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ICE question
Posted: 08 Apr 2006, 21:07
by TechtroT25
Just bought some new speakers for the bus (2x10 inch subs ,4 inch mids and 13mm tweeters 2x remote crossovers ) subs are 200 watts per channel question is wot size amp if any do i need as crossovers have connection for amp got the choice of either 800 or 1600 watt amps is it the case of bigger is better cheers Stef
Posted: 08 Apr 2006, 22:50
by Simon Baxter
You want an amp that will run at 75% of the rated output of the speaker(s)
If the speaker is rated at 400w, you want a 300w amp.
If it's 2 subs your running then you'll want a 2x300w amp.
If that makes sence.
So, for yours your going to want a 2x150w amp for the subs.
Those big amps will probably kill off those speakers.
Thats presuming they are 2 channel amps?
Posted: 08 Apr 2006, 22:56
by TechtroT25
The amps are 4 channel i was gonna run a 350w 2 channel amp but was advised not to good job cos it was broke anyway does it make any difference be it 2 channel or 4 oh by the way happr 1st birthday Si
Posted: 08 Apr 2006, 23:00
by Simon Baxter
What are the rest of the speakers rated at?
Posted: 08 Apr 2006, 23:07
by TechtroT25
Thats a good question i bought the set as a 3 way component system if that is any good will have a look tomorrow and post it up cheers
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 09:07
by DiscoDave
i have fitted this sort of set up before! from experiance the mid an top will bringup the overall wattage to about 400W. if you use the 800w amp you will have to make sure you set it up right and are very desciplined with the volume!! otherwise like si says get and amp rated at 75%!!
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 10:22
by tonytech
I dont do ICE but in the Public address world I use amps rated higher than the speakers and keep the volume below max.
The reasoning is that a amp run at its limit can produce large spikes well beyond the capabilities of the cabinets.
Swings and roundabouts.
Just keep an ear open for distortion.
T
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 11:23
by DiscoDave
but in public address i'm guessing you would use 100v line systems?? in which case you need to be more careful not to over load the amp rather than the spaekers!! still i allways found that a bigger amp is better for when you want bigger speakers!! 
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 12:23
by airhead
Simon Baxter wrote:You want an amp that will run at 75% of the rated output of the speaker(s)
If the speaker is rated at 400w, you want a 300w amp.
If it's 2 subs your running then you'll want a 2x300w amp.
If that makes sence.
So, for yours your going to want a 2x150w amp for the subs.
Those big amps will probably kill off those speakers.
Thats presuming they are 2 channel amps?
No tis the other way around mate. You dont want the amp clipping cause it will blow the crap out of the speakers anyway then. Certainly in professional sound systems the amps are always about 20% more powerful than the speakers. Then you just turn the volume control on the amp down to a point where the speakers arent being overloaded. Oh and Stef, are you sure theyre 200w RMS each? RMS watts and boy racer (PMPO) watts are 2 different things. Thats why yo hear of these lads who have like 2000 watts in their car, where in real terms it might only be about 500 watts (still pretty respectable though I have to say).
(Ross Kelly, Professional sound engineer
)
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 13:14
by DiscoDave
pmpo??? whats that? i know rms but not heard of this one before!!
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 13:44
by airhead
Peak music power output. Sometimes referred to as peak, power handling, or music power. Its basically the point in RMS watts at which the speaker blows. It can be different for different speaker manufacturers even when RMS watts are the same.
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 13:59
by pimpdriver
and don't forget about speaker sensitivities either.... that is the reason Cerwin Vega are so loud, very sensitive.
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 14:03
by TechtroT25
Just read the destructions and from wot i can figure out they are 200w max does this make any sense i havent got a clue when it comes to this stuff
got them off fleabay heres the item number 5856682725 if anyone can have look at the specs and let me know cheers
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 15:49
by Sven
My system is rated at a staggering 8W of pure music power.......ROCK ON.....
S
Posted: 09 Apr 2006, 16:45
by DiscoDave
max input 200w roughly equates to 150W rms so you are looking for an amp that has 2 channels at 150w each i would sugest this but set it up right and make sure the gain is low enough not to clip the speakers!! i used to have magnat stuff in my van seriously quiality kit! not enough room for ten subs when you got it kitted out as a camper! oh and yess you'll be able to fit the 10" subs in the front doors with slight mods!! 