Contents
How do I choose an amplifier?
Look for speakers with a top RMS rating of at least 50 watts RMS to go along with the amp. For larger vehicles and for those who just want more volume, you should step up to at least a 75 watts RMS per channel setup. A difference of 5 or 10 watts either way won’t make any difference and probably can’t even be heard.
Should power amps be turned all the way up?
The level controls of the power amps should be set so you maintain consistent gain staging throughout your system, while allowing ample headroom. If you need to turn them up all the way to achieve that (as is often the case) then you certainly should.
What should input level be set at?
First, keep your input signal peak between -12db and -6db. This will typically provide the best signal to noise ratio. It will also assure that your source signal has enough peak room to stay out of the clipping range.
How do you adjust the level of an amplifier?
Reconnect all the speakers, turn the head unit on and proceed to adjust the level balance between the subwoofer and satellite amplifiers. This is accomplished by listening to the system at a moderate level and turning down the input sensitivity controls of amplifiers that are playing too loudly.
What should the source volume be for an amplifier?
Set the source unit volume to 3/4 of full volume. This will allow for reasonable gain overlap with moderate clipping at full volume. Using the chart below, determine the target voltage for input sensitivity adjustment according to the nominal impedance of the speaker system connected to the amplifier outputs.
How is the power rating of an amplifier determined?
Most audio power amplifiers are rated for their Maximum Continuous Average (“RMS”) power output capability of an essentially undistorted signal to a specified load (speaker) impedance. Under certain conditions, a relationship exists between the peak power and the “RMS” power rating of an amplifier.
What should the input voltage of an amplifier be?
The input voltage MUST be within the range of the power supply. (More on this in the Input section.) The operating voltage (identified as V+ and/or V-) is often specified in a separate table and/or in the text of the datasheet. Way back when, it used to be that ±15 volts (or even higher) was the standard (bipolar or dual power supplies).