not like there's some siren on them or anything.

But anyway, you'll have no problems at all powering that sub with that amp. The 50 watt difference is not going to be a big deal.

Answer 4

no the shounldnt and speaker dont ave a warning they dont put out distortion if thier gonna blow everytime i had speakers blow i will be vibirating then out of nowhere i wont be vibrating anymore or ill go out side the next day and they wont turn on... thats it you only get distortion from cracked speaker wire cheap amplifier wiring kit or cheap rcas and with cheap rcas u get engine noise to



but keep amp at like 3/4 power only

Answer 5

400 RMS is constant wattage it is not max. you should fine i ran my L5 around 750 rms and there rated at 600rms i would abuse it a little but never too much. Beware of the gain, because if its not set right it will send a clipped signal and you can fry your subwoofer even if its only throwing out 50rms. and the previous answer is right about the multimeter that is the most common way of properly setting your gain.

Answer 6

Don't say I didn't warn you when your subs fail prematurely....this is after all why they have ratings, the manufacturers have already tested their own equipment and the watts RMS is the limit.

Yes, it's true most exaggerate on the ratings, but it would be on them not you.

Do what you will...