underpowering subs?

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=116015
Printed Date: May 09, 2025 at 10:21 PM

Topic: underpowering subs?

Posted By: livinloud247
Subject: underpowering subs?
Date Posted: August 31, 2009 at 1:24 PM

Will underpowering subs do anything to their performance? Will they sound bad?

I'm looking to maybe push the RF P3 shallow mounts, 10's or 12's with the Kenwood KAC-X10D Amplifier. It would push 300 rms to each sub. This is exactly what the 10's ask for, but what about pushing 300 out of 400 rms to the 12's?

Replies:

Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: August 31, 2009 at 1:54 PM

It will make them play at less than their max SPL capability. That's it, as long as the amplifier gain is set correctly.

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Posted By: livinloud247
Date Posted: August 31, 2009 at 4:17 PM

Ok, and what would you recommend setting the gain to based on rms from the amp to rms handling power on the subs?

Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: August 31, 2009 at 6:37 PM

I recommend setting the gain to match the output level from your head unit. At 300 watts max it is not going to harm the subs as long as it is not clipping.

https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp~TID~85479~PN~1

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