Choosing the Right Amplifier for Your 800-Watt RMS Subwoofers
When setting up a home theater system or audio rig that involves two 800-watt RMS subwoofers, one of the most crucial questions to consider is the power requirements and specifications of the amplifier you need. This article delves into the critical factors and considerations to ensure you select the right amplifier to match your subwoofers for a high-quality sound experience.
Understanding Power Requirements
To ensure your subwoofers and amplifier work in harmony, you first need to assess the total power requirements and the appropriate amplifier specification.
Total RMS Power
If you have two subwoofers rated at 800 watts RMS each, the total RMS power requirement is calculated as:
Total RMS Power 800 W x 2 1600 W
Amplifier Rating
It's generally recommended to choose an amplifier that can provide around 75-150% of the total RMS power of your subwoofers for optimal performance. This ensures that you have enough headroom to handle peaks and avoid distortion.
Recommended Amplifier Size
Derived from the above recommendation:
Minimum Amplifier Power 1600 W x 0.75 1200 W Maximum Amplifier Power 1600 W x 1.5 2400 WFor two 800-watt RMS subwoofers, you should look for an amplifier that can deliver between 1200 watts and 2400 watts RMS.
Additional Considerations for Amplifier Selection
While power rating and impedance are important, there are other critical factors to consider when choosing the right amplifier for your subwoofers:
Impedance Matching
Ensure the amplifier is capable of handling the impedance of your subwoofers. Impedance, measured in ohms, affects the power output and ensures that your equipment performs optimally.
Type of Amplifier
Consider the type of amplifier you need. For extended use, a class D amplifier is efficient and can save energy, making it a practical choice.
Amplifier Features
Look for features like a built-in crossover, adjustable gain, and protection circuits. These features ensure that your subwoofers function safely and that the sound quality remains consistent.
Focusing on Driver Sensitivity
It's important to note that power ratings for loudspeakers can be misleading. The sensitivity of drivers is a crucial factor. Knowing the sensitivity number (measured in dB at 1 watt and 1 meter) provides a comparative benchmark for speaker performance. This number is often not provided in the spec sheet and requires specialized knowledge.
Sound companies often use twice the power rating because they ensure clean power going into the speakers. This approach is reliable due to their experience, whereas a layperson might damage the equipment by overloading the amplifier.
Conclusion
By considering the total RMS power, impedance matching, and other critical factors, you can choose an amplifier that will effectively power your 800-watt RMS subwoofers and deliver high-quality sound. Remember that the sensitivity of the drivers also plays a vital role, so ensure you gather all necessary information for optimal performance.