This is a question about RMS wattage, amp sizes, and sub sizes:

Let's say I have 2 Kicker L7 12" subwoofers - each 750watt RMS peak power

What size amp would I need to run these on? Also: Is it bad to have an amp that is more powerful than the subs (ie: blow the subs)? Is it bad to have an underpowered amp?


Thanks,

Mike

 

In a perfect world you should have two amps both putting out slightly more than the rated RMS of each sub. You said "750watt RMS peak power" which is a contradictory statement - its either peak OR RMS, not both.

I'm saying two amps because most inverter based amps begin to lose efficiency over 1000watts RMS and you will wind up with more heat and a higher THD with one than with two separate.

Overpowered is always better. Simply turning the gain down to below the preamp voltage will result in a lower RMS rating.

Having too little power will result in overdriving the amp and sending raw ac current through the sub which will blow it just as easily as over powering it.

 

so should i use 2 kicker 750watt amps?

 

kicker amps are shady at best with their RMS ratings. At least get an Alpine if you want something cheap... and after all the typing I deserve rep points.

 

I Give Rep Points If I Can!!!!

Finally Someone Who Understands Proper Power

 

ok, I'm still fairly new to TR so I still dont really understand rep points but:

here are the specs on the L7:

KICKER SOLOBARIC L7 S12L7 12" CAR SUB SUBWOOFER '04 MOD

Brand: Kicker
Condition: Factory Renewed
Frequency Response: 20Hz-100Hz
Efficiency: 87.4dB
Impedance: Dual 2 Ohm
RMS Power Handling: 750
Peak Power Handling: 1500
Mounting Depth: 6-13/16 Inch
Size : 12 Inch

should i get a 750watt amp? I'm looking at the kicker amps and they are actually pretty expensive lol

 

Two Kicker 600.1 should offer enough power for them to hit clean Or if you have the cash two 1250.1 tuned to the proper power will be nice or try the 2500.1 I've never heard it myself...

I would buy two Alpine MRD-1005s - $500 will never sound so good.

 

well i was listening to the amps on an l7 at circuitcity and the kicker amp definately sounded the best, it made the sub hit so much harder

 

I have the exct subs (2) 12" L7 ('04). It all depends on how much you want outta your subs. I went along with the SX1250.1 .My amp puts out "1250" watts, persay. And the kickers are 750 RMS...you want at least 70% power going to your subs for a good sound. With the Mono Channel amp, I can get the same RMS to each sub without 2 amps taking up my trunk. Since the amp has A DSP, it was easier for me to fine tune the gain, boost, lo-cut, etc. so as not to harm the sub. If you go with another amp, I would highly recommend you get an equilizer to get the best sound outta your subs, no matter what amp you have.

My system is up for sale if your intrested...
(2) 12" L7's
(1) Kicker SX1250.1 DSP Amplifier
(1) 1.2 Farad Tsunami Cap
Custom built(By State of the Art Customs) 3/4 MDF Bandpass enclosure

I don't know what kind of car you were planning on putting this in, but I would be glad to part out if needed.

You also need to think about powering the amp. You cannot run this kind of equipment off a stock alternator, battery, etc.
The capacitor can only help out so much, but is definately a safe thing to have.