I will be getting my sound upgraded within the next week and i was wondering what amp/s to use? I will be adding tweeters, rear speakers, and a sub/s. Should i just buy an amp that is 5 channels or buy 2 seperate ones? Also, i see that most multi channel amps only have 4 channels. Is there a way to make them 5 and if so is it a good idea? I cant remember the amp in my old setup , but i do know one thing.................it kicked azz

 

Kicker makes a 700.5 amp that has 70x4 and 200x1 Nice amp for a modest system.

 

There are a number of five channel amplifiers. Make sure that the "fifth" amp has the normal controls for gain for that individual channel. It ought to be several times the wattage rating of the four channels.

 

hey paul.....you helped me out by helping my gf out so that she could make a decision....thanks dude

 

so......is it a good idea? I realize it would make things a little easier but will it be comparable to having 2 seperate amps since it cant reach the wattage output that 1 or 2 channel amps can reach? Also, im sure the price has soemthing to do with it and If you cant tell already i dont wanna spend any more than 4 to 500. Thanks

 

what speakers are you going with? You need to make sure that your new amp puts out sufficient power. Remember that underpowering a speakers is worse than overpowering it. If your new speakers are rated 100 watt rms makes sure you get a matching amp or something that puts out more power

 

ok, so i need to make sure the amp outpowers the speakers. So if i have 100 watt speakers, 70x4 would be no good?

 

I would be very spuprised if you found a 5 channel amp that can properly run 4 speakers AND the sub to proper power levels especially since subs eat ALOT more power

 

its not that it wouldn't be good, but you do run more of a risk of damaging your speakers especially at higher volumes. The louder you make something the more "dirty" the signal becomes (unless you have nasty clean power amps) and that dirty signal is what kills speakers. Rule of thumb is you want top try your best to at least match rms rating between speakers and amps

 

ok, lets say the power range is 10-125 watts rms(components). What power should i run to those?

 

I have run a number of 5-channel amps in systems I have installed and the one that impressed me most was the Crossfire VR705d. This amp is rated 50x4 + 300x1 at 12.5 volts. It was benched at 14.4 volts 64x4 + 368x1. The front/rear channels are class a/b amplifier circuitry and the sub channel is class d, so it will be very efficient. I had one installed in my Xterra vertically on the sidewall of the cargo area and drove it HARD into a bi-amped set of Boston Pro components in the front and a Boston G510 sub on a custom fiberglass enclosure in the back. It never got hot. You can find it around for like $425. I talked my local authorized dealer down to $400 saying I can get it online for that much.

Check them out: http://www.crossfirecaraudio.com

And some internal pics: http://ampguts.realmofexcursion.com/Crossfire_VR705D/