5 Channel Amp Ideas
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 8,991
Likes: 2
From: Hanger 18 Taxachusetts
5 Channel Amp Ideas
Phase 1 of the install done (HU, F&R Spkrs).
Works pretty good but I am used to a sub and power so this winter begins Phase 2 (Amp(s) and Sub).
To keep things simple I would rather get a 5 channel amp to run the entire system. I have a nice new Kenwood 2 channel amp so I might be able to get away with a 4 channel and the Kenwood but would rather sell the Kenwood or put it in my truck and go the easy way in the Vette.
Not looking to bust the windows (been there done that in the 80's). Just clean power in the 50x4 + 200 range. $300-400 should get a nice unit. The sub I plan on getting is a 10" Kicker Solobaric square style.
At the moment Alpine is in the lead since I have used their equipment for many years and trust them. Hate Sony and Rockford with a passion. Not looking for the K-Mart type crap.
Any ideas ??
Works pretty good but I am used to a sub and power so this winter begins Phase 2 (Amp(s) and Sub).
To keep things simple I would rather get a 5 channel amp to run the entire system. I have a nice new Kenwood 2 channel amp so I might be able to get away with a 4 channel and the Kenwood but would rather sell the Kenwood or put it in my truck and go the easy way in the Vette.
Not looking to bust the windows (been there done that in the 80's). Just clean power in the 50x4 + 200 range. $300-400 should get a nice unit. The sub I plan on getting is a 10" Kicker Solobaric square style.
At the moment Alpine is in the lead since I have used their equipment for many years and trust them. Hate Sony and Rockford with a passion. Not looking for the K-Mart type crap.
Any ideas ??
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 334
Likes: 0
From: Warren OH
Re: 5 Channel Amp Ideas (corvette-pilot)
After much research -- this is what I have decided --> http://www.jlaudio.com/amps/5005.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,682
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Re: 5 Channel Amp Ideas (corvette-pilot)
In your case I wouldn't recommend a 5 channel amp. That Kicker sub needs 400 watts at the very minimum. I'm running my pair at 600 watts a piece. I don't know of a 5 channel amp that will get that much power to the sub channel.
I'd recommend 2 seperate amps. Either a 2 or 4 channel for your components/speakers and one dedicated to the sub. You will spend the same or less and have more power all around.
I'd recommend 2 seperate amps. Either a 2 or 4 channel for your components/speakers and one dedicated to the sub. You will spend the same or less and have more power all around.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 0
From: Philly burbs PA
Re: 5 Channel Amp Ideas (leolufse)
In your case I wouldn't recommend a 5 channel amp.
Either a 2 or 4 channel for your components/speakers and one dedicated to the sub. You will spend the same or less and have more power all around.
Either a 2 or 4 channel for your components/speakers and one dedicated to the sub. You will spend the same or less and have more power all around.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 8,991
Likes: 2
From: Hanger 18 Taxachusetts
Re: 5 Channel Amp Ideas (DSTJ99)
Leave the rear speakers to the deck, you won't notice the difference. (I can barealy tell the difference between no rear fill and rear fill with a loud pair of components in the front. :yesnod:
I have been toying with the ideas of a 4 channel set up?? I guess more of what I might need to some input to what brands and model lines are decent. No Sony/K-mart junk and not into spending a ton either. Just a clean decent powered amp.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14,137
Likes: 2,984
From: Iowa
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Re: 5 Channel Amp Ideas (DSTJ99)
In your case I wouldn't recommend a 5 channel amp.
Either a 2 or 4 channel for your components/speakers and one dedicated to the sub. You will spend the same or less and have more power all around.
:iagree: You won't be able to pull decent power from a 5-channel amp. The fifth channel is just too weak. Get a strong 4 channel and bridge the 3+4 channels for the sub. Leave the rear speakers to the deck, you won't notice the difference. (I can barealy tell the difference between no rear fill and rear fill with a loud pair of components in the front. :yesnod:
Either a 2 or 4 channel for your components/speakers and one dedicated to the sub. You will spend the same or less and have more power all around.
:iagree: You won't be able to pull decent power from a 5-channel amp. The fifth channel is just too weak. Get a strong 4 channel and bridge the 3+4 channels for the sub. Leave the rear speakers to the deck, you won't notice the difference. (I can barealy tell the difference between no rear fill and rear fill with a loud pair of components in the front. :yesnod:
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 27,713
Likes: 0
From: I take pictures. Cincinnati, Ohio
Re: 5 Channel Amp Ideas (corvette-pilot)
I have an Alpine 5-channel amp MRD-F752 100x4 and 375x1 @4ohms they are conservatively rated, and comes with a build sheet with true wattages on them. I love this amplifier. I blew a 10" JLw3, now I have a 12" JLw3v2. It rocks.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,331
Likes: 518
From: Admit Nothing, Deny Everything, Make Counter Accusations.
Re: 5 Channel Amp Ideas (corvette-pilot)
If you are set on a 5-channel amp setup then this is the wrong sub for you. A Kicker Comp VR would be a much better choice. An Alpine MRV-F450 is a nice amp with great build quality, good sound, and an excellent x-over section. Unfortunately at 50x4 + 200W @ 14.4V you are not getting a huge amount of power. IMO you would be better off with a dual amp setup.
I don't agree with amping the fronts and running the rear mids/highs on deck power. You will never hear or feel them and they will be useless with no audible mids and no mid bass.
I don't agree with amping the fronts and running the rear mids/highs on deck power. You will never hear or feel them and they will be useless with no audible mids and no mid bass.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 8,991
Likes: 2
From: Hanger 18 Taxachusetts
Re: 5 Channel Amp Ideas (rbartick)
If you are set on a 5-channel amp setup then this is the wrong sub for you. A Kicker Comp VR would be a much better choice. An Alpine MRV-F450 is a nice amp with great build quality, good sound, and an excellent x-over section. Unfortunately at 50x4 + 200W @ 14.4V you are not getting a huge amount of power. IMO you would be better off with a dual amp setup.
I don't agree with amping the fronts and running the rear mids/highs on deck power. You will never hear or feel them and they will be useless with no audible mids and no mid bass.
I don't agree with amping the fronts and running the rear mids/highs on deck power. You will never hear or feel them and they will be useless with no audible mids and no mid bass.
I am not set on a 5 channel amp and might even go with a 4 channel. Matbe run the rears on 1&2 and the fronts on 3&4 with the sub parallel to the fronts??
So many ways to go??
This is why I am looking for ideas.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,682
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Re: 5 Channel Amp Ideas (corvette-pilot)
So what is it that makes you say the VRs would be a better choice?
I am not set on a 5 channel amp and might even go with a 4 channel. Matbe run the rears on 1&2 and the fronts on 3&4 with the sub parallel to the fronts??
So many ways to go??
This is why I am looking for ideas.
[Modified by leolufse, 2:57 PM 10/29/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,331
Likes: 518
From: Admit Nothing, Deny Everything, Make Counter Accusations.
Re: 5 Channel Amp Ideas (corvette-pilot)
I think he is saying that your original choice the Kicker Solo Baric L5 or L7 requires 400 watts at the very least to achive its full potential.
You have to ask yourself how long are you going to own the vehicle. If you plan to keep the car for a while then install something now that you will not want to upgrade in a year or two. I would get a powerful name brand 4-channel amp for the mains (75x4 at a minimum) and at least a good name brand 500x1 mono block for the sub. If you are short on funds you could get away with a US Acoustics 4085 85x4 ($180@Crutchfield) for the mains and a 500x1 monoblock (Alpine MRD-M500 with RUX-4280, JL 500x1, JBL 600.1).
My philosophy is you can never have too much power. Excess power gives you more headroom and it makes it easier to tune the system. Make sure the amps you choose have a good x-over section.
[Modified by rbartick, 3:22 PM 10/29/2003]
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14,137
Likes: 2,984
From: Iowa
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Re: 5 Channel Amp Ideas (leolufse)
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zero...=655242&page=4
I think he is saying that your original choice the Kicker Solo Baric L5 or L7 requires 400 watts at the very least to achive its full potential. If you like JL amps, go with a 300/2 for the fronts and a 500/1 for the Kicker L5. You can run the rear speakers from the deck. You won't get much out of them as far as "punch" goes, but you will get the illusion of a "fuller" sound in the cabin.
[Modified by leolufse, 2:57 PM 10/29/2003]
I think he is saying that your original choice the Kicker Solo Baric L5 or L7 requires 400 watts at the very least to achive its full potential. If you like JL amps, go with a 300/2 for the fronts and a 500/1 for the Kicker L5. You can run the rear speakers from the deck. You won't get much out of them as far as "punch" goes, but you will get the illusion of a "fuller" sound in the cabin.
[Modified by leolufse, 2:57 PM 10/29/2003]
Maybe a JBL 180.2 for the fronts and a JBL 1200.1 for the L7, hee hee hee :D
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,401
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Re: 5 Channel Amp Ideas (corvette-pilot)
Nice one on sale now on ebay...I too am in the same boat. Powering 2 fronts, 2 rears and a sub (also looking at Kicker). Really tough after reading what some of the folks wrote not to go with the 2 amp setup though.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...&category=4950
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...&category=4950
