Amp gain Question

[Fozz]

I wanted to know if I could use a 600 watt rms amp with a 400 watt rms rated sub if I just turn down the gain on the amp. The amp is a Hifonics Zeus z6000 I am getting used for $75 and the sub is a 12" Kenwood KFC-W3011 that I am getting for $59 new. Thanks!

 

[Burns]

I would do it

 

[kelly2]

yes

 

[mecp_316]

it doesnt matter how much power you hook up to a driver (subwoofer) its distortion that destroys the driver (in theroy) so id go for it just listen closly when tuning it not to over do it
Good Luck!!! :exp:

 

[DOZIER]

That is exactly true, except for the fact that we humans don't hear distortion until it has already been 10% distorted. To truely set it you need to understand how to set it either with an osciliscope or with a one watt speaker from radio shack. Technical I know. Just set the gain until it starts distorting, turn it down until you cannot hear it distort any more, and then turn it down a little further because it is distorting even though you cannot hear it.

 

[aznboi3644]

it doesnt matter how much power you hook up to a driver (subwoofer) its distortion that destroys the driver (in theroy) so id go for it just listen closly when tuning it not to over do it
Good Luck!!! :exp:

you are a noob if you think that too much power cannot kill a speaker. Too much power = exceeding the voice coils thermal limits if the mechanical limits have not been exceeded.

Saying distortion is the only thing that kills speakers is bogus

 

[DOZIER]

You can over power a subwoofer in a sealed enclosure that is less than the required size for sealed and will be fine. Example...If you put a 1000 watt rms subwoofer in a sealed enclosure that requires 2.0 cubic feet and you stick it in a 1.25 cubic foot enclosure, you can over power it because it takes that much more pressure to get the same result as the reccomended volume. I hope I am not confusing anyone here. It is ok to over power a subwoofer if it is not distorting it in a smaller enclosure. If the enclosure is larger than reccomended size, then you want to under power a little bit because it moves so much easier and thus over extending the suspension.

 

[aznboi3644]

You can over power a subwoofer in a sealed enclosure that is less than the required size for sealed and will be fine. Example...If you put a 1000 watt rms subwoofer in a sealed enclosure that requires 2.0 cubic feet and you stick it in a 1.25 cubic foot enclosure, you can over power it because it takes that much more pressure to get the same result as the reccomended volume. I hope I am not confusing anyone here. It is ok to over power a subwoofer if it is not distorting it in a smaller enclosure. If the enclosure is larger than reccomended size, then you want to under power a little bit because it moves so much easier and thus over extending the suspension.

smaller sealed enclosure only raises the mechanical power handling. Thermal doesn't change significantly

 

[sjr033]

The Kenwood sub is rated for 400 rms/1200 peak. The amp is 600 but is that rms or peak. Either way I don't think it should be a problem. Even if you do end up "cooking" the sub you are only out $59.

 

[aznboi3644]

Just set the gain with a DMM so you are close to 400 watts

 

[Infinity08]

you are a noob if you think that too much power cannot kill a speaker. Too much power = exceeding the voice coils thermal limits if the mechanical limits have not been exceeded.

Saying distortion is the only thing that kills speakers is bogus

Hell, distortion doesn't hurt speakers or it would be impossible to listen to any 90's grunge (not that it's easy to handle Nirvana anyway . Other than physically breaking something on a driver, power is the ONLY way to blow a speaker.
FWIW, I have ran at least 2x the RMS rating of every speaker I own, and I've never blown a driver in my own car...well, save for one, but it took some doing It was an OLD JBL rated at 100 rms, and I was pounding it with >750 in a ported enclosure, likely below tuning.

 

[aznboi3644]

When I talk about distortion I am talking about a clipped signal. I also said that exceeding the voice coils thermal limits and the suspensions mechanical limits are the two main ways to kill a speaker

 

[DOZIER]

^^^Exactly. I think I mis worded the last post. I am on the same page with you AZN. By the way. I am Adam. Nice to see someone on here who knows what they are talking about.

 

[Infinity08]

When I talk about distortion I am talking about a clipped signal. I also said that exceeding the voice coils thermal limits and the suspensions mechanical limits are the two main ways to kill a speaker

Yes, I was agreeing with you. Sorry it didn't come out that way, but I agree with what you said. Clipped signals from powerful amps are bad, Mkay

 

[aznboi3644]

lol its cool...its hard to interpret how people are saying something on a forum you know...its good.

We all agree on the same things...good

BTW...my name is Nam. It is nice to see people here that know a little more than amp positive wire goes to the battery positive.

 

[Infinity08]

Pleased to meet you, Nam. I'm Aaron. I've been playing with audio for over 20 years, 15 in cars, and it's a hobby that I just simply enjoy. I never do it professionally, 'because I would stop enjoying it then.