Ok guys, here it is. Two(2) PA Fubar dvc 12" subs, Two(2) Infinity Kappa 462.7cfp 4"x6" speakers, and two(2) Infinity 9613i 6x9 speakers. All brand new. I need a suggestion for what brand and what size amp I need to run this gear? Also 2-channel or 4-channel? What size wires? I'm getting a sub box made as we speak by ADD. I DONOT know much about setting up a modern system but value your suggestions. I need help! The last time I installed a stereo it was an Alpine cassette deck in 1985. Badman.

 

Hey fellows, I really would appreciate your advice for my post. Badman

 

I would suggest either a 4 channel, or two two channels amps. The fronts would benefit from an amp, but doesn't need much power as compared to the subs. Which wiring are you asking about? I can't help you much on the amp, but hopefully someone will give you a suggestion.

 

Here is where I am confused. If I buy a 4-channel amp does that mean 1 channel goes to the front speakers, 1 channel to the center speakers, and 2 to the subs? If 2 go to the subs, do I connect each sub speaker seperately or wire them in series and if so, how? Badman

 

I looked up the specs for the speakers: front max. 180 watts,center 300watts max, and subs 800 watts max. Sooooo, what size amp should I get? I don't want to rattle the neighborhood, just want a clean sound.

 

With a 4 channel you want 2 to the front and then probably 2 to the subs. The "center" you are talking about is probably the 6x9s in the B pillars, most people don't normally amp those for staging reasons. Run one channel to the right speaker, one to the left, then bridge the other two to the sub woofers. Depending on the ohm rating of the subs woofers and what the amp can take, you can either run them in series or parallel. If you have Dual Voice Coil subs then you can run them in both. (the subs in parallel and series the voice coils is I think the normal the way that is done).

I would think a nice 100 watt amp would do well with those. The problem I see with buying a single 4 channel for you is you end up spending extra money to get a 4 channel that either "underpowers" your subs, or overpowers your fronts. Two amps may work a little better in this scenario and may save you money.

 

Thanks for the reply. I am now looking at a RF Punch P3001 mono subwoofer amp to power the two subs. For the front Inifinity Kappas they call for 2-60 RMS watts with 180 max watts. Soooo, I guess I need a 2-channel amp rated at 60 watts or less for the front speakers? And, do I just run the center speakers(B-pillar) directly to the dash radio unit? I don't know what staging means, except in drag racing!Again I really appreciate the help as the stereo and audio stores around here are'nt much help unless you buy something from them at their inflated prices.Badman

 

I know very little about amps... I'd suggest a search and you'll probably find 1000 opinions on Rockford Fosgate. A 60 or so x 2 would be great for the fronts. Just connect the B-pillar 6x9s to the head unit.

 

Badman

 

I know a lot of people will tell you to spend the money on big amp, but you will be surprised at what sound you will get out of the stock speaker positions. Get a decent 4 channel amp.Preferably at least 50X4 at least. More power per channel if you can afford it. Also do not go cheap on the power wire. I would use no less than 4 gauge for the power and ground.This gives you some capacity to add another amp. Use an appropriately sized fuse or circuit breaker placed no more than 18 inches from the battery. Use the front 2 channels for the rear speakers. The rear two channels bridge mono and run the sub or subs. Just pay attention to the impedance load that your subs are giving. I can explain but most likely whatever amp you buy will have a couple of diagrams. Get some passive crossovers like bass blockers or what ever you can find to wire in series with the front 4X6's. I suggest 300 hertz. This is of course a high pass crossover. Run these off your head unit. They will be able to power these to respectable loudness levels. As a note many head units have a crossover built into them. I just added a Pioneer DEH P4800 to my wifes Suburban and it has a crossover function built in. Now some will wonder why I am suggesting you run the fronts off the head unit with imaging concerns. The fronts are 4X6. Unless you add some kick panel pods or custom door panels to add a larger speaker, the 4X6 woofer or 3-4 inch woofer of a set of plates just can not handle any bass frequencies. You are likely to smoke a voice coil if you do not have them properly crossed over. Let the 6X9's in the rear be your midbass drivers. And any bass requires more power. I hope this helps. Any questions feel free to ask.

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/stereo1

If you haven't read this, read it.

Second, do not amp the 6x9s over the 4x6s. The 6x9s on a good stereo are used soley for fill, nothing more. Bass will come from the subs. Maybe the 6x9s for a little mid base, but the 4x6s are the "workhorses" of your system.

 

i got a good set of JBL 4x6s, MTX 6x9s and a MTX RoadThunder 400W 12" sub in ported MTX box.
The sub and 6x9s are running through a Boss 1200W 4 channel amp and my system is crisp and loud. (IT SOUNDS SWEET!!!)
But i find myself turning it off alot to hear the nice rumble of the V8.
My setup: 4x6"s off deck (front), 4 pre-outs to amp, 1/2ch are the 6x9"s and 3/4ch are bridged for the 12"
Most decks are 50w MAX, 15W Normal per chanel you need a good amp around 100W rms (Normal) or 300W pmpo (MAX) per chanel.

 

Thanks for all the advice fellows. In the last few days I have learned a lot. I have been trading car parts to a audio dealer for audio equipment, but he does'nt carry the high end stuff so I make do with what he's got. Also, he is a salesman, not a audio expert. I am now looking at amps and will probaly get one for the front and one for the subs. I have a feeling that when I get it all installed, it will be plenty for me. As for the other music I like, I just ordered a 383/425hp crate engine. Combined with the stereo, I will be the bane of the neighborhood. Badman

 

I knew that my advice about amping the 6X9's over the front would cause a possible controversy. Yes I understand the whole rear fill idea. I do not actually use any rear speakers in my stereo. But... I use a nice sized midbass drivers in my doors. I also cross them over quite low (60 hertz). The end result is that you have to be happy with your sound. If you are going to compete, then by all means a front soundstage is very very important. But I am sorry to say I have never heard a 4X6 that could carry a system. They are just not designed to. I recommend you wire up the amp and leave the front speaker wires easily accessible and the rear speaker wires the same. Simply try them each. Just for the record, I am not trying to start an argument. I understand what the moderator is saying. He is right. The sound should come from in front. You should close your eyes and be able to imagine the band spread out on the hood of your car with the lead vocalist in the center. But lets face it. And this is by no means an insult. You want to jam, play loudly,rock and impress the ladies. Heck if You want and if you still put some bass blockers on the 4X6's, run both front and rear speakers off channels 1&2 of the amp. Wire them in parallel. Pop in your favorite CD and turn it up.

 

cub - I think we are pretty close in thinking even though it didn't really show in the first couple posts, welcome to the board, btw!

 

I will try it both ways and see what hookup sounds the best to me. Badman

 

Hey badman check out these sites and forum.Sholud be all da info 1 could possiably need for systems short of unit specific specs.

http://www.caraudiobook.com/

http://www.splbassx.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5005

http://www.splbassx.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=7266

http://www.the12volt.com/caraudio/caraudio.asp

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu...es/cavity.html

http://www.the12volt.com/info/diagrams.asp#cs

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

Have fun bro.......Bill