The size of the amplifier you need for an 800 watt sub depends on a number of factors, including the subwoofer’s impedance, the desired sound pressure level (SPL), and the type of music you listen to.
Impedance
The impedance of a subwoofer is the electrical resistance that it presents to the amplifier. Subwoofers with lower impedances require more power from the amplifier.
Sound pressure level
The sound pressure level (SPL) is the loudness of the sound. SPL is measured in decibels (dB). A higher SPL means a louder sound.
Type of music
Different types of music have different bass frequencies. For example, hip hop and rap music have a lot of low-frequency bass, while classical music has less. If you listen to a lot of bass-heavy music, you will need an amplifier with a higher power output in order to achieve the desired SPL.
General rule of thumb
As a general rule of thumb, you should choose an amplifier with a power output of at least 800 watts RMS to power an 800 watt sub. This will ensure that the subwoofer is not being underpowered.
However, if you want to achieve very high SPLs, you may need to choose an amplifier with a power output of 1000 watts RMS or more. This is because subwoofers are typically less efficient than other types of speakers, and they require more power to produce the same SPL.
Other factors
In addition to the power output, the type of amplifier and the placement of the subwoofer can also affect the SPL. For example, a monoblock amplifier will produce more power than a two-channel amplifier. And placing the subwoofer in a corner of the room will also increase the SPL.
The size of the amplifier you need for an 800 watt sub depends on a number of factors, including the subwoofer’s impedance, the desired sound pressure level (SPL), and the type of music you listen to.
As a general rule of thumb, you should choose an amplifier with a power output of at least 800 watts RMS to power an 800 watt sub. However, if you want to achieve very high SPLs, you may need to choose an amplifier with a power output of 1000 watts RMS or more.
It is also important to choose an amplifier that is matched to the subwoofer’s impedance. If the amplifier’s output impedance is higher than the subwoofer’s impedance, the amplifier will not be able to deliver its full power to the subwoofer. And if the amplifier’s output impedance is lower than the subwoofer’s impedance, the amplifier may be damaged.
Here are some additional tips for choosing an amplifier for an 800 watt sub:
- Make sure that the amplifier is stable at the subwoofer’s impedance.
- Choose an amplifier with a power output that is at least equal to the subwoofer’s power handling rating.
- Consider the type of music you listen to and the desired SPL when choosing an amplifier.
- If you are unsure which amplifier to choose, consult with an audio expert.