Rockford Fosgate began shipping its first amplifiers to carry Dynamic Power ratings as well as RMS ratings. Dynamic Power is a secondary option to RMS in the long-standing CTA-2006-B amplifier rating standard, according to the Consumer Technology Association (CTA).
Rather than continuous power as in RMS, Dynamic Power gives a measurement of how much power the amplifier can handle under a short duration peak, said the CTA’s Dave Wilson.
Rockford said Dynamic Power reflects more real world usage. Again, it still falls under CTA-2006B certification and it is different from the newest CTA amplifier power rating standard which goes into effect in January of 2023. The newer power rating is called CTA-2006 C.
Rockford provides these power ratings on three new marine M5 amplifiers. In addition, Rockford announced it is shipping new MotoCan marine speakers.
The M5 models include a 5-channel and mono-block model that are shipping now. Additionally, an 800-watt 4-channel model is due to ship in early March.
The amps are IPX6 rated and they come with auto sense turn on for use with high level inputs and a top mounted control panel.
The amps also come with a preset switch for easy set up with Rockford’s new Polaris RZR or Can-am Maverick X3 stage kits. They carry a 2-year warranty.
New M5 Models include:
- M5-800X4 | 800 Watt 4-Channel Amplifier $499.99
- M5-1500X5 | 1500 Watt 5-Channel Amplifier$749.99
- M5-1000X1 | 1000-Watt Mono Amplifier $499.99
An example of the difference between an RMS rating and a Dynamic Power rating can be seen below in an example provided by Rockford. The company said, “The Dynamic rating reflects the power output when the amplifier is in a real world situation….playing music. Whereas the RMS rating reflects the amplifier’s output when reproducing a sinusoidal signal (sine wave). Rockford tests and provides both Dynamic and RMS power ratings for the M5 amps.” Below is an example.
Also shipping now are the M2WL-65MB and M0WL-65MB Motorsports can speakers with the M1WL-65MB due in March.
The new line-up of 6.5-inch Motorsports Cans use a universal clamping system that fits 1 to 2-inch round bars as well as 360-degree rotating logos on the rear of the can.
Deutsch connectors are integrated into the design on all Rockford Fosgate MotoCan speakers, which carry an IPX6 certification.
The M1 and M2 models come with Color Optix RGB LED Lighting and are designed to pair with the Color Optix Controller and RF Connect App for full lighting control. The 360-degree rotating rear logo is also illuminated by RGB LED lighting on these models. These also carry a 2-year warranty.
The MotoCan Line-up Includes:
- M2WL-65MB M2 6.5” MotoCan Speaker 150-watt RMS, 600-Watt Peak $799.99
- M1WL-65MB M1 6.5” MotoCan Speaker 75-watt RMS, 300-Watt Peak $649.99
- M0WL-65MB M0 6.5” MotoCan Speaker 65-watt RMS, 250-Watt Peak $549.99
For more information visit rockfordfosgate.com.
This is a horrible decision and only persists the in car audio as our version of “Fake News”. They are caving to market forces that should be rejected that attribute phony specs to our industry. To cave to this shows that they have no morals. I guess selling product is more important than relying on your actual specs and quality. To see a major line follow this path is very unfortunate for consumers who in the end are the ones buying the deception. And that is what is.
I am posting this on behalf of Rockford, which emailed CEoutlook the following comment:
Rockford Fosgate has been publishing the Dynamic Power Ratings in amplifier owner’s manuals since the Punch 200 DSM back in 1993. The Dynamic Power Ratings back then were measured with the AudioGraph PowerCube which measured a 1kHz pulsed tone for 20ms, then attenuated 20dB for 480ms at a constant voltage. In essence, the PowerCube replicates the real-world application of playing music while connected to a speaker.
Most Rockford dealers and reps who attended an RTTI class were exposed to the Power Cube and understand how Dynamic Power indicates “real-world” output. That is why they explain to customers “Rockford Fosgate amplifiers are under-rated, so look at the PVC (Performance Verification Certificate) to see how much power the amp really produces.”
Rockford believes that the Consumer Technology Association’s choice to include Dynamic Power as a standard rating is a great win for consumers. The CTA-2006 seal gives people confidence that power ratings are representative of an industry standard approach, not inflated numbers geared to sway consumers with unrealistic numbers on a box.
An important note to the above article is, at time of development of Rockford Fosgate’s M5 amplifiers, CTA-2006-B was the only test standard available, which includes this Dynamic Power Rating. The Dynamic Power standard continues into revision CTA-2006-C. This is referenced in the original Press Release which can be found at: https://rockfordfosgate.com/news/rockford-fosgate-begins-shippingnew-m5amplifiers/