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Amp Spec Questions...??????????

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Old Apr 29, 2001 | 06:46 AM
  #1  
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ok i know that an amp rated at a lower voltage is more powerful then an amp rated at a higher voltage(same rms wattage), so how come some amps that supposedly put out more rms watts have a lower fuse rating.
for example in the crutchfield catalog:

RF punch 600.4 | (rms) 75w x 4 @13.8V | 50 amp fuse
US acoustics USX4085 | (rms) 85w x 4 @ 12.9V | 35 amp fuse

so why does the rockford, which has lower rated output use a higher amp fuse?
Old Apr 29, 2001 | 10:14 AM
  #2  
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Maybe..

Originally posted by Gunner
ok i know that an amp rated at a lower voltage is more powerful then an amp rated at a higher voltage(same rms wattage), so how come some amps that supposedly put out more rms watts have a lower fuse rating.
for example in the crutchfield catalog:

RF punch 600.4 | (rms) 75w x 4 @13.8V | 50 amp fuse
US acoustics USX4085 | (rms) 85w x 4 @ 12.9V | 35 amp fuse

so why does the rockford, which has lower rated output use a higher amp fuse?
hmm.. I'm not sure, but I think that the fuse rating has to do with the amp's power supply block rather than the "amplifier" per se. So that could explain it.

Just my $0.02
Old Apr 29, 2001 | 10:37 AM
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Rockford underates the power output of their amplifiers.
Thats why they have a higher fuse rating
What kind of system are you trying to hook up?

MaximaDave
Car Audio Mgr
San Diego, CA
Old Apr 29, 2001 | 11:29 AM
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Originally posted by Gunner
ok i know that an amp rated at a lower voltage is more powerful then an amp rated at a higher voltage(same rms wattage), so how come some amps that supposedly put out more rms watts have a lower fuse rating.
Not necessarily. That might not be true if one has a regulated power supply and the other has an unregulated power supply.
Old Apr 30, 2001 | 04:08 AM
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Originally posted by maximadave
Rockford underates the power output of their amplifiers.
Thats why they have a higher fuse rating
What kind of system are you trying to hook up?

MaximaDave
Car Audio Mgr
San Diego, CA
well, ive had a rockford amp for like 4 to 5 years now and it has served me well. but i wanna upgrade to maybe the new 600.4 and since i haven't owned any other amps, i'd like to stick with what worked for me. also i've heard many good things about rockford amps.
Old Apr 30, 2001 | 07:50 AM
  #6  
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The main reasons for fuse rating differences are the power supply requirements due to differences in amplifier efficiency..

In English: just like a honda can make 120hp and get 40miles/gallon compared to a chevy celibrity making 120hp and getting 25mpg.. the efficiency of the equipment is different, due to differences in design.

Of course, this doesn't mean an amp with a smaller fuse is always more efficient or better. some amps have HUGE power supplies for their rated power output.. this can produce a cleaner sound at high power, because the power supply isn't straining to give the amp the power it needs. But then again, the huge power supply could be due to poor overall design and poor efficiency.. so it'll sound okay but draw TONS of power.

blah blah blah.. I think I made my point.
Old May 1, 2001 | 08:01 PM
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The amperage ratings vary due in part to the different types of amplification. IE: Class A,AB,C,D. With D being the most efficient. The D amplifiers are digital and require less power than conventional amplifiers.
Old May 2, 2001 | 04:18 AM
  #8  
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Originally posted by edadams
The amperage ratings vary due in part to the different types of amplification. IE: Class A,AB,C,D. With D being the most efficient. The D amplifiers are digital and require less power than conventional amplifiers.

Class C is not used in car audio, and Class D is not "digital".
Old May 5, 2001 | 03:57 PM
  #9  
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Originally posted by maximadave
Rockford underates the power output of their amplifiers.
Thats why they have a higher fuse rating
What kind of system are you trying to hook up?

MaximaDave
Car Audio Mgr
San Diego, CA
i have four infinity kappas...components fronts (90w rms) and coax in the rear (70w rms). should i get a 600.4(75wx4rms) which i know will be more than enough or would a 400.4(50wx4rms) serve just as well?
i know that rockford underrates their amps, so what do you think i should get?
Old May 6, 2001 | 07:43 AM
  #10  
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Originally posted by Gunner


i have four infinity kappas...components fronts (90w rms) and coax in the rear (70w rms). should i get a 600.4(75wx4rms) which i know will be more than enough or would a 400.4(50wx4rms) serve just as well?
i know that rockford underrates their amps, so what do you think i should get?

The 400.4 will be plenty.
Old May 6, 2001 | 03:16 PM
  #11  
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Originally posted by Gunner
ok i know that an amp rated at a lower voltage is more powerful then an amp rated at a higher voltage(same rms wattage), so how come some amps that supposedly put out more rms watts have a lower fuse rating.
for example in the crutchfield catalog:

RF punch 600.4 | (rms) 75w x 4 @13.8V | 50 amp fuse
US acoustics USX4085 | (rms) 85w x 4 @ 12.9V | 35 amp fuse

so why does the rockford, which has lower rated output use a higher amp fuse?

it's all gotta deal with ohm's law my little grasshoppa....
Old May 6, 2001 | 04:33 PM
  #12  
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Originally posted by Micah95GLE



The 400.4 will be plenty.
thanks micah.. another question.. right now those kappas are running on an old rf 160.4 (20Wx4rms) will the 400.4 make a significant difference?
because its underpowered im afraid to turn up the volume too high cause it could damage the speakers, right? thanks again.
Old May 10, 2001 | 01:27 PM
  #13  
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Originally posted by Gunner
ok i know that an amp rated at a lower voltage is more powerful then an amp rated at a higher voltage(same rms wattage), so how come some amps that supposedly put out more rms watts have a lower fuse rating.
for example in the crutchfield catalog:

RF punch 600.4 | (rms) 75w x 4 @13.8V | 50 amp fuse
US acoustics USX4085 | (rms) 85w x 4 @ 12.9V | 35 amp fuse

so why does the rockford, which has lower rated output use a higher amp fuse?
Are the peak Wattages the same?
Also, depends on the max amount of current draw
during peak operation... specific for each amp.
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