Speaker and amp question

[The Bear]

Im planning on upgrading the front speakers, maybe rears as well, and get an amp to power them. Ive upgraded a head-unit and coaxial fronts before but Im a little unsure when it comes to component fronts and amps.

1. Does the RMS or max power of the speakers make any difference if Im amping them up?

2. Is it best to get a 2-channel and just power the fronts, or a 4-channel and power the rears as well? Or even a 4-channel running bridged?

3. Is the RMS/power of the head-unit irrelevant when using an amp?

4. Where do the crossovers go/fit on components? Are they hidden somewhere or can you sticky pad them under the dash?

Thanks for any help and info.

 

[Dink]

1. buy speakers with a RMS stated power (max power only is a sign of cheapness)
2.2 channel just for the front comps
3.yes (look for the pre-out voltage)
4. you can useually hide the cross overs in the dash some where

 

[The Bear]

Quote: Originally posted by Dink16v on 07 November 2004
1. buy speakers with a RMS stated power (max power only is a sign of cheapness)
Thanks for your responses. I know what the RMS and max power ratings are, I just wanted to know if a higher RMS would make any noticeable difference if Im using an amp.

 

[Dink]

yeah it might make them quiet if the speakers have a higher rating than the amp
or they could melt if you have too powerful amp
go for an amp with about 20w RMS output more than the speakers

 

[The Bear]

Well I was looking at Infinity 5002cs components at 75W RMS and an amp at somewhere around 2 x 100W RMS.

Is there any benefit of buying a 2-channel over a 4-channel? With the latter I could always amp up the rears if I upgraded them or if I felt like trying it.

Does bridging a 4-channel down to 2 have any drawbacks or put more strain on the equipment than a normal 2-channel?

Sorry for all the questions!

 

[Dink]

well you could use the 4 ch amp but if you bridge a 4 ch amp of say 4x 100 Watts you would be pushing out 2x 200 watts bridged.
so you could get a 4 ch amp and only use two chs for the time being until you try amping the rears



[Edited by Dink16v on 11/8/2004 12:44:13 AM]

 

[The Bear]

Thanks Dink. If I did upgrade the rears to 6x9s then they would be the Infinity 9603is 100W RMS (which are amazingly only £45 from CelDirect!), so Id need a 4x100W amp probably.

Can you just run 2 channels instead of bridging, or is that the same thing? The bridged extra power wouldnt be damaging my front speakers would it?

 

[The Bear]

Anyone else have any advice/opinions?