pair a amp with my sub

GasHog369 · April 9, 2012

Bare with me as i am still learning about amps here...

So a while back i got a new box for my silverado that is custom made for under the back seat. Ive been running my old crap in there until now and want something decent. So i got some recommendations of what sub would fit the air space i have and most were pointing to the JL AUDIO 10W3V3-2 10".

I just ordered one off ebay as that was by far the cheapest price @ $179 http://www.ebay.com/itm/280858720623?ssPag...984.m1439.l2649

Now i am looking for a amp for it.. Buddy of mine is selling a used Rockford Fosgate 500-1bd . Specs are RMS Power Rating:

4 ohms: 250 watts x 1 chan.

2 ohms: 400 watts x 1 chan.

1 ohm: 500 watts x 1 chan.

So i take it by me going with a 2 ohm sub i am looking at the 400w x 1 chan..

The specs on my sub are .

Subwoofer Series W3v3

Subwoofer Size 10"

Peak Power Handling 1000 watts

RMS Power Handling 500 watts

Voice Coil(s) Single

Impedance (Per Voice Coil) 2 ohms

Am i going to get the most out of this sub with this amp or can you recommend something better?

He said $200 OBO so i can prob. get it for $170 or so.. Recommendations please.. Thanx in advance!

mossbum · April 9, 2012

that sounds like it will be a pretty good match up.

doodeediddledodindee · April 9, 2012

There is no way that sub is rated to hand that much power, JL w3 have relatively low power requirements so you might want to recheck that.

GasHog369 · April 10, 2012

There is no way that sub is rated to hand that much power, JL w3 have relatively low power requirements so you might want to recheck that.

Care to elaborate?

Specs taken right from jlaudio.com

10W3v3-2

W3v3 10-inch Subwoofer Driver (500 W, 2 ?)

This acclaimed subwoofer driver strikes an outstanding balance in power handling, enclosure requirements and excursion to deliver excellent results in medium power applications. Several exclusive JL Audio technologies and proprietary assembly techniques are applied to the 10W3v3 to enhance linearity and reliability.

The 10W3v3-2 is best used with amplifier power in the 150W - 500W range and is optimized to operate in a compact 0.625 cu. ft. (17.7 l) sealed enclosure, or a 1.25 cu. ft. (35.4 l) ported enclosure.

doodeediddledodindee · April 10, 2012

You just elaborated for yourself, see the chart they recommend about 300watts< that black warranty void zone doesn't mean it handles 1000watts

GasHog369 · April 10, 2012

You just elaborated for yourself, see the chart they recommend about 300watts< that black warranty void zone doesn't mean it handles 1000watts

RMS Watts is what that chart is showing. Not Peak max watts.

The original question was what amp would you recommend to match the sub. Not are the numbers that JL rates this sub correct.

doodeediddledodindee · April 10, 2012

That is a good and fair point about about what the original question was HOWEVER if you are going off the wrong numbers for the sub then it is pointless to try and match an amp to them. Also you should tune the amp to the desired watts with a meter when it is installed anyway so if the amp rating is over the sub rating it is no big deal as just turn it down. If I were you I would stick to the 300watt optimum recommended power with that sub if you want it to have clear sound and last a few years, if you want to replace it in a few months then go for more power.

arctictwist · April 11, 2012

You should be fine at 400 watts. As stated you could tune the amp lower if you know what your doing with a DMM. Of course thats just the amps rating, you dont really know what its actually pushing. Especially if you havent upgraded the electrical system to supply a steadier voltage to the amp. If you havent done the big 3, your amp will likely see less than 12.5 volts and those RMS ratings you supplied are at 14.4 volts.

GasHog369 · April 12, 2012

I ended up going with http://www.ebay.com/itm/270941180298?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 Alpine MRP-M500

This amp came as recommendation by a couple people for being great and fairly inexpensive.. Especially in that auction.

This amp will push 500 RMS according to specs so i definitely will have to keep the gain down to start off but at least i have room to go up if i should gernade the sub.. (which i will try not to do hopefully, lol)

Anyway my electrical setup is pretty well set. I have the big 3, 1/0 wiring.. 280 amp alternator , and odyssey battery . I have all this to power my compressors for my trainhorns . When the truck is running my gauge on the battery shows around 15.2 or so volts.

Thanx for the help

arctictwist · April 12, 2012

I doubt you'll grenade the sub. Good job with the electrical

parshal · April 12, 2012

I have that sub in the Stealthbox and I've got 500 watts RMS from the JL Audio XD900 to it and it's nice.

GasHog369 · April 13, 2012

I cant wait. I got the sub in the mail today and am amazed by the size of the magnet on it! Im second guessing if its going to fit the box i have..I was told it will by a local audio shop. we'll see.. This will be my first decent sub / amp setup. In the past i always just had my small mtx amp and a sub that was way under powered.

aesalazar · April 14, 2012

MTX? You are in for quite an upgrade then friend! I agree with the others, you will get PLENTY of great sound out of what you have. Dont get caught up with the power numbers - 300W is MORE then enough for the average person. Only reason to get more is if you want to be heard on the other side of town.

Ernie

GasHog369 · April 17, 2012

Installed the sub / amp today. Couldnt do much tweaking since it was getting late and neighbors dont like me allready because of my exhaust and horns, lol!

So far ive turned down the bose headunit base to about 1/4 way up only, and have the gain on the amp about half way. This seemed to help with distortion. I definately gotta find and tighten all the crap that is rattling now and shaking! I have to do some reading on the amp to see what the settings mean. Gain is obvious , but then there is EQ for the sub , and a LP ... something....