What does the wattage of subs/amp tell?
10-28-2001, 02:32 PM
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What does the wattage of subs/amp tell?
I am kinda new to audio upgrading, so sorry if this seems like an obvious question. When manufacturers list the wattage for a specific product, what do they refer to, is it how much power is supplied? Also, for some subwoofers I noticed that two different ratings are given. For instance, one i was looking at listed continuous power handling at 500w, and music power handling at 1000. What's the difference? So, if anyone could give a general explanation of some kind on this, that'd be great. thanks
10-28-2001, 07:32 PM
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xjp122x:
"When manufacturers list the wattage for a specific product, what do they refer to, is it how much power is supplied?"
Yes. On amps it's how much is supplied...and of course you have to keep a few things in mind. First is how many channels...a 600 watt amp may sound great but if it has 6 channels that's only 100 watts per channel. You can bridge channels to basically combine them, but don't be misled by the total wattage rating. The second thing to take note of is what ohmage it is rated at. Power=(Volts)^2/Resistance...hence power is related to resistance by a 1/R rule. So an 800 watt amp at 1 ohm would be 400 watts at 2 ohms, 200 watts at 4 ohms, and 100 watts at 8 ohms.
"Also, for some subwoofers I noticed that two different ratings are given. For instance, one i was looking at listed continuous power handling at 500w, and music power handling at 1000. What's the difference?"
Speakers have peak power handling and continuous power handling. The analogy is if you have an ocean...the ocean has a certain height (the RMS value) but sometimes has waves (the peak value). The RMS value, or root-mean-square value, is just the continuous handling power of the speaker, how much power the speaker can take constantly. In music though you will have peaks and valleys, such as when bass hits in a song...and that's the peak value. It's how much maximum power that the circuit created by the speaker can actually pass without shorting or burning out. It's sort of a "how big of a wave" can the speaker take. In most speakers this number is double the RMS value. Unless you're going to professionally tune your stereo system, you'lll be more concerned with RMS value...hope that helped.
Austin519
"When manufacturers list the wattage for a specific product, what do they refer to, is it how much power is supplied?"
Yes. On amps it's how much is supplied...and of course you have to keep a few things in mind. First is how many channels...a 600 watt amp may sound great but if it has 6 channels that's only 100 watts per channel. You can bridge channels to basically combine them, but don't be misled by the total wattage rating. The second thing to take note of is what ohmage it is rated at. Power=(Volts)^2/Resistance...hence power is related to resistance by a 1/R rule. So an 800 watt amp at 1 ohm would be 400 watts at 2 ohms, 200 watts at 4 ohms, and 100 watts at 8 ohms.
"Also, for some subwoofers I noticed that two different ratings are given. For instance, one i was looking at listed continuous power handling at 500w, and music power handling at 1000. What's the difference?"
Speakers have peak power handling and continuous power handling. The analogy is if you have an ocean...the ocean has a certain height (the RMS value) but sometimes has waves (the peak value). The RMS value, or root-mean-square value, is just the continuous handling power of the speaker, how much power the speaker can take constantly. In music though you will have peaks and valleys, such as when bass hits in a song...and that's the peak value. It's how much maximum power that the circuit created by the speaker can actually pass without shorting or burning out. It's sort of a "how big of a wave" can the speaker take. In most speakers this number is double the RMS value. Unless you're going to professionally tune your stereo system, you'lll be more concerned with RMS value...hope that helped.
Austin519
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