Can a 400w subwoofer handle 600w continuously?

Question

Can this happen without blowing the woofer, or causing any other damage to my equipment. The reason I ask is because I have a friend with a similar set-up, and it has been going strong for years now, without problems. I recently hooked up a similar set-up, and blew the woofer in a matter of hours. I had the gain at only 1/3 and by no means was "over doing it" then it got quieter than it should have, I opened my trunk to check it out and smoke was rolling out of the port, and there was a horrific smell. I know this woofer is done for, but why would it go out like that when my friend has the same thing for years now? Any input would be great and appreciated. THANKS.

Answer 1

Manufacturers typically spec something at the worst-case, so it might perform better - 600 W - even though it's spec'd for 400 W.  Your friend got lucky and got a good one -- you got one that was closer to the bottom of acceptable for the manufacturer.

Also, computers have let manufacturers stop over-designing products by allowing them to model various parts better than in the past.  His may have accidentally been over-engineered, because it was cheaper to do that than use a large, expensive computer years ago.  With today's faster, smaller, cheaper computers, the manufacturer can more easily determine where to cut costs and still meet the 400 W power rating.

The specs are there for a reason -- performance isn't **guaranteed** when they are exceeded.   Unfortunately, you exceeded the specs based on your friend's experience and your woofer got burned for it.  :^(