i am tryin to get either one 8" or a 10" sub. So my question is what size of an amp do i need or should i get?

For example, if i got a sub that was:
Capable of handling 300 watts (peak) and 150 watts RMS (continuous)

now based on that what type or size amp would i need?

thanks

 

using the example you have given do this: look for an amp that will be able to give you about 50-75 watts more at rms (meaning about 200-225 rms) than the sub is recommended to handle at rms. This will give you decent headroom and allow the sub to reach it's full potential on clean power with out having to max out the amps gain.

 

thanks a lot

 

so how bout for component speakers, would u get an amp that spits out roughly 15% extra wattage??

 

for components get at least 50 Watts/speaker RMS, more would be best if you like it loud sometimes. I have 100 watts RMS/speaker and mine scream when I want them too.

 

It just depends. i've seen some that if you give them anymore than what they are rated, they clip and distort. on the flip side of that i have seen some that are rated at 75 and can handle 500 with ease. just depend on what kind they are.