i was looking for an amplifier for my car.. what is the difference between 1 channel, 2 channel..etc.? what would be the best one to get?

 

1 channel = 1 output, 2 = 2. You'll need 1 channel per speaker.

 

It actually depends on what you are wanting to do. if you are running subs, you can usually get more bang for your buck if you bridge 2 channels into 1, and run 2 subs in parallel. But if you are going to be running door speakers etc, you are going to want separate channels. The nature of low frequency is that you can not tell where it is coming from, so have a left and right channel is unneeded.

 

well its my trans am.. so 4 speakers.. and 1 or 2 subs.. not sure yet

 

The 4 speakers would need one amp, 4 channels, one for each speaker, and the subs would need another channel/amp. First thing, if you want to do the subs, they will need an amp, and then if you have the money you can amp the other 4 speakers. Those are not as important to amp, as the subs can not run without an amp, but the other speakers can.

Dont get me wrong, the other speakers amped will make them sound better, but they will work with the power from the head unit as is also.

 

Not necessarily. For the sake of affordability and expandability, you may want to start out simply.

4 speakers, plus a sub or 2. Consider looking at 4 channel amps.

You can use 2 channels for the front speakers, and the remaining 2 channels for the sub(s). The rear speakers will do just fine off the head unit's internal power for the time being. This gives you a good foundation to build from.

You can start with one sub and buy the second later.

You can start with that one 4 channel amp, and if you decide you want more power later, you can buy a bigger amp for the sub(s) and run the 4 channel for the 4 speakers, or buy a bigger amp for the sub(s) and bridge the 4 channel amp to double the power to the front speakers.

A basic 4 speaker system with a sub and a 4 channel amp is a good foundation that will allow you to go in any direction later as your knowledge and tastes evolve.

 

i see .. makes sense.. and i could always add to it.. thanks a lot jim .. if i only get an amp and use it for the speakers... then later on get subs .. i could still use the amp for the subs and take away the rear speakers.. correct?

 

yup.

Just make sure you buy a good quality 4 channel amp. There's an unbelievable amount of over-rated low priced junk out there.

A good quality Kicker, Rockford, or similar 4x75 watt (or higher) amp will cost around $350-450 but will drastically outperform most lower priced models with much higher ratings.

 

I wanted to do this and it just sounds really empty. Its not awful, but it sort of sounds funny and I just can't put my finger on it. I'd run the rear speakers off of your deck if possible. Its better than nothing.