QuestionQUESTION: 1. I have two Sony Xplod subs, 1100W ea. i looked them up and it said, 300 RMS, so is this 300RMS each?
2. (depending on the answer of ? #1) i have a 1000w (380 output power) xplod amp, is this ok for my 2 subs? or can i use an amp with higher watts? it seems that it doesnt lift enough.
ANSWER: Hi Jorge,
300 watts RMS sounds about right for a Sony subwoofer (or at least, that sounds like the way Sony rates their subs). That will be the power handling capability of a single sub. If you connect both subs to an amplifier producing 600 watts, each sub would get 300.
Based on your description of the amplifier, I think you have the XM-ZR1852 (or one very similar). The "380-watt" and "1000-watt" ratings are max ratings, which means they're essentially meaningless. The RMS power output is rated at 185 watts per channel at 4 ohms. In my opinion, that's a fairly good match for these subwoofers. Note that you would not want to bridge the amplifier for this purpose; the only safe way to use this amplifier with two 4-ohm subwoofers is to run it in 2-channel mode, with a sub connected to each channel. If you're not satisfied with the volume you're getting with this amp, try disconnecting one of the subs and see if the bass gets any louder. If it does, re-connect the sub, but reverse the (+) and (-) connections.
If you want to use the subs with an amplifier with more power, then your best option would be a mono amp, not a 2-channel amp. You'd want to look for a mono amp rated up to 600 watts RMS at 2 ohms. However, the difference between 370 watts (which is what you're getting right now) and 600 watts isn't as much as you might think, as far as the volume level is concerned.
Hope this helps!
Brian
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: so my stereo has a small screen that i used to use to watch local channels... now with the digital transition thing i cant see anything, is there something for car stereos like there is digital converters for TV's?
AnswerHi Jorge,
I don't know of any DTV converters made for automotive use, although a few car audio manufacturers have announced plans to develop one within the next year or so. Right now, the only DTV converters used in vehicles are models designed for home use, and modified to operate from a 12VDC power source (or used with a power inverter). The feedback I've gotten on these installations has been pretty negative: for the most part, they don't work well at all if the vehicle is in motion. (Of course, hopefully you're not watching TV while you're driving anyway, so this might not be an issue).
Hope this helps!
Brian
