How do I check a amp out ?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 587
Likes: 11
How do I check a amp out ?
I have a amp Diamond D5 300.2 bridged to run a single 10" Sub. I feel the amp isn't putting out the power it is rated at, How can I tell if it is underperforming ? I used to thing the Hu wasn't giving me a good strong signal, but the HU was replaced and the sub still acts the same way. I do know the sub box is under-sized , but even if the box is open (bottom removed) the Sub doesn't move and hit as hard as i would expect. Or the Sub itself has a issue ??
I can turn the gain way up and still not get alot of action/ movement.
thx for any inputs or ideas
I can turn the gain way up and still not get alot of action/ movement.
thx for any inputs or ideas
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,036
Likes: 135
From: North Augusta, SC
Are you sure the wires are connected properly at the amp?
Did you try reversing polarity at the sub?
You can use a multimeter to measure the output of the amp, someone here can prob give you the formula for what the voltage should be based on amp ratings.
Did you try reversing polarity at the sub?
You can use a multimeter to measure the output of the amp, someone here can prob give you the formula for what the voltage should be based on amp ratings.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 510
Likes: 13
From: Toccoa GA
I would also check the wiring on the sub inside the enclosure. I have a Diamond Audio D6 12". I felt that it was not performing like it should. I removed the sub to see if I had a single or dual voice coil. I have a D4, so dual 4 Ohm voice coils. Whoever, put this together, wired one coil. Doh!
Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 505
Likes: 6
From: Dover De
The process that I use some might do it differently. Say your amp is putting out 100 watts a channel. Say your using 4ohm speakers per channel, do 100x4(Ohm rating)=400 then hit square root on your caculator you should get 20. this is then number volts AC you are looking for. connect a DMM(Digital Multi meter) put it on VAC connect the black lead to the neg and the red to pos on one channel of the amp. Turn your gain all the way down. Turn your head unit on and up to approx. 80% vol with EQ flat. And start turning your gain up until your DMM reads 20 VAC. If your gain is at full and you have not hit that number then your amp is not putting out rated power.
This is just how I do it there might be more ways to do it.
#watts a channelX#of Ohms = Y then Square root = #VAC
This is just how I do it there might be more ways to do it.
#watts a channelX#of Ohms = Y then Square root = #VAC
