I'm going to run JL XR650-CSi components up front with a 10" sub in the rear (maybe an ed10k2...suggestions?). What do you recommend for an amp setup? Should I go with a 4 channel and bridge the back channels for the sub, or should I go the two amp route? How much power should I give the XRs? I know they have a rating of 75 watts RMS. I appreciate any helpful suggestions.

 

I'd either go with a nice 3 channel amp or do like you said use a 4 channel and bridge 2 of them. The JL 450/4 would do this great with 300watts bridged off the 1&2 channel and 75wattsx2 for channel 3&4. Another option would be something a little bit bigger like the xtant X603 (150x2 & 300x1) which will cost you more but you will get more with it.

These just represent 2 of the many options you have. Also amps from Zapco, A/D/S, PPI, McIntosh & Arc Audio are worth looking at as well.

 

Are there some amps that have different amounts of wattage going to certain channels or do all channels get an even amount? What brand of amp would be the best for the money? I'm not looking to spending a lot on one. So, is 75 watts good enough for the JL XRs or should I give them more?

 

The answer to that question is yes and no. Some amps have different outputs to each channel and some amps don't. For example my X603 xtant amp has 300x1 for my sub (mono channel) and 150x2 for my front speakers (it's a 3 channel amp). In actuallity my amp is just a converted x604 amp with 2 channels pre-bridged which I could have easly done but I'll take the slightly smaller (2" shorter) 603 with only one gain control for the sub. Sorry to digress but it just shows the differences.

The good thing about the JL Audio amps is they are usually underratted so the advertised 75x4 is actually probably closer to 80-100x4 (that's just a guess). The other good thing is that JL amps have good clean power going to the speakers. I honestly think the 450/4 would fit your system perfectly, both power wise and price wise. Sure you could look for this or that other brand and I could list amp after amp that will work but sooner or later your just going to have to choose one. 75watts should be more then adequete for your xr650s and 150watts should do a 10" sub justice in the small confinds of the 350Z. If you want your friends down the street to hear the bass out of the Z you might then be looking at a bigger amp just for the subs needs.

 

The JL 450/4 does look like a sub that would suit me. Where is the best place online to buy a JL amp? Also, since this amp has a high pass crossover, does that make the crossover that comes with the JL XR650CSi obsolete?

 

Good choice for subs
Do a search for my install, I am the first Z with that the elementals.

 

Nice install. How do you like your k10's? Are they 2 or 4 ohm? I was just thinking of getting one with a custom box on the left side of the truck. I'm debating whether to save money and get a cheaper amp like USAcoustics or just get a JL which I know is great.

 

The crossover on the amp will send the outgoing signal from the amp to the speaker crossover with the missing frequencies (say high passed at 70hz). Your speaker crossover will then take that signal and send the new signal to the woofer and tweeters. Lets say the speaker crossover is at 1000hz (I really have no idea what it's set too). It typically would send 1000hz and down to the woofer and the highs to the tweeters. With the amp set at 70hz, your woofer will only see 70-1000hz.

You'll want a slight overlap of low frequences bewteen the woofer and subwoofer. Some people like their sub to play as high as 110hz and the front woofers to play as low as 50 or 70. This gives a nice flow between sub and speakers. I personally like the sub at around 90 and the speakers down to 60-70hz. This keeps my stage up front and doesn't over work my sub. It's personal preference really and a little tuning will do wonders.

As far as going with a cheaper amp, I say go all the way or don't go at all. If you do skimp now you'll only be saying, what if. It's your decision but all I can say is why skimp on the amp when everything else is top notch .

 

Thanks for the crossover info. Now, if I get one dual voice coil sub, do I need to get a 2 or 4 ohm? I'm still learning on the whole impedence thing.