I do DJ work on the side for weddings and such. I dont need or want expensive equipment. I only do about 10-12 events a year.
I have a new set of dual 15" speakers rated at 1200watts and 8 ohms. I want a new amp. However, I dont know enough to make a descent choice. I have been looking at manufacturers web sites and I need help understanding something. What is the difference between "maximum power at 8 ohms" and "peak power at 8 ohms"? When they claI'm an amp is a "3000watt amp" yet then say it has "300w at 8 ohms" and 550w at 4 ohms. A pyle amp I was looking at claims "max power 230wx2 at 8 ohms" yet their peak power is "1400w at 8 ohms" . Any help will be greatly appreciated. I need to purchase an amp in the next 2 days.
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I tend to like to know how an amp compares to it's self at 8, 4
I tend to like to know how an amp compares to it's self at 8, 4 and 2 ohms.
An amp that has good performance to 8 but falls excesively into 2 could still be useful in 8 ohms only jobs and for top end on a multi active system.
Additionally I like to know what the rail voltage is.
My best amps have always had in excess of +/-105volts and very healthy current performance into 2 ohms.
Some manufacturers have always made comparisons difficult. Try
Some manufacturers have always made comparisons difficult.
Try to use the figure rated at the impedence your speaker likes best(8 ohms, 4 ohms, whatever). The "peak power", while it could be an important rating, usally its' not and it's the easiest place to "fudge" ratings. Like many things, if you ain't sure, read-up on it, ask(Which you're doing) then go with what you hope works... REAL companies companies will do their best to help you understand what you're getting - maybe even providing "lessons", on their web sites, for instance. If it ain't clear, look elsewhere. Your speaker manufacturer should give you some good indication of what they want?
Me? I'd have gone to Guitar Center or other good local music store and got a couple of nice, rugged looking(Yet cool!), brand name speakers(That I "test lifted"), 12" with horns if I thought I could get away with it(And you probably could) along with whatever the guy-on-duty recommended for an amp and been happy, I'm sure...
Like you say, it ain't THAT critical...
For "readin' up", so you almost sound like you know what you're talking about when you hit the store, here are the names of a few magazines that have good on-line reviews:
Mix Magazine(US)
Electronic Musician(US)
Sound On Sound(British)
Teddy G.
Oh! And next time, plan ahead a little farther...