I am pretty new to audio builds and am trying to put one together... I am looking at a Alpine PDX 4.150, so that means that it is a 4 channel amp... But, the 4 channels, does that mean that I can connect two sets of 2-way component speakers? Each channel can power one speaker, right? Also, the 4.150 means that each channel can power 150w...?? So when I look for my speakers I want to buy speakers that have a RMS of 150W?? What exactly am I looking for as far as power for the components? If someone can point me to some good speakers that would work with that amp... my budget is about $500 per component set. Thanks!

 

i have Alpine Type R components...i love em...but with your budget you can go all out...i dont suggest two component systems tho..a component system for the front and mid drivers for the back is all you need...good luck

 

As are you, I am also very new to all of this and have been looking around for awhile on what I will be getting. I will be getting Hertz HSK165s soon. They are harder to find but are definitely in your budget. I was quoted $330 for the front component and $190 for the back coaxial set.

You may want to think about what other convinced me to do. Only go with front speakers and get better stuff. If you decided to only go with front end speakers I would get Hertz MLK 165s and a JL HD600/4 amp (300w x 2). That amp is around $550 and I'm not sure what those speakers run at price wise, somebody else should shim in and be able to answer that one.

 

I'm going to use front speakers only at first and see how they are, which is why I'm going to spring $500 for the speakers. If I decide to use rears then I'll probable just get something in the $300 price range or something that will compliment the front set and the amp.

 

My suggestion would be to upgrade your front and leave the rear speakers alone. You won't be able to hear your rear speakers and it would be a waste of money. If you were only going to upgrade your front speakers, you can use a 2 channel amp.

 

First I agree you dont need rear speakers, but if you did get rear speakers you would be able to hear them.... They just are not needed in a small car like 350z... That alpine amp is awesome, also look at the Alpine SPX-17PRO. I hear these are very nice speakers and you can get them from woofersetc.com for $350~.

 

The SPX-17PRO are already on my shopping list. I am going to use just the fronts for now and if I feel that I need more then I'll get another set for the rear or something.

 

Yeah ditch the rear speakers and get some good components or pair them with pods. Save the extra cash for a good sub and sound deadening.

I find that turning my rear completely down or off makes for a better sound-stage up front. Being that the rears are right behind you, it's hard to to tune them to be transparent. So just eliminate them altogether.

As for the Alpine PDX 4.150 you can go components in channels 1 & 2 and bridge channels 3 & 4 for 300watts (@ 4ohms) into a sub if you want to just stay with one amp. That's enough power to get a decent sounding system. Edit: nm, realized you had a PDX 1.1000 for the subs.

 

Yea, I want to reserve the 3rd and 4th channel on the 4.150 incase I decide to use rear speakers.

 

Go with a 4 channel amp and bi-amp a set of component speakers in the front. Much more control over your tuning options.

 

4 channel is a waste for the z, imo. I just bought a mono amp for the 2 10" and 2 channel amps for the front speakers. You can power the rear with your head unit.

 

Why is it a waste? You can always bridge or even better, bi-amp the speakers.

 

+1

Plus:
It's great for people who worry about adding too much weight.
You can bridge the other two channels for a sub.

It really depends on what your objective is. I rather have the versatility of a multi-channel amp.

 

+1

It's always good to have a 4 channel amp if you decide to go active with your setup...

 

you have learned well my young padawan...



good call

 

4 channel amps distribute less rpms watt per channel in comparison to 2. sure you can bridge and worry about the other 'laters' and 'what ifs' there's no wrong way of doing it, but 2 channel with with 1 sub amp is ideal for me. I'm getting a 4 channel for my SUV, which's got more speakers. 4 channel is more appropriate for my suv than my z.

 

It's all good. There's really no "wrong" way of doing things. However, a 4 channel amp just gives you more flexibility in terms of configuration options. It's just the way it is. Also, when you start bridging, you are going to get much more power, so a 2 channel amp wont necessarily give you more power than a 4 channel.