MrJimmyHoffa

Hey, im kinda a on the system setup and I want to do it right, the frist time. I wondered about how to go about choosing a good amp. If say I was running 2 subs that were 200wRMS (600peak) @ 4ohm would I want to run a amp to each, or just a single amp? Also, how do capacitators affect the sound and lifespan of the system? any help is appreciated

thanx

slickrick

iTrader: (12)

buy an amp that runs at 2 ohms assuming your subs are 4 ohm svc and run them in parallel. what subs do you have an also very importantly what size box?

MrJimmyHoffa

Ive got 2 alpine type e's, I dont have a box yet

slickrick

iTrader: (12)

http://www.ikesound.com/product-product_id/148

this will be perfect for your subs. 150 honest rms watts per subs will make them sound great. if you need a box i can help you with that.

MannyNJ2k2max

iTrader: (3)

I suggest you get a bit more powerfull amplifier - give them what they'll take rms

slickrick

iTrader: (12)

i dont. this way technically he shuld never blow them. if he gets a 400 watt amp and plays with the gains wrong he can blow them. but it also depends on the box. my bro ran a jbl 600.1 to 2 10" 350 watt MAX subs and they played fine but distorted if you put the bass control up. i think the 300.1 is perfect especially since its a type e, makes no sense the type E is 200 watts rms as compared to the "so much better" type R which is 300 watts rms. im sure the alpines can take the power of 200 watts rms but id put them in a big box for that.

jmax

Get the most power you can afford.

MrJimmyHoffa

If I understand correctly it would be better to go a little lower in power and get the gains right? I believe they reccomend using a sealed or bandpass box that is 0.8-1.7 cu. ft (for one)

jmax

The gains need to be set properly regardless of the amount of power. Get the most power you can afford, that's the first rule in choosing amps and you always need to go back to that rule after deciding the other specifics you need. You can get amps for less than 20 cents a watt.

MannyNJ2k2max

iTrader: (3)

the more power....the more versatile....I've made the mistake of getting "smaller" amps in the past
and end up regretting it- a 200 W RMS @ 4ohm mono sub amp (400 x 1 @2ohms- runnin' two subs)
is plenty of go- even in the future if you upgrade to better subs-

Dont worry - you wont blow them if you give'm what they take- the extra 50 watts(as opposed to 150) make a big difference when it comes to subs

MrJimmyHoffa

Is it better to run the amp at 2 or 4ohm? on a 4ohm sub

jmax

The amp doesn't really have a choice. The amp "see's" the load that the speaker presents. Most amps deliver more power into lower resistance.

Two 4 ohm subs bridged parallel will be a 2 ohm nominal load for the amp.

MrJimmyHoffa

what about running a cap? Is this to small of a system to worry about it?

slickrick

iTrader: (12)

you SHOULD not need one if you are pushing 400watts rms. but if your headlights somehow dim because of this, you do not need a cap, you need to do other things first.

friendhasmax

in the words of JMAX......make sure you have proper size power and ground cables for ur amp(s)...also replace, if u can, the wiring from the battery to chassis ground with atleast a 4awg wire, and also, if u can, replace the wires from alternator to battery and ground...

friendhasmax

what did u mean by "put them in a big box for that"?

if you meant that they will handle more power in a bigger box you are incorrect....subs handle closer to their rated RMS capability when they are in the smallest recommended box, not the largest.

slickrick

iTrader: (12)

no, i was saying in a bigger box it takes much less power imo for them to play loud.

MrJimmyHoffa

So Ive been looking around for amps, and I found this one HERE
Is this too much power for my subs since they only rated for 200wRMS?

MrJimmyHoffa

also if I am going to put them in a sealed box, do I want to use the max size or min size of cu ft suggested?

jmax

That amp is not too powerful. But check the RF site for accurate specs for that amp. I don't recognize the model number.

Box size depends on the sound you are looking for. In a smaller box the sub can handle more power, there will be a lower midbass resonance peak and the lows won't be as easilly reproduced. Larger box will be more efficient, more accurate, go lower and handle less power.