Question about Amp
Question about Amp
Hi all ... I have an 02 Ram QC and I would like to upgrade the stock speakers and add an amp but keep the stock HU. I just bought 2 Kenwood 6X9s for the front (85W RMS) and 2 Kenwood 5.25's for the rear (35W RMS). Both sets of speakers run at 4 Ohms. I am pretty sure I want to get a 4-channel amp but I am pretty lost, does anyone have any suggestions as to what amp would be good? I want to make sure I have enough power to take advantage of these speakers. Thanks in advance for any replies!
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Gainesville, Ga.
RE: Question about Amp
you'll need to plan how many outputs you'll have from your headunit (probably 4) and what type they are (low level unamp'ed rca cords or amplified speaker level outputs). then you'll need an amp that matches that setup. some/most amps only accept low level inputs. some amps accept amplified speaker level inputs. last big decision is whether you have subwoofer(s) or not. and don't overlook where you will mount the amp and wire it all up.
not knowing your headunit, and assuming it has no rca outputs (not necessarily a correct assumption), then i think the simplest approach would be a 4 channel, speaker level input amp, of about 4 x 50-75-100 watts rms. however, the speaker level amp may be expensive.
another approach would be to replace your factory head with a good aftermarket unit, which has 4 rca outputs, plays cd, mp3, satellite ready, aux input, etc. then use a more standard 4 channel amp w/rca inputs, also 50-75-100w rms.
another approach is to add a speker-level to rca converter. i've seen them at shops, but never used one. i don't think they are expensive, but its just something else to have to hook up.
everybody has an opinion on amps.. sony, pioneer, jvc, alpine, rockford, etc. some rate their power higher than it really is, some under-rate. in general you get what you pay for. avoid the el-cheapo's. always ignore 'peak' power and just look at watts rms. but even then, some will over-rate. i bought a used 2x50w rockford on ebay for $40 and like it just fine, especially for $40. i did rockford 4way 6x9 85w rms and disconnected the factory rears.
its also possible to amp your front speakers only, and run the rears unamp'ed. the headunit's output watts and clarity will then determine how the rears sound. do a search in this a/v subforum for a lot of installation tips. some in the sticky at the top. i have one out there with pics from 2nd gen. many options. good luck.
not knowing your headunit, and assuming it has no rca outputs (not necessarily a correct assumption), then i think the simplest approach would be a 4 channel, speaker level input amp, of about 4 x 50-75-100 watts rms. however, the speaker level amp may be expensive.
another approach would be to replace your factory head with a good aftermarket unit, which has 4 rca outputs, plays cd, mp3, satellite ready, aux input, etc. then use a more standard 4 channel amp w/rca inputs, also 50-75-100w rms.
another approach is to add a speker-level to rca converter. i've seen them at shops, but never used one. i don't think they are expensive, but its just something else to have to hook up.
everybody has an opinion on amps.. sony, pioneer, jvc, alpine, rockford, etc. some rate their power higher than it really is, some under-rate. in general you get what you pay for. avoid the el-cheapo's. always ignore 'peak' power and just look at watts rms. but even then, some will over-rate. i bought a used 2x50w rockford on ebay for $40 and like it just fine, especially for $40. i did rockford 4way 6x9 85w rms and disconnected the factory rears.
its also possible to amp your front speakers only, and run the rears unamp'ed. the headunit's output watts and clarity will then determine how the rears sound. do a search in this a/v subforum for a lot of installation tips. some in the sticky at the top. i have one out there with pics from 2nd gen. many options. good luck.
