Amp Help
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 220
Likes: 4
From: Trophy Club Texas
Amp Help
Looking at stereo options. I have a technical question. My Zapco Reference 200.2 amp has a hook up diagram that shows two full range speakers and a bridged sub. It shows the full range to be 2 ohm and the sub to be 4 ohm. I think my Focal 165 A1 components are 4 ohm. Do I need to make sure my Focals are 2 or 4 ohm? I never installed a sub this way, I always used a separate amp. Doing this has to be better than the Bose system, right? Any suggestions? Thanks
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 7,035
Likes: 134
From: North Augusta, SC
It's a 2 channel amp that can be bridged as 1 more powerful channel, but you can only use one of those setups at any given time. The ohm ratings are the minimum safe load in each configuration, so you can use 4ohm components in 2-channel setup.
That amp can do one set of components -OR- one sub, not both together.
That amp can do one set of components -OR- one sub, not both together.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 38
Likes: 4
From: Arizona
I just finished my system in my 2013 convertible
Pioneer avic 8200 nex
JL audio C5 2 way components in the doors
JL Audio MX 600/3 amp. (75 watts x 2. + 400 watt for sub) fits in the same location as the Bose amplifier mounted to a 1/4” ABS plastic plate
JL Audio 8” Stealthboxes behind the seats.
so far I am very pleased with this set up as convertibles offer some xtra challenges.
The amp is a great performer and the mounting location is stealth.
Pioneer avic 8200 nex
JL audio C5 2 way components in the doors
JL Audio MX 600/3 amp. (75 watts x 2. + 400 watt for sub) fits in the same location as the Bose amplifier mounted to a 1/4” ABS plastic plate
JL Audio 8” Stealthboxes behind the seats.
so far I am very pleased with this set up as convertibles offer some xtra challenges.
The amp is a great performer and the mounting location is stealth.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 9,366
Likes: 969
From: Out back
It's a 2 channel amp that can be bridged as 1 more powerful channel, but you can only use one of those setups at any given time. The ohm ratings are the minimum safe load in each configuration, so you can use 4ohm components in 2-channel setup.
That amp can do one set of components -OR- one sub, not both together.
That amp can do one set of components -OR- one sub, not both together.
The power rating for that amp is 50W RMS @ 4 ohms. Those Focals like power (120W RMS), so that amp isn't enough to push them hard. And it only runs 205W RMS at 4 ohms bridged, so it's barely enough to drive a small sub. That is a great amp to drive a pair of mid-ranges (think 3.5" - 5.25" speakers...but not much else. I know a lot of high end audio guys use the Zapco's to just drive their tweeters.
EDIT: Why the hell did this thread get bumped? It's from 5 years ago!
Last edited by Pb82 Ronin; Jun 25, 2019 at 01:27 PM.
