Overpowering Subs W/ Clean Power

[bbeljefe]

A lot of good information so far. But... no one can say it's okay to over power subs by X amount, even if we assume nothing but clean signals will be played through it because there are myriad other factors involved. Box size and type are important variables as well as the primary type of music played through the sub. For instance, I might be able to over power a sub by a factor of 5 if all I ever listen to is classic rock. But if I listen to decaf, well... that sub probably won't fare well.

Another thing to consider is the compliance of the sub. If it has a low compliance (stiff) suspension, it'll be able to take a lot more over rated than a high compliance sub because it won't be so prone to reaching its mechanical limitations.

Ultimately, I would not recommend sending more than double rated power to your subs unless you're very well versed in how they act when stressed. And even then, I wouldn't recommend it unless your gains were set with a DD-1 or scope and on a 0dB track.

[alaskanzx5]

^ never thought about setting the gain with a 0db track when overpowering. that still something I need to learn about though. don't know much about the difference between 0 -5 -10db tack or anything of the sort. I should search for info on that now actually.

[SnowDrifter]

User experience is key.

I'm running 8k to a pair of 12s right now. Can play all day if I'm not stupid with it. Biggest thing at that point, especially with smaller subs, is to be careful of mechanical limitations. If I slip on the volume knob, at any frequency, I can bottom out my subs. They'll stink quick if I start jumping the gap (xmax) too. Just need to be aware of thermal and mechanical limitations. Understand that you can't always go full tilt. Need to have some restraint, and need to know your gear. You'll also need to make sure your box is up to par, both in size and strength

That being said, I've run 3.5k to a kicker comp 12, sundown SA 12, old RF punch 12s, sundown SA-8, aq hdc3 18, kenwood 8" (don't remember which one), crossfire XS-SPL 12s.

Know how many of those I blew? None.

[Krakin]

As long as the signal, which is the only thing that can be distorted, is clean.

I know that you probably know there are more forms of distortion than this, Rootxbeer, but there are other forms of distortion that can adversely affect the quality of the reproduced signal when over powering. However, if just looking for thermal reliability, distorted signals would be a huge mess up.

Edit: Spelling