Subs - Max Power Test

[Anonymous]

Just reading a 12" subwoofer test in Max power and i am always dubious reading this magasine, as it not one of the most factual out there...but i was quite shocked with the results...

All subs tested on the same 2200w RMS amp, and slowly cranked up until the subs blew, using an oscilloscope to measure the peak power being drawn from the amp by the sub.

Here are a couple that stood out to me...bearing in mind it doesnt say what they sounded like

(S) - Subwoofer Name
(C) - Claimed RMS
(D) - RMS at which the sub died

S - Infinity Ref 1230W
C - 300W
D - 700W

S - JBL GT4-12
C - 250W
D - 805W (How Much!)


S - Pro-Plus Worf Z1
C - 700W
D - 620W (Died at lower power than the sub has been rated at?)

S - In Phase XT12
C - 700W
D - 615W (Again died before reaching claimed power?)

S - JL Audio 12W0
C - 125W
D - 700W (Wow!)

I realise this is not a true test, i just wondered how some subs claim to have 700W RMS and die (not just sound awfull) at just over 600W RMS?

Just going on these figures, you could buy a JL audio sub rated at 125W RMS taking more power than the Pro-Plus rated at 700W RMS.

Daz

 

[Tom]

That is really just a thermal/mechanical limits test, no indication of how it sounded.

I'm sure the JL could take the power (although I doubt it was 700W as the voice coil was probably red hot and therefore higher resistance) but it would sound dire!

 

[Anonymous]

They do say that they tested what the sub was pulling from the sub, so maybe it was 700W, and i do agree (and i think they stated) it was just a durability test...most lasting only 20 seconds.

But if i bought a 700W RMS sub like the pro-plus, shoved in 650W RMS and it overheated and blew, i would be well pissed...lol

Daz

 

[Tom]

IF they were just measuring it with a 'scope they could only see the voltage, not the current. The voltage will stay the same but the current will reduce.

Did they mention what type of boxes were used? Box makes a big difference to power handling!

That pro-plus is quite low down the range.

 

[Anonymous]

They used the same 1.5cuft MDF box for them all...but they did use wadding (not sure if this was to make the box the right size for each sub)

I understand the Pro-plus is quite low down in the range, but even if it was £10 (theoretically speaking), if it said it was a 700W RMS sub and it blew with 625W RMS (not just got a bit warm, actually fried itself), i would not be a happy bunny.

Daz

 

[Tom]

Wadding makes the box appear bigger

I'd have to say the lax flower test sounds far from scientific, rather typical of them though.