how to measure power of system
1. Wattage is power and the only way to get the measurment is to have the volume turned up, drawing more amperage. There is nothing that is continuous about wattage in a variable volume stereo. 100x4 means that is the most that amp will put out usually before protection triggers.
You could by a db meter to see how loud your system is, but just looking at what an amp says is not any way to decide what wattage is.
Also, wattage is going to be dictated by the ohm rating of the speaker, so by your math, I could still use a couple 8 ohm subs in series and still have 1200 watts?
Evolving Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: Decatur IL
Both of these are false.
1. Wattage is power and the only way to get the measurment is to have the volume turned up, drawing more amperage. There is nothing that is continuous about wattage in a variable volume stereo. 100x4 means that is the most that amp will put out usually before protection triggers.
You could by a db meter to see how loud your system is, but just looking at what an amp says is not any way to decide what wattage is.
Also, wattage is going to be dictated by the ohm rating of the speaker, so by your math, I could still use a couple 8 ohm subs in series and still have 1200 watts?
1. Wattage is power and the only way to get the measurment is to have the volume turned up, drawing more amperage. There is nothing that is continuous about wattage in a variable volume stereo. 100x4 means that is the most that amp will put out usually before protection triggers.
You could by a db meter to see how loud your system is, but just looking at what an amp says is not any way to decide what wattage is.
Also, wattage is going to be dictated by the ohm rating of the speaker, so by your math, I could still use a couple 8 ohm subs in series and still have 1200 watts?
You want to know this number for bragging rights??
The more important number to worry about is how much current is being drawn by the system... (so you know what gauge wire you should be using, what size fuses..) but since your already hooked up..
Like previously stated you will need an Amp clamp with a peak hold, clamp it on your main power line from your battery and turn up the system.
If you can then get a Voltage reading from the power inputs on the amp... Then apply your ohms law math and you can get a "PEAK" Real world wattage number that your system is running. Dont expect it to be anywhere near the "PEAK" ratings on the amps combined.
The more important number to worry about is how much current is being drawn by the system... (so you know what gauge wire you should be using, what size fuses..) but since your already hooked up..
Like previously stated you will need an Amp clamp with a peak hold, clamp it on your main power line from your battery and turn up the system.
If you can then get a Voltage reading from the power inputs on the amp... Then apply your ohms law math and you can get a "PEAK" Real world wattage number that your system is running. Dont expect it to be anywhere near the "PEAK" ratings on the amps combined.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Irvine, CA
Hey are you having any problems with Your sound system drawing too much voltage and running your volts down? I posted a question alsot about regarding high output alternator it seems like everyone has had problems with low voltage after putting in big system
