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testing amps and cd players

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=91555
Printed Date: July 03, 2025 at 9:16 AM


Topic: testing amps and cd players

Posted By: tabo
Subject: testing amps and cd players
Date Posted: March 11, 2007 at 3:31 PM

Hello,

I just bought several used amps and want to test them. I have two commercial 12 volt transformers and would like to know what amperage I should set them as? I know car heaters use only 4.7amps, how many amps do cd players need? I want to test the amps power as well with some 10 inch subs.

Best Regards,
Steven



Replies:

Posted By: Steven Kephart
Date Posted: March 11, 2007 at 7:14 PM

I would recommend checking what size fuse is on the amplifiers and using that.  Are you just trying to see if they work, or are you actually trying to find out how much power they produce?  If the former, then it might be easier to wire it to your vehicle battery and test it there. 

If you are trying to test actual power output, then you will need some equipment.  First, you would need a known resistance to act as a load.  A subwoofer won't work as it's impedance will change with frequency.  Just take your resistive load and a volt meter and you should be able to get an accurate measurement of power.  Just make sure the supply to your amplifier is hefty enough not to sag on you as that will effect your results.  Good luck!


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