A 1000-watt speaker is best for outdoor events.
At this level, the sound it can produce is extremely loud and crisp.
However, it’ll also need a matching AMP to achieve that.
So what’s the perfect AMP size for a speaker with such wattage?
Well, I’ve got the answer to that.
Continue reading to find out:
- A simple explanation of what 1000-watt AMP actually means.
- Ideal AMP size for speakers with a 1000-watt power capacity.
- An easy step-by-step guide on properly matching a speaker to an AMP.
- And a lot more…
What size AMP for 1000-watt speakers?
For 1000-watt speakers, it’s best to use a 1500-watt AMP. As a rule of thumb, the AMP should be about 25% to 50% greater than the speaker’s watt capacity. This allows the AMP to operate at an optimal level. If the AMP’s watts are equal to or lower than the speaker’s, it may overheat and get damaged.
What does 1000-watt AMP mean?
1000-watt AMP means that an amplifier is capable of supplying up to a thousand watts to a speaker. The objective of an AMP is to pump out power to an audio device. And it’s measured in watts. Ideally, this number should be higher than the speaker’s capacity.
Understanding what watts mean in speakers and amplifiers
Watt is basically a unit of measurement for power.
In speakers, this number refers to the amount of current that it can receive. And the higher the wattage, the better the sound quality it can produce.
So when you say 1000-watt speaker…
It means that this audio device can receive that much power at a steady pace.
Now, let’s go to AMP or amplifiers.
The wattage in an AMP indicates the amount of power it can pump or supply to a speaker.
“If that’s so, why must an AMP’s watts be greater than that of a speaker?”
Logically speaking…
A 1000-watt AMP should be enough for a 1000-watt speaker, right?
Technically, it’s possible to match an amplifier with an equal wattage to a speaker.
However, it’s not ideal.
This is because you’re essentially asking the AMP to work at max capacity to supply power.
Imagine if someone asked you to run at your maximum speed. And then do it for several minutes.
What will then happen?
You’ll get tired very quickly. And if you decide to keep pushing, it can negatively affect on your overall well-being. It can be fatal, even.
The same goes for an AMP. If you force it to operate at max for an extended period, it’ll overheat. And eventually, it’ll lead to damage.
That’s why it’s best that your AMP’s watts are a bit higher than the speaker’s.
Now, there’s really no set rule here.
But many tech experts suggest that a 25% to 50% difference should be enough. This way, your AMP can pump out power to the speaker without getting overworked.
Would you like to know more about watts in AMPs and speakers?
If so, watch this video below:
You might also want to know: 200 Watt Speakers: What Size AMP?
How do I match my speakers to my AMP?
To match your speakers to an AMP, find out their specs first. For your speaker, you’d need to know its power capacity and impedance. Once you find those out, look for an AMP with a wattage that’s a quarter or a half greater than your speaker’s. And the impedance for the 2 should match.
For an easier guide on matching your speakers to an amplifier…
Let me break down the process into simple steps that you can follow.
This guide is applicable regardless of the wattage of your speaker.
#1: Find the power capacity of your speaker
Before you can even find a suitable AMP for your audio device…
You need to know how much power it’s capable of receiving.
To find that out, you may refer to the label on its back or side portion.
If you can’t locate that, you may check your speaker’s user manual. Or you can visit the manufacturer’s website.
Now, some brands refer to the power capacity under these terms:
- Program.
- Root mean square (RMS).
- Continuous power capacity.
They all mean the same thing. So once you find it out, take note of it.
It’s worth pointing out that you may also see a spec called maximum power capacity.
As the name implies…
It’s the highest possible wattage that your speaker can receive for a short period. But it’s not necessary to know this number for AMP matching.
#2: Know the impedance of your speaker
“What exactly does that mean?”
Impedance or resistance refers to how much power your speaker will draw from the AMP. And it’s measured in OHM.
Basically, the lower the impedance, the higher the amount of current your speaker can get.
“Ok. But why do I need to know that?”
It’s because this number must also match the AMP’s own impedance rating.
If your speaker’s resistance is lower than the amplifier’s…
It may end up receiving too much power. And that will result in a blowout.
#3: Add 50% to your speaker’s power capacity
We’re now going to figure out the ideal wattage for the AMP.
And as I mentioned, a good rule of thumb is it has to be 25% to 50% greater than the speaker’s capacity.
But in this guide, we’ll go with 50% so there’s more headroom for the amplifier.
Here’s how you do the math:
Step #1: Multiply the speaker’s power capacity by .5.
So if it’s 1000 watts, that’s 1000 x .5. The result is 500.
Step #2: Add the product to the speaker’s wattage.
In this example, that’s 500 + 1000. Which is equal to 1500.
Therefore, the ideal AMP for your speaker is one that has 1500 watts.
Now, if your speaker has 500 watts, then the best amplifier is one with 750.
#4: Find a suitable AMP
You already know your speaker’s impedance. And you’ve calculated how many watts the AMP should have.
At this point, you’re now ready to shop for an AMP that’ll perfectly match your speaker.
So let’s say your speaker has an impedance of 4 OHMs and a 1000-watt capacity.
Therefore, the best AMP to match that would be one with the following specs:
- 1500-watt capacity.
- An impedance of 4 to 16 OHMs.
Here are examples of AMPs with those exact specifications:
| AMP | No. of channels | Voltage | Item dimensions |
| Rockville RXA-T1 | 2 | 8 V | 4 x 17 x 10.5 in |
| Planet Audio AC1500.1M | 1 | N/A | 10 x 10 x 2.4 in |
| Memphis Audio PRXA1500.1 | 5 | 6 V | 10 x 5 x 20 in |
| Audiopipe Class D Monoblock | 1 | 5 V, 16 V | 14 x 7 x 2.2 in |
| Rockford Fosgate T1500-1bdCP | 1 | 14.4 V | 2.14 x 8.14 x 14.91 in |