System Questions: Wiring Subs, Speakers and Amps

[Distephano]

Alright, first off, I'm REALLY clueless about systems yet, so please don't flame me if these are dumb questions.

I was looking around, and I found some "Free Air" subs. I would like to keep my storage space if I could, so I was thinking of replacing the stock subs in the sail panels, with these. Now, when you wire an amp to a sub, you use two channels, correct? So, If I wanted to power 2 of these 6.5 inch free air subs, I'd need 4 channels, correct?

Then, to power my other 4 speakers, I would be wiring a second amp, a multi channel one. Something like a 50X4 for example. I was looking at the specs on these amps, and it either lists 2 channels at 4 ohms, or 4 channels at 2 ohms. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but I though I wanted to get away from powering my new speakers on my Monsoon amp. (which puts out 2 ohms) So does this mean I'd need two Multi channel amps, to power 4 speakers?

Sorry for all the dumb questions, thanks in advance for the help :D

[96firebird311]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Distephano:
Then, to power my other 4 speakers, I would be wiring a second amp, a multi channel one. Something like a 50X4 for example. <hr></blockquote>
This is correct. Everything else....... :( Don't worry man! The only stupid question, is a question never asked! [img]smile.gif[/img]

Ok, you are trying to ditch the monsoon system all together correct? Good idea. To power the front and rear seat speakers, you will want a 4-channel amp (as you said). That will allow you to play in stereo. (vice mono) Almost ALL speakers are 4 ohm. So you want an amp that puts out a good amount of power at 4 ohms. Something like 50X4 @ 4ohms or 75X4 @ 4 ohms.

Now for subs. No, you do not need a two channel amp to power your subs. Why? Because you do not need your subs to play in stereo. There is no since having "left" and "right" bass..... especially way in the back under the hatch. Also, if you have two subs and your box is one chamber, then one sub will be trying to play something different the the other..... then you'll run into problems. There are a TON of mono (1-channel) amps out there. They are meant for subwoofer use only! You will wire the subs together and then to the single channel. Another way, is to use a 2-channel amp and bridge the channels together. Now you have a single more powerful channel. Wire the subs together and then to the bridged channel. Once you decide on a particular amp or subs, I'll help you with wiring them together.....

And lastly, I would advise against just replacing the stock subs. You want more bass right? That's no way to get it. But you want to keep your storage space? So what do you do??? Check out subthump!!!! There are a couple of options for you there.

If you have any more questions, just ask! That's what we are here for! [img]smile.gif[/img]

[Distephano]

So, if I'm going to just run subs off of an Amp, a Mono would be the best choice. Can I run 2 subs off of One mono Amp? Power rateings permitting?

[Christian]

Those boxes are kinda high pimpin, know any place that has them cheaper, I'm thinking about changing to a pair of 12's.

[96firebird311]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Christian:
Those boxes are kinda high pimpin, know any place that has them cheaper, I'm thinking about changing to a pair of 12's.<hr></blockquote>
????? Wrong topic ????? are you talking about www.subthump.com ??? LOL

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr> So, if I'm going to just run subs off of an Amp, a Mono would be the best choice. Can I run 2 subs off of One mono Amp? Power rateings permitting? <hr></blockquote>
You can use a 1-channel (mono) or a 2-channel amp bridged into 1-channel. Yes, you can run two, three, four, etc. subs off a 1-channel amp. You will need to wire them together. How you do this, is what really counts. If you wire them in series, the impedence (ohms) will increase...... and draws less power from the amp. But, of course, most people want MORE power, so they wire in parallel. This will drop the impedence load and draw more power from the amp. But watch out! You cannot drop below the recommended load that the amp is rated at. Most bridged 2-channel amps will only play at 4 ohms. Most mono amp will play at 2 ohms and many will play down to 1 ohm. After you pick out a particular amp, I can tell you step by step how you should wire your subs together.

A good example of a quality but cheap mono amp that is stable to 1 ohm is the JBL BP600.1

[ February 14, 2003: Message edited by: 96firebird311 ]</p>

[Distephano]

Alright.

When I bought my car, it had an Older JVC Headunit. This works ok, and I think it will be the last thing to be replaced.

The car also has new Speakers in both the Door and the hatch locations. They are Pioneer brands, I belive 6.5 inch. The back set is a deep mount, 150w max, the doors are shallow mount 100w max.

From what I can find they are both 35-65 RMS. These speakers, also don't sound too bad, its just, the loss of power from 4 ohm speakers on the 2 ohm Monsoon amp kinda sucks.

What would you think of something like this

Puts out 40X4 plus 120X1 at 4 Ohms.

So, I'd have 40 watts going to each of the 4 speakers, all at 4 ohms, which is what I want. Now, I was looking at those Free Air Subs, which are 2-65 RMS. But I can't find what Ohms they are, I'm assuming 4. But I'm not sure if that is true of subs also If so, being a multi channel amp, I wouldn't want to wire the pair of subs in Series, as I'd drop the Impeadance below 4. (Does put 2 subs in series halve the impeadance?) So this kinda hinges on what Impeadance the subs are.

Now, whats the deal with Free air Subs? I'm really not one for a TON of thumb, I was more or less just looking to replace the stock ones, cuz they are kinda ratty, not in real good shape.

Thanks again for all the help, i'm learning lots (kinda :D )

[96firebird311]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Distephano:
What would you think of something like this

So, I'd have 40 watts going to each of the 4 speakers, all at 4 ohms, which is what I want. Now, I was looking at those Free Air Subs, which are 2-65 RMS. But I can't find what Ohms they are, I'm assuming 4. But I'm not sure if that is true of subs also If so, being a multi channel amp, I wouldn't want to wire the pair of subs in Series, as I'd drop the Impeadance below 4. (Does put 2 subs in series halve the impeadance?) So this kinda hinges on what Impeadance the subs are.<hr></blockquote>
No, wiring in series will increase the impedence. Giving you less power.

Also, just because it's a multichannel amp doesn't mean that it is not stable below 4 ohms. Earlier, I was referring to a 2-channel amp that was bridged into one channel. When bridged, most amps are only 4 ohm stable. But, that is a great choice for an amp. But I still really recommend getting a single 10" sub instead of the two 6.5" I know you're not looking to really bump a lot, but I don't think you'll get what your looking for by just replacing the stock sub. A single 10" will EASILY blow the 6.5"s away! You can get a decent 10" sub for as little as $80-$90! Like thisAlpine Type-S. Or the JL 10W0 Or the MTX 6000 line.And subs can come in a bunch of different impedences. 2 ohm, 4 ohm, dual 2 ohm, dual 8 ohm....etc. Not like regular 6.5".... almost all of them are 4 ohm.