I've decided to go with a Kicker ZX460 amp to power my coaxial's (Pioneer 3-way 6x9's and Cadence 2-way 4x6's) and would like to maintain fader and balance control. The amp is rated at 30x4 at 4 ohm (same impedance as speakers) but 30 is kinda low. The next rating up for the amp is 60x4 but at 2 ohm. How would I wire up my speakers now so that the amp sees 2 ohm yet with 4 channels? Is this even possible? Am I better off just bridging it to get its rated 120x2 at 4 ohm and forgetting about balance?

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[This message has been edited by pianiy (edited July 10, 2001).]

 

Forget about the published 30x4 watts. Most quality amps are underrated by the factory. Your prolly at 50 watts RMS x 4 @ 4 ohms/14.4v.

Unless you add more speakers, you cant get a 2 ohm load from 4 speakers on 4 channels.

No point running bridged. 120 watts RMS to 4x6's is insane! And besides, if your bridged and running 2 speakers/ bridged channel, you'll be at 2 ohms.

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[This message has been edited by Justins86bird (edited July 10, 2001).]

 

I see by your sig you have a Pioneer deck (45wx4 and 3 pre-outs) and Kenwood tube. I don't know anything about your speakers, but the deck power should be sufficient to drive your 4x6's, most are rated at 25-30 watts continuous. Run the rear and sub pre-outs to the amp and drive your 6x9's and tube with the amp. This setup will maintain fader control and put the power where it is most needed.

 

I've got my 4x6's and subs running off of my 4 channel MTX 4240. My 6x9's are off of my deck, which only has two pre-outs(no sub control) The amp is connected to the front pre-outs, leaving me some balance control. It works well for me.

 

You should have most of the power going to the fronts if you want good imaging. If you want your back seat passengers to need ear plugs, then by all means, put the power to the 6x9s. Or if you like to pretend that the concert is behind you.

Just MO, but rears are supposed to be just for "rear fill". That's it. But do what you want. It's your car. Who cares what others like? Did they buy you your stereo?

AJ

 

So, how would you recommend he cable his system?

 

I'll probably do what 87kevroc suggested. Wire the HU to the 4x6's and let the amp power the 6x9's. I've been letting the HU power all four for a while now but the transistors in the HU cause it to get really hot, not that it causes any problems but heat over time decreases life of electronics. Having the amp power some speakers will decrease the load on the HU and possibly give me a better sound. I'll think about it, draw up another diagram and see what happens. Thanks for the info so far!

 

Wire the 4x6's and the 6x9's to the amp if you have a 4 channel amp. It would suck not having a fader because your speakers sensitivities(sp) are probably way off and you wont be able to configure or tune your system the way it wsounds best to you. If you just wanted the loudest sound just bridge the 4 channel to the 6x9's, but the sound stage would suck and all the sound would come from the back. If I HAD to use just 2 channels off the deck and 2 off the amp i would use the amp for the fronts and just use 6x9's for a little midbass and fill off of the deck power. You will be much happier with good loud clean power to your front speakers

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