Sundown Sa-8's broke down on me already!
11-18-2013, 02:32 AM
#11
I'm assuming that you've got 2 subs, both 4ohm DVC? If that's not the case, ignore the rest of this post.
If that is the case, you actually are overpowering the subs. People really hate to hear that, because they always see that peak rating and think, "Well the sub can handle more." Most of the time this is true, but there is a reason RMS is the preferred amp wattage to reference when matching an amp. Realistically, you've been giving these subs nearly 50% more than their RMS rating for some time now. Whether or not you've performed the famous "Big 3" or upgraded your electrical system is pretty insignificant at this wattage level, and is by no means a predictor of sub-advertised amplifier performance (especially with an F150 engine and alternator.. we're not talking a Kia Rio here).
I'm not trying to be rude or anything here, I've just seen this scenario play out dozens of times and everyone always thinks that it's the product. The common denominator is always a relatively large amount of excess wattage, but it's hard to make the consumer accept that. Could Sundown have over-engineered their product to prevent this kind of thing? Sure, but then you'd be paying more for it.
If that is the case, you actually are overpowering the subs. People really hate to hear that, because they always see that peak rating and think, "Well the sub can handle more." Most of the time this is true, but there is a reason RMS is the preferred amp wattage to reference when matching an amp. Realistically, you've been giving these subs nearly 50% more than their RMS rating for some time now. Whether or not you've performed the famous "Big 3" or upgraded your electrical system is pretty insignificant at this wattage level, and is by no means a predictor of sub-advertised amplifier performance (especially with an F150 engine and alternator.. we're not talking a Kia Rio here).
I'm not trying to be rude or anything here, I've just seen this scenario play out dozens of times and everyone always thinks that it's the product. The common denominator is always a relatively large amount of excess wattage, but it's hard to make the consumer accept that. Could Sundown have over-engineered their product to prevent this kind of thing? Sure, but then you'd be paying more for it.
11-18-2013, 03:58 AM
#12
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I'm assuming that you've got 2 subs, both 4ohm DVC? If that's not the case, ignore the rest of this post. If that is the case, you actually are overpowering the subs. People really hate to hear that, because they always see that peak rating and think, "Well the sub can handle more." Most of the time this is true, but there is a reason RMS is the preferred amp wattage to reference when matching an amp. Realistically, you've been giving these subs nearly 50% more than their RMS rating for some time now. Whether or not you've performed the famous "Big 3" or upgraded your electrical system is pretty insignificant at this wattage level, and is by no means a predictor of sub-advertised amplifier performance (especially with an F150 engine and alternator.. we're not talking a Kia Rio here). I'm not trying to be rude or anything here, I've just seen this scenario play out dozens of times and everyone always thinks that it's the product. The common denominator is always a relatively large amount of excess wattage, but it's hard to make the consumer accept that. Could Sundown have over-engineered their product to prevent this kind of thing? Sure, but then you'd be paying more for it.
11-18-2013, 09:25 AM
#13
It's all good, I'm always up for opinions on this kinda stuff. Yes I have 2 4ohm dvc sa-8v.2. So what you're saying is that an amp with 1200 watts give or take is too much power for these two subs which are rated at 600 rms each? That sounds like a perfect match to me. Have I read your post wrong or is that what you're saying? I've seen these subs perform with wayyyy more power than that and not get hurt, maybe my box has a part in this too. I really don't know for sure. There are so many variables and I'm not even close to being a professional when it comes to this but I am trying to learn as much I can. And yea after looking into it more I realize my main problem is the stock HU. It's getting replaced before I get them put back in for sure.
http://www.sundownaudio.com/index.ph...sa-series.html
Sorry, I didn't notice the new v2 version last night. I mean even at 50% over, I would expect a sub to handle the power. If I were running at 50% over, though, I would just realize that I'm probably not going to get much support from the manufacturer. I always tried to shoot for exact RMS, or just slightly above. With the v2 version, I would say you have a good Amp/Sub match. With the v1... I don't think I would have gone that high on the amp personally.
You are correct in that your enclosure can also be a huge factor here. Unfortunately I can't even begin to speculate on this without seeing all the exact details of its construction.
Last edited by Aeroneous; 11-18-2013 at 09:30 AM.
11-18-2013, 11:11 AM
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Yea you're right. I bought them from SSA and their site said 600rms in bold then the fine print below it said 500, wtf how did I not notice that before!! Oh well. They can handle way more as long as it's clean power not the crap I was apparently throwing at it ha.
12-01-2013, 05:12 AM
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Well as expected they wouldn't warranty the woofers but they did take care of me by offering me 2 brand new ones for 145 shipped and I'm happy with that. Lesson definitely learned. Got a dnx890hd and kinetic battery on the way to help prevent this clipping crap from happening again.
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SHORTSTACK (12-02-2013)
12-03-2013, 04:33 AM
#16
Senior Member
Well as expected they wouldn't warranty the woofers but they did take care of me by offering me 2 brand new ones for 145 shipped and I'm happy with that. Lesson definitely learned. Got a dnx890hd and kinetic battery on the way to help prevent this clipping crap from happening again.
12-03-2013, 06:51 AM
#17
Senior Member
I'm assuming that you've got 2 subs, both 4ohm DVC? If that's not the case, ignore the rest of this post.
If that is the case, you actually are overpowering the subs. People really hate to hear that, because they always see that peak rating and think, "Well the sub can handle more." Most of the time this is true, but there is a reason RMS is the preferred amp wattage to reference when matching an amp. Realistically, you've been giving these subs nearly 50% more than their RMS rating for some time now. Whether or not you've performed the famous "Big 3" or upgraded your electrical system is pretty insignificant at this wattage level, and is by no means a predictor of sub-advertised amplifier performance (especially with an F150 engine and alternator.. we're not talking a Kia Rio here).
I'm not trying to be rude or anything here, I've just seen this scenario play out dozens of times and everyone always thinks that it's the product. The common denominator is always a relatively large amount of excess wattage, but it's hard to make the consumer accept that. Could Sundown have over-engineered their product to prevent this kind of thing? Sure, but then you'd be paying more for it.
If that is the case, you actually are overpowering the subs. People really hate to hear that, because they always see that peak rating and think, "Well the sub can handle more." Most of the time this is true, but there is a reason RMS is the preferred amp wattage to reference when matching an amp. Realistically, you've been giving these subs nearly 50% more than their RMS rating for some time now. Whether or not you've performed the famous "Big 3" or upgraded your electrical system is pretty insignificant at this wattage level, and is by no means a predictor of sub-advertised amplifier performance (especially with an F150 engine and alternator.. we're not talking a Kia Rio here).
I'm not trying to be rude or anything here, I've just seen this scenario play out dozens of times and everyone always thinks that it's the product. The common denominator is always a relatively large amount of excess wattage, but it's hard to make the consumer accept that. Could Sundown have over-engineered their product to prevent this kind of thing? Sure, but then you'd be paying more for it.
For example, i have an audio technix at1200.1d. Now it says it can do 1200 on 13.4 volts @ 78% efficiency. So you minus that % and you get roughly 1056 watts @2 ohms.
On 14.4v i can get 1400 with 76% efficiency. See what im getting at? Of cours things change when ohm loads change but im sure you get the point.
If a sub says rms is 500w. You have 2 subs wired to 2 ohms you would need an amp thats a 1200-1500 watt rms rating in order to even get the rms for the subs. Efficiency, ohms, voltage= rms...
