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Amp rms vs. peak

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=17050
Printed Date: July 13, 2025 at 9:02 PM


Topic: Amp rms vs. peak

Posted By: potdragon
Subject: Amp rms vs. peak
Date Posted: August 02, 2003 at 12:20 PM

I was wondering if anyone could clear a few things up for me. when an amp, for instance alpines mrvf540, is rated at 80w X 4 its rms right? also, on the alpine spr 6X9s, i shortened to wire from the crossover to the speaker and am not sure if the larger hookups are for the tweet or sub? any help would uh... help. thanks



Replies:

Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: August 02, 2003 at 6:21 PM

The Alpine 540 is 80 watts X 4 RMS.  Not all amps advertise RMS values.  Some cheaper amps and head units like to advertise peak power, since the number is higher.  The RMS rating of an amp is generally the maximum continuous power available into 4 ohms at the listed distortion values.

While I don't know what Alpine 6X9 speakers you have, generally a coaxial with an external crossover uses larger spade terminals for the woofer and smaller ones for the tweeter.  It is very easy to check.  Just take a 1.5 volt battery and connet it to one set and see which driver makes noise...


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