the california profile amp (model # 600sx) is rated at 150 watts rms x2 at 4 ohms. i just got them installed and they are powering my infinity reference subs (model # 1020w). the subs are 50-250 watts rms. i got 2 of the subs in a sealed box. They don't pound like i expected them to be. Am i under powering them too much?

 

bump

 

i doubt that amp is really pushing out 150 X 2. hook it up to a nice amp and see if it'll make a difference

 

i know it's probably not putting out 150. but is a new amp really gonna make a big difference? i don't want to waste money on getting a new amp if it won't help much. Thanks

 

Yes your most likely underpowering the subs with this amp. Buy a new sub, something with more power and a known brand like JBL, JL Audio, or Rockford Fosgate. You should be happy with those.

 

First: Check the specs on the sub to see if it's 150W RMS x 2 MAX

 

First: Check the specs on the sub to see if it's 150W RMS x 2 MAX Power. This is how cheap amp manufacturers put big numbers on their amps, by putting the Max Power figure and leaving the words "Max Power" or "Peak Power" in small print.

Second: Was the box built for the subs specifically, or is it a Circuit City special that you added 2 subs to? Boxes should be tailored to the subs that are being used in it. Each sub has an optimal setup for best performance - either hardest hit, or clearest/cleanest sound, or...?

Your box may need to be tuned better for those specific subs to have the subs perform the way they should - ie: Port Tuning, internal stuffing, too little cubic feet of air for the subs, etc.

Thirdly: If the subs are setup correctly for that box, you may need to have more power. Before running out and getting an amp with bigger numbers, check to see if you can bridge your current amp. You said 150 x 2 @ 4 Ohms. In this configuration, you're probably running the 2 channels in Stereo. You'll need to find out if your amp is "2 Ohm Stable". If it is stable, then you're able to bridge the amp to 2 Ohms effectively doubling your wattage. Keep in mind though, that this info should be with the amp documentation - also, some amps say that they're 2 ohm stable, but put out the same power at 2 ohms as opposed to 4 ohm. The reason is for this is because it allows more flexible speaker configurations.

Also, some amps are bridgeable, but only at 4 ohms instead of 2.

So if your amp IS 2 ohm stable, and does give more power @ 2 ohms, then what you'll end up doing is bridging the amp, making it put out 1 channel at approx 300 W RMS.

You'll also have to find out if your speakers are 4 ohm, 2 ohm, 8 ohm, dual voice coil @ 2 ohm each or @ 4 ohm each (8 ohm's possible, but probably not what you have).

For examply, if your speakers are 8 ohm and your amp is 2 ohm stable, you would wire the speakers in parrallel and bridge them to the amp. Parrallel = speaker pos and speaker negs tied together, then attached to amp. If your speakers are 8 ohm and your amp only takes 4 ohms bridged, then you'd have to hook up the speakers in serial. If your speakers are 2 ohm, but your amp only supports 4 ohms bridged, you're out of luck. In series = speaker pos to speaker neg with the remaining pos and neg connections hooking up to the amp.

hope this helps (i think i got everything correct here...)

do a google on bridging amps for more info...

 

just get a better amp. those infinities sound pretty decent when pushed by clean power.

 

California Profile isn't a bad amp... not a Rockwood or anything... but there are definitely better ones out there... but if money's an issue, take advantage of what you have already...

 

it's 150 watts x 2 RMS power. I need to learn more about this bridging thing. I got lost in your very helpful post. The box is specifically built for this sub. It's not a cheap circuit city box. The infinity reference subs are good, so i'm not going to buy another sub. This is my first pair of subs. In my opinion, the bass is plenty loud, so i'm just wondering if getting a new amp will help.

 

Get a new amp. Those infinity reference sound pretty good w/ some good power to them.

 

Opps, I meant to say in my first post, to buy a new amp. The Infinity Reference subs you already have are pretty decent subs.

 

like i said before, these are my first subs so i can't compare it to anything. i think that it's loud. it sounds good inside but you definitly can't hear any bass outside.

 

OpTi,

Don't just run out and buy a new amp (unless you have money to burn that is)

Infinity is a good brand of speaker and California Profile isn't a swap meet brand of amp. Although it's not the Top Tier of amp, it's not a bottom tier either.

I would say, if you want to know for sure that your current setup is as good as it's going to get OR if it can be improved (without a new amp) just take it to a reputable car audio shop for them to look at. It may cost you a few bucks, but if they determine that your system would benefit from a higher power amp, they would probably cut you a deal...

 

HNDA ETR, thanks for your help. I don't have money for a new amp so for now, this is what i'm gonna have to live with for about a month. What do you mean by improving it without getting a new amp? thanks

 

I mean making sure that the amp is hooked up with the speakers in the most optimal configuration... ie: your amp is bridged if it can be, your speakers are wired correctly for the amp, etc... good luck.