This has been chewing at me for a while and I need to know.
The manual specs says the continuous output power is;
Into 4ohms stereo @ 12.5 vdc (IASCA/USAC) 18 x 4
Into 4ohms stereo @ 14.4 vdc 75 x 4
This is a little scary cuz whenever I listen to the system with the engine off, it will very soon drop below 13 volts at the battery, which according to the manual will give less than 1/4 of the amp's rated power. For that matter, if I don't do the big 3, I may never be getting 14.4 to the amp even with the engine running.
Is this voltage/output ratio typical of all amps, with the possible exception of D class? Or is it more typical of PG amps and other class A/B performance amps?
If it's not typical of all amps, then would it also apply to my old Clarion APA4162?
And what does this "IASCA/USAC" mean?
The more info you can provide, the better. Thanks!
'Q' about Battery volts & amp rms out
IASCA and USAC used ratings that were based on a 12.5 volt situation. Listening with the car off is no biggie, but I always listen to mine running since voltage dropping could cause problems. If the voltage gets too low, the car won't start, and I have seen it in the past where the stereo could be damaged.
I live in teneessee and it's usually too hot or too cold to listen with out the heat or a/c so I always just play it safe!!!
I live in teneessee and it's usually too hot or too cold to listen with out the heat or a/c so I always just play it safe!!!
Do not worry too much about the power drop , it will not be as great or even noticible as the manual says, these ratings were done in the heyday of competetion where you were classed by the amp power, a lot of manufatureres (RF , PG , Soundstream , Orion) all created cheater amps.
These amps stated a lower IASCA/USAC ratings so that you could compete with an amp which made more real world power but in a lower class.
Like the M25 , it never actually made 25 x 2, it always made above 50rms, even with engine off, but because of the 25x 2 rating you were in the 0-99w class , instead of the 100-300w class.
Back in the day if you had more then 600w total amp power it was a lot, thats why a lot of the amps had such underated stats.
A decent M100 would make 165rms easily , but they rated it at 100rms. with the MS and MQ amps , the rating was just there for classification in competetion.
These amps stated a lower IASCA/USAC ratings so that you could compete with an amp which made more real world power but in a lower class.
Like the M25 , it never actually made 25 x 2, it always made above 50rms, even with engine off, but because of the 25x 2 rating you were in the 0-99w class , instead of the 100-300w class.
Back in the day if you had more then 600w total amp power it was a lot, thats why a lot of the amps had such underated stats.
A decent M100 would make 165rms easily , but they rated it at 100rms. with the MS and MQ amps , the rating was just there for classification in competetion.
AKA Shaheenk
Much thanks guys!
That's interesting... I've heard about these cheater amps.
Athletes lie about steroid use, and amp manufacturers lie about wattage.
So like many sporting events, it's not really about playing the game and the spirit of competition - it's all about winning.
It's not about being the best - it's about other people 'thinking' you're the best.
That's interesting... I've heard about these cheater amps.
Athletes lie about steroid use, and amp manufacturers lie about wattage.
So like many sporting events, it's not really about playing the game and the spirit of competition - it's all about winning.
It's not about being the best - it's about other people 'thinking' you're the best.
No , the cheater amps were wonderful , no one lied about anything, amp manufaturers still gave their true ratings, but at 14.4v instead of 12. Everyone knew what the other was making, Orion had a 2 x 1/4w amp too.
check it out , Concept 97.1.
this was one of the reasons IASCA and USAC changed their rules.It was a loophole that they used, not a reason to cheat.
Right now there are still loopholes in the system, using them to your advantage is not always a bd thing
check it out , Concept 97.1.
this was one of the reasons IASCA and USAC changed their rules.It was a loophole that they used, not a reason to cheat.
Right now there are still loopholes in the system, using them to your advantage is not always a bd thing
AKA Shaheenk
OK, I think I see where you're coming from.
An Orion amp rated at 2 x 1/4w huh?
Well maybe everyone knew what the other was making but that rating and the one in my manual are not true ratings and were intentionally misrepresented. Although that is technically a lie, I do see the spirit in which it was intended based on what you say.
Hey, no problem - I'm just glad to know that my amp isn't becoming a pathetic wimp when the voltage drops.
Thanks shaheen
An Orion amp rated at 2 x 1/4w huh?
Well maybe everyone knew what the other was making but that rating and the one in my manual are not true ratings and were intentionally misrepresented. Although that is technically a lie, I do see the spirit in which it was intended based on what you say.
Hey, no problem - I'm just glad to know that my amp isn't becoming a pathetic wimp when the voltage drops.
Thanks shaheen