audio question

G.P_XJ

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Centennial, CO
I bought a 12 inch pioneer sub (in a vented box) from a friend but he didnt have an amp for it, so i went to a local pawn shop and picked up a Kenwood 250 watt amp (KAC-5201) that was in great working shape. And i'll be running an 8 gauge wire kit.

Is the 250 watts enough to power a single 12" sub? Does anyone see any problems or concerns with this set up?


Thanks in advance
-Garrett
 
It should be good just remember not to turn the amp gain anything more than 2/3rd's to 3/4's or it will sound like crap. I will power it ok but you might want more later? You don't need alot of power for a vented box. The sub moves more freely than in a sealed box that for sure!
 
Just as a small example way back when I first started to compete in SPL comp's I only had 1 12" Kicker comp VR sub in a sealed box running a 230 watt amp on it and hit 133.4Db with it and that was the box in a trunk of a '93 Cavalier! So it should do fine in your XJ thats for sure. Just point the sub to the back of the truck it will sound better when the sound waves bounce off the rear of the truck. If you have a selectable crossover on the amp (which it should if it's a sub amp) set it for about 100-120 Htz you will be more happy with it there. That way you will be picking up the lower end of your mids as well and taking on some of the sounds your full range speakers can not handle all that well.

Hope that helps some for ya? I did compete for about 5 years or so about 11 years ago so I have a bit of time working with my systems for sure! I have allways built my own boxes and wired all my own stuff. if you go here http://progressivecaraudio.tripod.com/event_results.htm
and look under the "Stock Class 261-360" for Jody Rimmington that was me back in the day just as an example for ya?
 
alright so i got the sub and amp installed today and i am VERY happy with the end product. I ended up having the sub backed up against the passanger side rear fender and the amp under the rear seat. Works pretty well, now i just need all new speakers.
 
you must match the RMS (continuous) wattage between amp and sub other wise the sub will prematurely blow.

subs & amps tend to be 50% efficient or less
 
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