i just got a couple alpine 10" type r's and i'm wondering if i need to put massive power into it or not. they're rated at 500rms with a maximum at 1500w . . . does that mean that i need a minimum of 500 watts going to each sub for it to sound good? also i was wondering if anyone knew where i could get an optima battery for cheaper than $150 and if you guys know of any good sound dampening material. this is what im looking at right now http://www.b-quiet.com/monte.html appreciate the help guys!

 

the RMS rating is the Constant usage rating.. meaning dont subject more than 500watts for extended periods... The 1500 watt rating is the amount they can handle for "burps" of bass for sound offs or very short blasts. Do not underpower those subs or you will wreck them. I would go with an amp that puts out at least 300watts rms per sub.

Berz out.

 

In that case you'd better not ever turn down the stereo below maximum or you'll blow them...

On a serious note, it is impossible to blow a subwoofer by underpowering it. As long as you don't crank the gains to make up for the power that isn't there, you will be fine with no matter what power you give it, just might not sound good sub-300 watts.

 

By underpowering a sub I mean dont get a 150watt amp and crank the gain to the max. That is underpowering. Not having a 1000 watt with the gain all the way down.

Berz out.

 

It doesnt really matter what amplifier you have, if it is a 1000 watt amp, the gain should be set to 1000 watts. The same goes for a 150 watt amp. The gain **** is not a volume ****. If you know what you are doing, the size of the amp does not matter.

 

thx for the help guys. did you guys check out the dampening material? what do you think about that?