Breaking in a new system

My Fosgate Power550 should be here in a few days, my  Alpine Type R 12 has been sitting waiting to pound for 2 weeks allready.  Anyway, since both are brand new should I take any precautions?  Where should I initially set the gain and bass-boost?  The sub is 300W rms/1000W peak, the amp claims 550W rms @ 4 ohm bridged.  Thanks!!!

Always gently break in a sub for a minimum of a week of consistent use. Do not try and max it out in this time. Do not use the punch bass except at lower volume levels and as always make sure the gain control is kept as low as possible. You will probably have twice as much power in mono that your sub will safely be able to transfer into heat. Be careful about playing this system long and hard at a concsistent volume level, this much power in most cases causes sss. What is the voice coil configuration of your sub?

-------------
Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

Dual 2 ohm.  Do you think I'd be better off w less power?  RF also makes a Power450, even a new Punch 300.  Do these amps live up to their power ratings?--Alex

Rockford lists there amps power output under the worst possible conditions, not the best like other brands. So yes any Rockford amp will easily meet it's advertised rating and in 99% of the time exceed that rating. Power series amps have alittle better warranty (at least in Canada they do), a better crossover and power supply. It is worth the extra cake for the power series of amplifier. The one you have is a great amp, a little on the large side but if you ever want to upgrade your sub, you will not have to change the amp. I would keep it and try using it with as low a gain as possible and as little punch bass as possible.

-------------
Top Secret, I can tell you but then my wife will kill me.

Thanks, I'll use the amp sparingly. I just figured I'd get one that advertises 500W or so because so many amps put out less than they boast.  It's nice to know I made a good choice.  I just can't wait to hear this setup!

actually the rf amps are rated at 14.3 volts or higher which is generally a little higher than what the cars are gonna produce when using an amp and a stock altenator. Now if the gain is set correctly having to much power isnt gonna be a problem, as long as you listen to Rob.

-------------
double-secret reverse-osmosis speaker-cone-induced high-level interference distortion, Its a killer