Best cost effective way to power 4 6.5" & 12" sub

(jwat142) · (jwat142) **Join Date: Jan 2002** 03-03-2008, 7:49 PM

I currently have four interior 6.5" speakers (50w RMS) and one 12" sub (75-400w RMS, 4 ohm) in my boat. I currently have one 2-channel amp that is bridged powering the sub only and the speakers are running off the head unit. What would be the most cost effective way to get everything hooked up to an amp?

I have been looking at www.onlinecarstereo.com as they seem to have good prices and others have had good luck with them. Should I go with a 4-channel amp and bridge it to run the sub? What amp would you guys recommend? I am not looking to install a pro system here, just something that will sound decent and be reliable. Thanks in advance for any help.

(05mobiuslsv) · (05mobiuslsv) **Join Date: Apr 2006** 03-03-2008, 7:53 PM

I would run the current 2 channel to your 4 interior cabin speakers, then buy a new class D mono sub amp for your sub at least 400 watts. This would be the most efficient way to get everything hooked up.

(chpthril) · (chpthril) **Join Date: Oct 2007** 03-03-2008, 7:59 PM

Go with the Kicker ZX700.5 (5 chnl) and sell your current amp.

Adding an amp will require more power/ground cable and another set of signal cables.

(jon_a) · (jon_a) **Join Date: Feb 2003** 03-03-2008, 7:59 PM

kicker 700.5

(jwat142) · (jwat142) **Join Date: Jan 2002** 03-03-2008, 8:05 PM

Here's more info. My current amp kinda sucks, so getting a different one wouldn't be a bad idea. I have it set up now so I have the power and ground wires going to distribution blocks by where the amps mount so I can run two amps if that would be the best route. Thanks for the suggestions and keep them coming.

(chpthril) · (chpthril) **Join Date: Oct 2007** 03-03-2008, 8:18 PM

" have it set up now so I have the power and ground wires going to distribution blocks by where the amps mount so I can run two amps if that would be the best route"

What size wire do you have and what is the apx length? You will need to take this into account for running multiple amps.

(hatepain) · (hatepain) **Join Date: Aug 2006** 03-03-2008, 8:32 PM

I have a JBL PX300.4 their very nice amps and you can run your cabin speakers on HP in to the front channels and the sub off the back on LP. The sub will get 350 watt's to it and the front cabin speakers will get plenty too.

(jwat142) · (jwat142) **Join Date: Jan 2002** 03-03-2008, 8:36 PM

I have 4 gauge power and ground wire running about 10-12 feet from the battery to the distribution blocks.

(chpthril) · (chpthril) **Join Date: Oct 2007** 03-03-2008, 8:44 PM

JKW,

You should be good with that short of a 4ga run for 2 amps.

(sidekicknicholas)

sony amps from walmart

(xstarrider) · (xstarrider) **Join Date: Jun 2007** 03-03-2008, 9:12 PM

I am with Tige Mike and Jon

Kicker zx700.5 can be had for a decent price and Kicker has a solid product(in most cases produces more power then its specs). It's like getting 2 amps in one. A 4 channel and a mono. Can't beat that. I hate to say it but if you don't want to drop a ton of cash you can get refurbs straight from the factory off ebay with warranties for 60-70% off retail.

*shameless plug*
If you end up keeping your amp and want a Mono sub amp I know where to find a halfway decent one that won't break the bank and the guy is willing to deal a little :-)

http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/8/552721.html?1204501524

(Message edited by xstarrider on March 03, 2008)

(05mobiuslsv) · (05mobiuslsv) **Join Date: Apr 2006** 03-03-2008, 9:22 PM

I'd stay away from the sony amps, kicker is a way better product. I've got a kicker 700.5 in my boat that's been going strong for 3 years. With your post. It came with a birth sheet of 940 watts, so yes they are underrated. The only problem with this is that if you run the sub 4 ohms to the amp it will only give you around 210 watts, more since it's underrated. That's fine if you're ok with it. You could always add another 4 ohm sub to your boat and get the most out of it.. If you're willing to get rid of your current amp, I just figured by your post you were looking at spending the least ammount of $$ possible.

(bird_dog0347) · (bird_dog0347) **Join Date: Feb 2006** 03-03-2008, 9:55 PM

In my boat, I have a single PPI DCX 800.5 that runs 10 6.5 Alpine speakers, and a JL 10W6 and it sounds bad-a$$.

(mikeski) · (mikeski) **Join Date: Aug 2003** 03-05-2008, 10:17 PM

Same gear as my truck. I run a Clarion APX480M out of a boat in my truck. Works great, lots of bang for the buck.