More amplifier gain, more power?

[blk_muzda]

Just wondering, if an amplifier is able to output 200W, does that mean it'll always output 200W, or do you have to adjust the gain to the maximum to achieve 200W?

Also whenever increase the gain too much, I start to hear statics. Is it better to:

1. turn the gain up on the amp, use low volume (5-6) in the car or
2. turn the gain down, use a higher colume (12-15) in the car

[bluntman]

Turn up the gain has high as you can before you hear static. Turn up the volume to go louder.

[PPI_MAN]

I have my gain on my PPI amp at 0 and I use the head unit bass control. It goes from -15 to +15 for bass level control. I play it at +3 or +5 normal and change it as needed. I have a kenwood 5 volt output. The PPI amp can have a max for 12 volt input. My one kaption SPL12 and PPI PC2600.2 that 600*1 4 ohm mono is to loud to turn up at full volume. Most of you could be thinking its only 600 watts yes but that is true RMS power not the max power everyone talks about these days. 2000 max and 300 rms in amp today. At a rating 600 watts *1 at 0.008% @ 4 ohm mono and 500 damping factor, slew rate a >50 these are great number. PPI is 0.02% but that is there 2ohm stereo load and goes down for down.

PPI_MAN

[MajesticBlueNTO]

http://www.bcae1.com/amplfier.htm