Audio Headache

I thought about this so much, I've confused myself! I have 6 speakers in my LSV, 4 tower speakers and a sub. I have a 4 channel amp, a 2 channel amp, and another 2 channel amp. Should I install all 3 amps, or buy a 2nd 4 channel amp. I am not concerned with 2 of the boat speakers up front, I can leave them disconnected, Fine by me. But using what I currently have, what's the best way to install. I have an Optima Blue top battery and will be installing a 2nd w/perko switch also. Leaving for Laughlin in 2 Weeks, countdown begins! !

Depending on the sizes/ratings of your amps/speakers, this is what I would recommend:

1 2-channel amp to power sub (bridged)
1 2-channel amp to power tower speakers (in parallel)
1 4-channel amp to run rear 4 speakers in boat

Then run the front 2 off the head unit.

-Steve

(Message edited by kingskrew on May 10, 2006)

Run what steve said but on the 4 channel, run the 4 interior speaekers on two channels (2ohms) then run the bow speakers on th remainging channels.(4ohms) .

I'm w/ Adam.

(Message edited by carcrz on May 10, 2006)

I third what Adam said.

I wouldn't do it that way or you will overload the boat amp.

Depending on what the power ratings are I might consider getting a class D monoblock for the sub, your alternator will thank you.

Thanks for the advice guys!
I tried hooking up the bow speakers to the amp, no dice. It was overloaded and cut sound from some of the speakers. May have dropped to 1 ohm load or something. How Many batteries should I use. I was oing to get a 2nd Optima Blue top battery and install a perko switch. Will 3 amps be to much for One Optima??

Mikeski,
does a class D monoblock draw that much less power? Right now I have (1) JL 6450 6 channel amp running all 6 of my interior speakers and sub (thats how MC did it). 2 of the channels are bridged for the sub. I think it would sound cleaner if I got the sub off of that amp and run the 6 channels to the 6 interior speakers.

class d are much more effecient. Thsi was a simple explanation I was givin regarding AB vs D. Imagine holding a 10 lb weight directly in front of you for 30 min...this is how an AB amp "works" Now imagine holding that same weight above yoru head,then when it gets heavy drop it down to yrou side then back up. Granted it's alittel mroe complicated than that but it has to do wiht the power supply of the amp and it's ability to switch on and off vs always being on.

Mike Parker,

I would definately recommend moving the sub to a dedicated amp. Run all 6 channels in high-pass at about 150hz if you can, then add a class D for the subs. That will have everything running at design condition. Running amps at 2 ohms makes them work harder, doing that at reduced voltage when parked makes things much worse. If you can run things at 4 ohms they will run more efficiently/cleanly.