Need help with speakers and amp

[hotshyt]

I recently purchased a 600 watt rockford fosgate sub box... i was wondering what kind of amp should i use to power it... would a 1600 watt amp do the job... or does it not depend on the wattage of the amp

[shorod]

If the subwoofers are rated for 600W, you risk blowing the subs with a 1600 W amp if the amp is putting out anywhere near that amount of power.

Be careful when picking the amplifier, a quality amplifier will probably do more for you than a quality subwoofer. In the case of mids and highs, my suggestion would be opposite, a quality driver will be money better spent than on the amplifier there. "Quality amplifier" here does not necessarily mean "high dollar" if you know what the specs mean and how to understand them.

Subwoofers require a lot of current to produce bass. How well that current is transferred to the sub will determine how clean the bass output. Cheap amplifiers often will not provide very clean power to the subwoofer and will distort the waveform long before they provide anywhere near their "rated" power output.

Another important aspect of getting clean bass from your subwoofers is getting the current to the amplifier. Don't skimp on the power wiring and grounding of the amplifier. You will want to use large power cable with good, clean terminations and splices. Also, if you plan to use an amplifier of around 600 Watts to power the subs, and listen to your music loud, then you may want to consider installing a stiffening capacitor, performance battery, and upgrading your alternator.

Don't forget the fuse for the power wire. A general rule of thumb is 10 amps of fuse protection for every 100W of true amplifier power.

There are numerous other considerations here, I've just touched on them. If this did not make any sense to you, consider having your system professionally installed, or make sure your insurance is paid up and covers electrical fires due to aftermarket equipment.

-Rod