Audio noob here

I have an amp that puts out 125Wx2 @ 4ohms and recently blew a speaker. My setup came with my car and I dont think the gain was ever set correctly. I just ordered new speakers (Polk db650s) which are rated for 60W rms / 180W max and want to make sure I don't blow them too. How do I figure out what my gain should be set at, and what steps should I take not to blow them again? Since the amp is more powerful than the speakers can handle will it cause problems? I appreciate any input.

 

as long as the WRMS of the amp is around that of the speakers, you should be fine. Some people have said that it is good to overpower the speakers by 30%....I am not sure about the logic behind this. As long as the 125 x 2 amp is not 125WRMS, you should be fine.

John

 

[QUOTE=jwa4378,Jul 14 2005, 07:29 AM] as long as the WRMS of the amp is around that of the speakers, you should be fine.

 

STOP before you blow the speakers. I will talk to Phil and see what he says about this...he will probably chime in sometime soon. I have been told the MAX you want to overpower the speakers is by 30%. In this case, you are overpowering them by over 100%. I hope you have not damaged them already.

I would either get a lighter amp (125WRMS is kinda high for components, unless it is a competition system). I am looking for around a 50-60WRMS Memphis amp myself right now. Memphis amps are small enough that they can mount under the seats, or right behind them.

What is the amp brand and model number? So I can check the stats.

John

 

I don't have the new speakers in yet so don't worry. The amp came with the car, it's a Directed 400 (made by DEI). I can't find it on the net since it's probably an older model. There original speakers were also made by DEI but I'm not sure what model.

On the back of the amp it says:

125WRMS x 2 at 4 ohms

200wrms x 2 @ 2 ohms

400wrms x 1 @ 1 ohm

550wrms x 1 @ ???

It has a setting for LPF, FLAT, HPF, crossover from 50-500 and a Bass EQ switch.

 

Is there a model #?

 

I'll check... I might end up selling it for really cheap and buying a Profile AP400 (65 wrms x 2 @ 4 ohms) for $53.
http://store.yahoo.com/discountsonli...p402cham2.html

 

I, personally, do not Like Profile amps....just preference. Go and listen to amps prior to buying them. Make sure you are listening on comparable speakers as well (WRMS rating and sensitivity). Alpine makes good amps, so does Memphis audio. There are a few on ebay for around $200 that are 50WRMSx4 @ 4ohms. Make sure when you buy the amp that it is CEA-2006 compliant. If not, there is no guarantee that they are pushing "true" amperage. Most major brands (except for sony) are CEA-2006 compliant (Infinity, JL, Rockford Fosgatte, Pioneer, etc.).

If you are just looking for a better top-down cruising music, invest in some S-pods. They are like $250-ish and the speakers can be had for $40. They sound great and add the much needed rear channel. IMO, they are MUCH better than the stock Honda headrest speakers, are cheaper, and look much better (leather is matched to the interior of the car). PM "Marks2002" if interested.

john

 

this concerns me... it sounds like you've got full power (OEM speaker power) inputs going into pre-amp (RCA) stye inputs. this can cause a lot of damage.
can you clarify how you are inputing into the signal into the amp? does the amp have speaker level inputs? are you using a line level converter? (it'd be a box in between the HU and the amp)

 

[QUOTE=PJK3,Jul 14 2005, 12:31 PM]
this concerns me...