how to test amplifier real watts?

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=129540
Printed Date: May 11, 2025 at 9:25 PM

Topic: how to test amplifier real watts?

Posted By: pcguy760
Subject: how to test amplifier real watts?
Date Posted: December 05, 2011 at 2:06 PM

Can someone tell me how to test an amplifier's real wattage output (before clipping) to the speaker using a Multimeter or Amperage Clamp Meter? I have a signal generator cd which has various frequencies recorded on it - so which would be the best test frequency? Thanks!

Replies:

Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: December 05, 2011 at 6:05 PM

Here's a good article. https://www.bcae1.com/measpwr.htm

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Posted By: oldspark
Date Posted: December 06, 2011 at 1:46 AM

I'd suggest a true-RMS power meter and your speaker.
Maybe a true-RMS ammeter will suffice assuming the rail voltages remain nearly constant.
Take ammeter readings when unacceptable becomes acceptable distortion (try various sound profiles) and that is your system's max RMS output.

And both the above include the resistive heat lost to the water etc.
(And don't mix water with electricity! It tastes tingly - but kids - don't try it - unless under approved parental supervision.)

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