Damaged Subs/ Underpowered, Affect performance Options

[Flyinghumanoid]

I got two Audiobahn AW1251Q 12" Subs from a friend and they have some wear shown in the pics below. I was wondering if these little scrapes in the foam surround will effect how they sound. They dont go all the way through the foam, just a little off the exterior. And there are more of them than in the pics, I just showed the biggest one for example. Also, the amp that he gave me with the subs is a DB Drive pd300 platinum series. I found that this is only a 300 watt amp, but the subs are 400 watt rms. If the subs are 400 watt rms and those scrapes wont effect the sound then I guess I need a different amp. If anyone has some experience with scrapes and could give some amp recommendations that would be great. Thanks.
Here's the pics.




This post has been edited by Flyinghumanoid: Dec 26, 2005 - 7:18 PM

[mikew04]

They are most likely 200rms watt subs, but I can't say for sure. You cannot damage a sub by 'underpowering' it, but you can damage a sub by sending it a clipped signal (i.e., improper gain setting.) Those marks are probably just from something rubbing against it, it shouldn't have an effect on the sound.

Find out how many rms watts those subs can take, if they are 2ohm or 4ohm speakers, and if they are single or daul voice coil.

Also find out the rms wattage that the amp can produce at 4ohms, and if it is capable, what it puts out at 2ohms.

[Flyinghumanoid]

I found this website... CLICK HERE It says they are 400 watt rms, a 2" 4-Laver ASV voice coil so i guess that means single voice coil. Here's where I get confused, it says Dual 4 Ohm, then it says 2 ohm or 8 ohm operation, so what exactly does that mean?

[mikew04]

Daul 4ohm - Daul Voice Coil (or DVC.) As a single sub, the voice coils can be wired parallel for a 2ohm load, or in series for an 8ohm load on the amp.

Since you have two subs, it can be wired so it puts either a 1ohm load on the amp or a 4ohm load.
Since that amp probably does not support a 1ohm load, wire the subs as shown in this diagram -


You may have to take the subs out to see how they are wired inside the box.

Did a quick search and it looks like that amp puts out 150 watts rms at 4ohms, so set your gains accordingly.