Car Stereos: amp size, watts rms, 4 ohms

Question
I have 1 18'MA AUDIO,IN A SUBURBAN & in sealed box.what size amp do i need?

Answer
d.j., that is always a loaded question.  It depends on what you want.  If you want good sounding bass with your normal stereo, you would look for an amp with 50 - 70 watts rms by 1 channel at 2 ohms.  If you want the loudest most whacked out suburban in town, you can go up to an amp with 550 watts rms by 1 channel at 2 ohms.  That amp would be rated 225 watts rms by 1 channel at 4 ohms.  You are more apt to find a 4 ohm rating on an amp versus a 2 ohm rating.  If you go with the larger amp, you probably will not be able to sit in the truck when cranked up all the way.  300 watts is usually a breaking point between what you can stand and what actually hurts.  50 - 70 watts will give you enough power to even out the highs and lows of your system and give you a broad range of sound with your system, and it will still be noticed by other drivers.  Hope this helps, Scott