Choosing a sub/amp package

Question

Ok so i know nothing about subs and amps. Except that I need an amp to power the subwoofers and I know a little about the differences in the power of the subs depending on the how big they are or high quality. My question is that subs say that they have for example a peak power of 2000 watts. Does that mean that I need a 2000 watt amp? Whats the relation between the wattage of the sub and the amp. I think once I learn that Ill be able to choose more intelligently I have a nissan altima 02 and I would like to put 2 12"s in or 2 really good 10"s

Answer 1

to teach you every thing about amps and subs would take a while to explain... the peak power means that is the most power it can produce on a short burst..rms is continuous power . . for two subs the total rms produced by the amp will be divided . half for 1 sub half for the other. your subs must be able to handle more than the amp to prevent damage to your subs. .my setup (sounds great) 1200 sony explod amp and 2 kicker cvr subs.   crutchfield helps alot!!!

Answer 2

You need to understand the difference between Peak and RMS.

RMS = the amount of power available to the subwoofer/amount subwoofer can handle at any given time.

Peak = the maximum amount of power the subwoofer can handle/amplifier can push out at any given time. Peak power may last for a split second, but generally speaking you're more likely to fall in right around the RMS range.