You are here:

Audio Systems/What size amp do I need?

Advertisement


Question
I have 4 10" Kicker CVRs and I have a 2000 watt DHD Power Crusier amp and my speakers keep shutting off. I was wanting to get a higher watt amp but im not sure of what size I would need. I was looking at a 5500 watt Power Acoustik amp. Is that ok?

Answer
Chances are it is not kicking out due to power being too small.  More likely it is due to other factors such as wrong load impedance,  overdriving it, shorted voice coil among one of the subs or too small power supply (battery and alternator in your vehicle).

That being said, the amp you have is not 2000W but the specs on this model are only

# Channels: 2
# Maximum Power: 2000W
# Total Power @ 2 Ohms: 350W
# Total Power @ 4 Ohms: 250W
# Total Power Bridged: 700W

as stated in the spec sheet.  So, depending on how you have it wired up you are getting at most 700w.

The Power Acoustik drives into 1 ohm, thus allowing you to put all 4 of the Kickers in parallel to get about 3 times the power.  This will give you around 5db greater output from the rascals.

But, it will also require you to beef up the 12v system in your vehicle unless you already have an oversize battery and alternator system.....

Best wishes,


c

Audio Systems

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Cleggsan

Expertise

Audio Design Engineer; systems, loudspeakers, cd/dvd players, etc. I am knowledgeable in all high end audio equipment and installations. MAKE SURE YOU GIVE A MAKE AND MODEL NUMBER AND CAR IF IT IS AN AUTO QUESTION. Note: I am getting some who ask good questions that take a lot of time to research but then the questioner fails to read the answer. Please don't ask questions unless you are seriously looking for an answer. If you find an answer to your question otherwise then let me know with your reply. Thank you.

Experience

Have been associated with audio design, standards, testing and component systems for over 40 years.

Organizations
Life Fellow Member of Audio Engineering Society Life Senior Member of Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers

Publications
Review technical manuscripts for IEEE Spectrum Write occasionally for high-end audio publications

Education/Credentials
BSEE/MSCS/MBA

Past/Present Clients
Past Employee/advisor to several well known audio products manufacturers

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.