I know I will need a seperate amp for the subwoofer, but I eventually will have the speakers in the dash, enclosures for the doors, and the 6X9's in the pillar. Will I need a 6 channel amp, a special EQ so I can fade it properly, what are your suggestions? Right now I have an older Kenwood 4 channel amp that I can use for the music speakers and a Kenwood 2 channel that I can bridge for the subwoofer. I don't need loud for anything, I mainly want clear music. The kind of clear that you can almost hear the guitar pick hitting the strings. The amps both are rated at .08 THD at their RMS power (40 watts on the 4 channel and 110 watts on the 2 channel bridged). All experience welcome.

Thanks,
Mark

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1986 IROC LG4 "Bone Stock" (for now)

 

well, having a 6 channel amp with that big of a load, is bound to cut out alot, so forget that idea.

personally, i would use half the 4 channel to power the dash speakers, and the head units power to run the 6x9s. trust me.

Then use the second 2 channel amp for the subs. Running two amps is always better than running everything off of one amp. What if it overheats and cuts out? then you cant listen to anything until it cools down?

now for cables, i would use 4 guage into a distrobution block and two 8 guage running to the amps.

any more questions, just ask

kev

p.s.- i dont even own a camaro anymore, why am i helping???

 

Sounds to me like you have most of what you need already. You can make a very respectable sounding system with kenwood amps. The fader issue sort of depends on your head unit. Many new aftermarket units will have a fadable front and rear output as well as level controll for the sub output (on a 3 pair out deck)

If you do not have a deck with 3 preouts that are fadeable or level controlled at the deck, you will end up with y-cables (for less than 3 preouts) and loose your fade ability (with nonfading preout). One option is to move to a preamp such as audio control four.1 or several others that will create this ability for you, or custom L-pads which I don't really recomend.

What besides the amps do you currently have, what are your future plans and what is your ultimate goal. These 3 questions will help so we can offer guidance

(sorry, I misread the part about 2 sets of front speakers...door and dash)

Unless you get really creative with the electronics part, you will not really be able to fade between at least 2 sets of the mid/high speakers. Either door/dash or dash/rear or door/rear. Even with a 6 channel amp you wouldn't have that capability, but you would have seperate gain controls that you could find the setting you want and leave it be.
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Carl
CarAudio Resources

[This message has been edited by GndPrx (edited June 22, 2001).]

 

I don't have model numbers handy since I am at work, but I'll tell you what I have besides the two amps and two JBL 10" subwoofers. The head unit is a Clarion with a CD player. It has two preouts. I also have a Clarion EQ (passive) with subwoofer control. I would like to have fader control, which I don't think I do. If it will help, I will get a complet list with model numbers if it would help. As far as future plans, I would like to have a matched set of speakers in the dash, Pillar, and in the enclosures that may come from Q-Logic for the doors. I don't know what brand to use or whether they sould be seperates or triaxial or what (I am way behind the times on lis stuff). I was thinking of using Infinity or MBQuart or something less expensive but just as good sounding (I don't want to go broke on a stereo setup). My ultimate goal is to have the clearest, well rounded system I can afford (4 kids with one leaving for college in the fall so I may have to save or not use the best stuff). If somebody can tell me how to post a picture I can take some with my digital, or I could email them so you can see what I am talking about cause I don't know if I am using the right jargon. I appreciate all of your help!

Mark

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1986 IROC LG4 "Bone Stock" (for now)

[This message has been edited by wiggy'sIROC (edited June 22, 2001).]

 

If your EQ has independent sub control, then how many pre-outs does it have?

If the EQ has 3 preouts, then there is your solution. Run both of the deck's preouts to the EQ, then you can have fader control with the deck and sub control with the EQ.

Now, as far as the speakers go: If you're concerned with quality over loudness, then get yourself a pair of good components with passive crossovers (Diamond comes to mind).
You can run 2 channels of your 4 channel amp to these, and the other 2 channels to the dash/door speakers (which ever one doesn't house the components).

I'd run the rear 6x9's off the deck as a previous poster suggested ---- especially if you're going for quality.

My setup consists of 4" diamond components, stock 6x9s, and a single JL-12" sub in a sealed box.
I run the components on 2 channels of my PPI 30x4 amp. The amp is pushing 30 watts to a passive crossover, then it goes out to the component speakers. This means each speaker is probably getting apx 12-14watts of juice.

Wattage is not a big issue when it comes to quality. You asked about hearing the pick htting the strings? .... well, when I play Stevie Ray Vaughn in my car, I can hear the pick slap --- it's pretty clear.

Also, with an SPL meter, I hit 127db, so wattage doesn't directly relate to loudness either.


Just remember that quality components will get you the quality sound you are looking for.

Thomas.

 

Great info! I will get pictures with my digital camera of the front and back of everything so you all know what I have. Keep up the great work!

Mark

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1986 IROC LG4 "Bone Stock" (for now)

 

The system listed in my sig is close to what you are putting together. Checkout Pioneer's website for the EQ....its awesome. For crisp, but not necessarily loud sound an EQ is definitely the way to go. Get one with 3 pre-amp outputs (F/R/Sub like mine) and use the amps to drive the biggest speakers. Suggest you run the dash speakers off of the head unit since those will require the least amount of power. If you can get a high-pass filter to cut the bass to them. Another option is to get a 2-way crossover so your lows can reach the door speakers and the highs hit the dash speakers. In any event, you really don't need a third, or a 6-channel amp.

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92 Camaro RS, LO3, 5-spd, T-tops

Performance:
K&N Open Air Filter, Edelbrock performer TBI intake, Fastchip Prom, Timing +4 degrees, Centerforce clutch, Xact 8mm wires, SLP 1 3/4" Headers (coated), Flowmaster Catback Exhaust, Z28 Grille w/aftmkt fog lamps, MacEwen white-face guages
Electronics:
Alpine 8030 Alarm System, Valentine One Radar Detector (How did I ever drive without one?), Pioneer DEH 7450 Head Unit w/6-pack CD changer, Pioneer DEQ 7600 Sound Processor, 2 Kenwood KAC-846 Amps powering 2 12" Pro Red subs, 2 Pioneer 6x9 and 2 MTX 4x6 speakers.
NEXT UP: TBI mods, 3.42 gears w/Torsen posi

 

I disagree, I would still power the 6x9s off the headunit because in actuallity, they have no use. They are just back there for rear fill.

Many guys on this board keep the stock speakers, if not.. take the 6x9s out of the car completely.

The Dash speakers on the otherhand are the ones really being heard and deserve the most power for better imaging and fill.

Some dude on here has the dash speakers and a set of kick panels powered by amps, and two subs in the back (dont remember what size) and uses the 6x9s for nothing.. besides.. ever sit back there with those SOB's blasting? I'd hate to be the hot girl in the back about to go deaf, DAYUMM!!

kev