Audio Systems: What Size amplifier do i need?, ohm models, mtx speakers

Question
Hi,

Well I recently purchased two 10" MTX 5500 subwoofers. They have an RMS rating of 300 watts, they are single coil 4 ohm models. So what i want to know is what size amp do i need? The easy answer is a 600 watt RMS amp but do i want to run my amp at max potential all the time? Do i want a larger amp like an 800 watt or 1000 watt RMS amp that coulb be turned down? This might allow room for possible subwoofer upgrades in the future. Your input is greatly appreciated, thanks

John

Answer
It depends on the caliber of the amp (and how you load it) more than the power it is rated at.
I would suggest getting a GOOD 150-300 watt per channel RMS amp and then wire the speakers in series. This will let you run a table, 8 Ohm, mono load on the amp.
Depending on the amp, you might try parallel wiring for a 4 ohm mono load (such amps is costly, they may be more prone to damage and it will not sound as good (in my opinion) as an 8 ohm load.
If you really want the punch, return those for 8 ohm models and wire them in parallel for a gut wrenching 4 ohm, bridged mono load on the amp (a combined 2 ohm per channel rating).

If you want it to be louder in the future, add more speakers! Doubling the power will give you 3 Decibels, while doubling the amount of speakers will give you 6.

*FYI, I have never had great luck at all with MTX speakers at full RMS power. Guarantees are worthless if you have to replace speakers every other month.

These are just some ideas, nothing is written in stone and I hope this lends a hand in your efforts.

J Mael