It is impossible to hurt a sub by underpowering it. It is the distortion that kills it. People dont think it is loud enough so they turn it up more and then it blows because they cant hear it distorting.

The only time a sub will get damaged while underpowering it is when you improperly set the amplifiers gain control. If you force your amp into clipping, then your sub will eventually fry as a result.

To set the amps gain properly, You need to turn the Amplifiers gain all the way down, then turn your stereo up about 3/4 volume then turn your gain on the amplifier up until you hear distortion. Back the down until the distortion is gone.

You have just properly set your gain. If you decide that its too low in the car, dont turn the gain up or you will clip the amp and ruin your sub.

i was going to say that, you beat me to it..

I always read turn it up either all the way or as loud as all your other speakers go before they start distorting. Then adjust the amp. The reason I say this is what if you tune the amp at 3/4 then one day decide to turn it up all the way?

also, do this after you break in the sub.

Many many articles have been put up on the web regarding the proper way to set your gains. I have posted a few for you to read.

http://www.teamrocs.com/technical/pages/gains.htm
http://www.subwoofertools.com/forum/setgain.asp
http://www.bcae1.com/gaincon2.htm


The third link seems to be more informative with pics of how an amp gain works.


Happy readin

yup same here

Thanks for those links, that was very helpful.

Reading the manual for my amp online, it seems that the continuous power output @ 4 ohms is 100x1. Does this mean only 50 amps per voice coil?

It also says @ 2 ohms I get 1x175. Can I not wire my sub with a 2 ohm load? It does say the subs nominal impendance is 4...