Originally posted by DaHNIC:
How do you calculate how much wattage your system is?
ok. basically the speaker's suggested or maximum power capability is not the way to figure your system's power. you need to rely on the number from your amplifiers alone. if you have a head unit that produces 10 watts RMS for 4 channels, you have 40 watts RMS of power. if you have that same head unit and (2) 100 watt RMS amps running 10 subwoofers all rated at 1000 watts each, you only have 200 watts RMS, not 10000 watts. so in total, you will have 200+40 watts = 240 watts of power RMS.
you generally don't want to measure your system by its peak power. amps that are rated 10 watts RMS can produce signals with "peak" power of a couple hundred watts. but that transient signal is so short, that it is hardly measurable, let alone audible.
lastly, don't worry about the "peak" pwer handling of speakers you purchase. unless you grossly overpower speakers or if they are VERY cheap, you will not blow speakers if you give them a lot of power. your speakers will make better sounds with the more power you give them. remember to keep bass, midrange, and treble somewhat segregated with specific drivers, get some good clean amps, solid wiring, and you're all set.
