gain setting and amperage

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=61599
Printed Date: May 12, 2025 at 2:31 PM

Topic: gain setting and amperage

Posted By: TI240
Subject: gain setting and amperage
Date Posted: August 18, 2005 at 7:27 PM

this is probably a pretty novice question but...from what i can tell the sensitivity of an amp is the only thing being changed when the gain is set, power consuption remains the same. wouldn't it make sense if the speaker isn't as loud when the gain is at a lower sensitivity that power consumption would also go down?

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2005 Nissan Frontier - stock
comming soon...
Eclipse CD8443 deck
Eclipse PA5422 4-channel
Infinity Kappa Perfect 6.1 front
MBquart DKE116 rear
Eclipse SW9122 the 12's
Eclipse DA7232 bass amp

Replies:

Posted By: stevdart
Date Posted: August 18, 2005 at 7:46 PM

Yes that makes sense.

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Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: August 18, 2005 at 9:16 PM

An amplifier's output capability is not affected by input sensitivity settings as the amp will always have the ability to produce its maximum output. The input sensitivity (or gain) setting simply controls how the amplifier responds to its input voltage level. So yes, with a FIXED input voltage, changing the gain will change the power output and (directly proportionally) the power consumption. An amplifier will still be capable of its max output if you "lower" the gain, it just will take a hotter input to drive it there.

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Posted By: TI240
Date Posted: August 20, 2005 at 10:57 AM

oh ok, thanks for the info

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2005 Nissan Frontier - stock
comming soon...
Eclipse CD8443 deck
Eclipse PA5422 4-channel
Infinity Kappa Perfect 6.1 front
MBquart DKE116 rear
Eclipse SW9122 the 12's
Eclipse DA7232 bass amp