High power system?

[PoorManQ45]

Why does everyone always brag that there systems are putting out 1000s of watts? There's no problem having high power systems. The problem I usually see is that most people don't pay attention to the sensitivity of the speakers they purchase. What's the point of having alot of power fed to an inefficient speaker?

[Rex]

Car Audio enthusiasts are generally broekn into 2 categories, SQ & SPL.

Sound Quality - truely tuned and matched components, a system designed for a full range of true audio sound in "your" car.

Sound Pressure Level - I purpose built system focusing on creating the most db's withint the car. Usually for the main purpose of competition.

Most "amateur" car audio fanatics are after creating SPL and talking numbers (watts, # of subs, size of subs, # of video monitors, etc), so they'll tell you the wattage and ratings of lots of things .

Hope that helps shed some light on things.

[PoorManQ45]

Ya, that does make things a little clearer. What I want to know is, is there a difference in output between a sub that handles 500wRMS with a sensitivity of 88db, and a sub that handles 250wRMS with a sensitivity of 91db? To make it simple, lets just assume that all other variables are the same.

[Rex]

If all other things are equal (as you suggested) and the subs in question are in boxes designed to optimize them individually. Then the sub with the higher sensitivity would be louder. Keep in mind that not all speaker manufacturers rate their sensitivity at the same range, but usually use 1 watt at 1 meter as a standard.

Matched components (HU, amps, speakers/subs) installed correctly in the right emclosure (sub) will sound better than a whole bunch of pieces that just have high ratings.

[PoorManQ45]

Ok. Thanks, that helps me out alot