Hello! I've been reading all about car audio but I still seem to be a total noob, and I still have many unanswered questions. Hopefully someone can answer them!
I'm driving a '97 Nissan Altima with a JVC KD-R200 head and Kenwood KFC-C6882ie 3-way 6x8's in the front doors. I'm currently looking for new rear deck speakers (not really an issue), subs, and an amp. I'm looking at these speakers in particular - Polk Audio db651. This is the sub I'm looking at - Dual BP1204.
My first question is, what is the best way to power this system? A 5-channel amp? I'm looking for the simplest/cheapest solution.
Secondly, the JVC head only has a 2-channel preamp output, does this mean I can only get a 2-channel amp? Hopefully this doesn't limit my possibilities too greatly.
Thirdly, this isn't very important but do only certain amps provide the 12-volt power necessary to power the Illuminite lights in the BP1204 subs?
Fourth, would a powered sub be a better solution? Coupled with a 4-channel amp?
I will probably have more questions after I get some answers here. Thanks a lot for your time!
Here are your rear speakers:
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KFC1739/Kenwood-KFC-C1739ie.html?tp=105
Power them all with your head unit speaker leads.
I would not go cheap on a sub or sub amp.
Fasten this down in your trunk...
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_10912PACK/JBL-Grand-Touring-Series-Bass-Pack.html?tp=442
ColonelBleep,
Yes, that would work if you want to amplify the 4 Kenwoods, which is not necessary. You can connect them directly to the speaker wire outputs from your head unit. (leftfront, rightfront, leftrear, rightrear) 20 watts RMS will power them nicely, as long as you don't expect alot of low bass from them.
You can use the 1 set of preamp/RCA/lowlevel outputs for connection to the sub amp.
According to the page for the subs, the lights require a SEPERATE 12 volt input. Most amps that I know of output less than 12 volts at full power (I've never measured the voltage on an amp over 200 watts). Connecting the lights to the amp would cause the lights to blink in time to the music, but would shorten their lifespan.
1992 Chevrolet pickup; Jensen VM9412 HU; Alpine 4x6 2-way dash speakers x 2; Pyle Blue Label 4x6 3-way rear speakers x 2; Pyle Blue Label 12" subs x 2; Crunch GVP700.2 "Ground Pounder" subwoofer amplifier; Custom Subwoofer box
I see. Well I looked at this package (amp includes a seperate lighting circuit), but that only powers the subs. What then is used to power the speakers? A separate 4 channel amp? Or the head itself? What is most commonly used to power an entire system like this?
How you power the system depends on your preference. I only amplified my subs and let the HU power the other speakers. You can amplify all the speakers, but you would probably need two amps, 1 for the subs and 1 for the other speakers.
Okay, so I think I could live with just the subs amplified. What is the RMS output of your amp?
My amp is 175 watts RMS x 2 @ 4-ohms or 350 watts RMS x 2 @ 2-ohms. I have it wired for 4 ohms and it sounds great. My amp is not available on Crutchfield (I think), but the company also manufactures Hifonics amps.
The HU has 40 watts RMS output per channel.
Awesome, great picks GLH. The only thing that worries me is the 20wt x 4 RMS of the head. Oh well, I'm not planning on upgrading the head as I just bought it a few months ago. I've got a much better idea of things now, thanks! Anyone else with more recommendations are welcome to post!
Kind of sucks that your HU only has one set of outputs, but you can still hook up a 5 channel amp. Many accept speaker-level inputs anyways. A great option is to get an active crossover. I don't see them used much these days, because amps have most of the same features built-in. But they can take your 2 channel RCA's and create front, rear, and sub outputs. Having a remote for the subs is nice, too.
With only one set of outputs that means in order to use 2 amps, one mono for the sub, and a 4-channel for the speakers I'd need to daisy chain them? Run the HU to the 4-channel and then use preamp outs on the 4-channel to run to a mono sub amp?
blackchevy,
Your Jensen headunit actually puts out 13 watts RMS per channel.
RMS is the spec we use to match audio components (most often).
GLH: blackchevy, Your Jensen headunit actually puts out 13 watts RMS per channel. RMS is the spec we use to match audio components (most often).
Woops, got my figures mixed up.
Okay, that about answers all my questions. Thanks a lot for all the help!