rms/continuous vs max?

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=16786
Printed Date: July 28, 2025 at 10:32 AM

Topic: rms/continuous vs max?

Posted By: profuse007
Subject: rms/continuous vs max?
Date Posted: July 28, 2003 at 1:45 PM

rms/continuous vs max?

-what does the term rms/continuous mean? if it say it on the amp, am guessing that it is the initial power it output. is that correct?
-how about speakers? it also say nominal, am guessing thats continuous???? but how does that work? no clue....
-i guess that max is the max the unit can handle.

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Houston,TX
"The two most common elements in the universe are H+ and stupidity" (Ellison).

Replies:

Posted By: bberman1
Date Posted: July 28, 2003 at 3:00 PM

Here is a good tutorial https://www.eatel.net/~amptech/elecdisc/speakrat.htm

Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: July 29, 2003 at 1:27 AM

Root Mean Squared
RMS, Nominal, and Continuous power are all the same thing.

When dealing with Output (headunit, amps), the specified RMS is the rated power output per channel at that particular ohm load.

When dealing with Input (speakers, subs), the specified RMS is the recommended input wattage amout. The Max or Peak rating is where the sub would get destroyed most of the time.

-------------
Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
Donate to the12volt.com

Posted By: profuse007
Date Posted: July 29, 2003 at 9:48 PM

thanks squirrel

-------------
Houston,TX
"The two most common elements in the universe are H+ and stupidity" (Ellison).

Posted By: wvsquirrel
Date Posted: July 29, 2003 at 9:55 PM

no prob

-------------
Squirrel
"No more Cpt. Kirk chit chat"
If its too loud, then you're too old
Donate to the12volt.com