Mimimum Power for a Speaker?
12-26-2006 | 06:16 PM
#1
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From: Solebury, PA
Mimimum Power for a Speaker?
I'm installing some Infinity Reference 6.5s and it says they handle up to 180 watts peak power (60 watts RMS).
THIS is the head unit I'm using. The max power output is 50Wx4.
Right now I'm not planning on using an amp yet, but will this damage these speakers? Is there a minimum amount of power they need? Aren't you not supposed to go below the RMS watt rating?
THIS is the head unit I'm using. The max power output is 50Wx4.
Right now I'm not planning on using an amp yet, but will this damage these speakers? Is there a minimum amount of power they need? Aren't you not supposed to go below the RMS watt rating?
12-26-2006 | 06:24 PM
#2
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From: Seattle, WA
I've got some reference 6.5s and I just use a head unit that is 45x4. I haven't had any problems. The only reason you would need an amp is if you want to drive them more without distortion from the amp. But for normal driving 45w is plenty of power.
12-26-2006 | 06:35 PM
#3
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From: Minneapolis
It will be just fine.
You're not supposed to EXCEED the RMS value, for things can melt.
On the other hand, if you crank it up to the point of distortion, bad things can also happen (clipping=DC on the speaker=more melted goodness).
You're not supposed to EXCEED the RMS value, for things can melt.
On the other hand, if you crank it up to the point of distortion, bad things can also happen (clipping=DC on the speaker=more melted goodness).
12-26-2006 | 09:18 PM
#5
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From: Seattle, WA
Originally Posted by SpecialtyConcreteCoatings
Good, I just wanted to be sure.
Alxdgr8: What did you mount the speakers to? Wood? 1/4", 1/2"? Did you flush mount the tweeters? (I'm assuming you installed these in the rear...)
Alxdgr8: What did you mount the speakers to? Wood? 1/4", 1/2"? Did you flush mount the tweeters? (I'm assuming you installed these in the rear...)
12-26-2006 | 09:45 PM
#6
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From: Up Nort
Quality of the amp is far more important than the wattage rating.
I was running a 250 rms amp into a pair of speakers rated at 100watts peak for years, never had any issues. Underpowering a speaker will damage it in the form of distortion more than an amp with more power than a speaker is rated for.
I was running a 250 rms amp into a pair of speakers rated at 100watts peak for years, never had any issues. Underpowering a speaker will damage it in the form of distortion more than an amp with more power than a speaker is rated for.
12-26-2006 | 10:14 PM
#7
Burning Brakes
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Just so ya'll know, the output ratings on head units are complete BS. You'd be hard pressed to get 20 REAL watts per channel out of ANY had unit made. For power, external amps are the way to go if you can.
That said, there is no substitute for clean power. As long as the head unit puts out clean undistorted power and you don't crank it to 11 you'll be fine.
That said, there is no substitute for clean power. As long as the head unit puts out clean undistorted power and you don't crank it to 11 you'll be fine.
