Choosing an Amp

[craigsbird]

OK I have a 12" Rockford Fosgate Punch Stage 3 sub and I need to get an amp. I read that when picking an amp to get one that meets at least 70% of the speakers RMS power rating. Now does this mean the speakers peak RMS? The Speaker I have is "500 watts RMS/1000 watts peak" so I was looking at amps and I came across the rockford fosgate punch P5002 can anyone please tell me if this is a good amp. I am only pushing one speaker but I want it to sound perfect so I want an amp that is good for it not just one that will work. I was also told to get a 1 farad capacitor. Is this a good idea? Thanks for everyones help in advance.


P.S. What does everyone think about "Factory Refurbished" amps?

[speeding95camaro]

Speakers do not have "peak RMS." They have RMS and peak. They are 2 different things.

If you stay on brand, there won't be an issure of "that amp is too good for that sub," so just get a RF that matches the RMS of the sub. Get some good wires and you should be set.


oh, and one more thing. DO NOT. I REPEAT DO NOT GET A CAPACITOR. They are a waste of money. If you are only pushing 500 watts most of the time, it's no big deal. If dimming lights became an issue, get a new battery(SVR/optima) and/or HO alternator.

P.S.- I have a refurbished Premier amp. works fine, no problems.

[StrtRacer98]

Get an amp that will match RMS of the subwoofer.. one sub you can either go with a MONO, or a two channel amp bridged.
A 1. Farad capacitor can store 1000 watts. so if you get over a 1000 watt amp you will need to get a bigger capacitor.

a capacitor is good to have, but if you have that small of an amp, probably not neccesary
unless your looking for great performance

[kala]

Originally posted by speeding95camaro:
DO NOT. I REPEAT DO NOT GET A CAPACITOR. They are a waste of money.

x2000 ^^^^.....they are absolute waste of money...not only that, in my case , my capacitor shorted my whole system connection thus burning my amp. since your sub is 500 rms, I would recommend a amp with 500 to 550 Rms output. They reason you may go slightly higher is to utilize the whole power of the sub. if your sub is 500 rms and your amp is 500 rms you might never get your amp to output 500 rms without clipping or distorting. Also, a cleaner output would never blow a sub. my subs are 300 rms but i am pushing them with 355 rms each. they thump [img]graemlins/rock.gif[/img] . I had very good experience with MTX. My amp was rated 600 rms but my certificate from lab said 715 RMS. They offer very good bang for your buck.
To answer your second question,refurbished amps are fine. i bought one for my friend from ebay and it's still working fine.

[CAMAROWIDBASS]

I have a Viper D1200.1 brand new out the box i can sell you that will push that sub just fine.

[dmw319]

Originally posted by CAMAROWIDBASS:
I have a Viper D1200.1 brand new out the box i can sell you that will push that sub just fine.

not to kill the sale, but i dont think he needs that much power. he needs something around 5 or 6 hundred rms power.

i also second kala. get an MTX. my old one was underrated as well. they are great amps.

[StrtRacer98]

Ive had a few mtx amps burn out.. but they definatley were underated and did their job well

[StrtRacer98]

Or just keep the gain low.. so he has options to upgrade his sub later down the road without replacing his amp... if the price is right i'd buy...

[mwh27]

Originally posted by speeding95camaro:

oh, and one more thing. DO NOT. I REPEAT DO NOT GET A CAPACITOR. They are a waste of money. If you are only pushing 500 watts most of the time, it's no big deal. If dimming lights became an issue, get a new battery(SVR/optima) and/or HO alternator.

[Ronnie]

Originally posted by CAMAROWIDBASS:
I have a Viper D1200.1 brand new out the box i can sell you that will push that sub just fine.

how much are you selling the amp for?

[CAMAROWIDBASS]

Its brand new out of the box, im selling it for 215 shipped.

[StrtRacer98]

thats a good price for a D-class amp 1200 watts
shipped....