What happens when you wire 400 watt subwoofer to a 200 watt amplifier ?

Question

I want to wire a 400 watt sub to a 200 watt amp in my car but i don't know if it'll work

Answer 1

The difference between 200 watts and 400 watts is only about 3 dB of output.  It won't be "severely underpowered"; it just won't get quite as loud as it could with a more powerful amp.  Go ahead and try it out; if it's loud enough for your needs, then there's no problem.  You aren't going to damage anything by matching up these two components, as long as you set the gains properly.

Answer 2

It'll be severely underpowered.  You will have to run the amp full power to get even decent sound from the sub and the amp will be over run and not last long.  It's better to have more power in the amp and run it at lower gains to keep it from running hot.

Answer 3

it will be fine, you won't have any trouble until you hook a 400 watt amp to a 200 watt sub

Answer 4

It will be fine as long as you adjust the gain right.

The purpose of the gain is to match the signal volts RMS coming from the source (CD player, etc.) to the input of the amp to prevent clipping (damage by over powering).

Here is a guide that will help you set the gain correctly http://www.box.net/shared/uchv4dbk88

You'll need a multi-meter (AC voltmeter, $15 from Radio$hack), Microsoft Excel and a way to burn an audio CD from an MP3.

If you don't have Excel, use this link http://www.box.net/shared/nkkw1dhk4g

See my site for more info http://spkrbox1.spaces.live.com

Answer 5

It should work all right, but don't try it the other way around.

Answer 6

it will sound just fine as long as you have the right size box. and go ahead and turn that gain k**b up. Don't forget to buy the right wiring it's just as important.