Best Bang - 4 channel amp, or subs + amp

[RCdemoral]

Hey all:

So I'm wondering where my best bang for buck would be - 4 channel amp for the doors, or adding a sub (I only want one).

2010 Mazda 3, non bose, adding in four Pioneer TSD-6802rs (http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-TSD6802R-2-Way-Watt-Speakers/dp/B00009QOW4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_1/187-0261268-5793046) . 60 watt rms 6x8s.

I have a pioneer 7900bt which will be 22 or 24 watt RMS apiece.


What is my best improvement here - adding the sub (a 10" 400 watt w/ matching poweramp), or a 4 channel amp about 70 watts rms a side? Thoughts?

[Cab0oze]

I've always done the mono amp + sub setup. I never paid more than 150 bucks, and it sounds fantastic.... adds the 'depth' to music that the stock setup lacks.

[peterm15]

Since you are already changing speakers do a 4ch amp. I can disconnect my sub and my audio still sounds great.

You WILL want to add a sub. IMO, power the ( aftermarket) speakers first, then add the sub. Just make sure when you get an amp wiring kit that can handle 2 amps.

[Genpu_Mz3]

go buy a 5 channel amp, power your speakers, then when or if yoiu have the money pick up a sub. you will be able to run 4 speakers and a sub off 1 5chanel amp. alpine makes a great one!

[peterm15]

go buy a 5 channel amp, power your speakers, then when or if yoiu have the money pick up a sub. you will be able to run 4 speakers and a sub off 1 5chanel amp. alpine makes a great one!

From what I have seen. It's cheaper to purchase a mono/2ch and a 4 ch separately.

[Flagrum_3]

From what I have seen. It's cheaper to purchase a mono/2ch and a 4 ch separately.

And...Usually better quality and sound altogether with separate amps, and as you noted above and just seconding it; Get a amp wiring kit to handle two amps.


_3

[peterm15]

and as you noted above and just seconding it; Get a amp wiring kit to handle two amps.


_3


Woohoo. Someone agrees with me.





( that doesn't often happen)

[RCdemoral]

Thanks for the replies!

I'm pretty stoked about this - it's fun to have a little project.

So it sounds like I'll get a two amp wiring kit - no prob. For now, since I already have an amp and subs (400 into 4 ohm bridged) and a ten inch DVC 400 watt MTX, I'll do that.

Where is the best place to get wiring kits online - ones that can handle two amps?


Is there any worry about my alternator or electrical system with two amps? Will I have to upgrade the big 3?




And...Usually better quality and sound altogether with separate amps, and as you noted above and just seconding it; Get a amp wiring kit to handle two amps.


_3

[Flagrum_3]

Thanks for the replies!

I'm pretty stoked about this - it's fun to have a little project.

So it sounds like I'll get a two amp wiring kit - no prob. For now, since I already have an amp and subs (400 into 4 ohm bridged) and a ten inch DVC 400 watt MTX, I'll do that.

Where is the best place to get wiring kits online - ones that can handle two amps?


Is there any worry about my alternator or electrical system with two amps? Will I have to upgrade the big 3?

Can't help you on where to get a good amp kit, but if you get the proper kit for the wattage you'll be pushing/ and it includes a good ground, you should have no issues with the battery or alternator....I haven't had a single issue in 8 yrs, still on oem battery and alternator.

_3

[peterm15]

Can't help you on where to get a good amp kit, but if you get the proper kit for the wattage you'll be pushing/ and it includes a good ground, you should have no issues with the battery or alternator....I haven't had a single issue in 8 yrs, still on oem battery and alternator.

_3

I read this before seeing who wrote it. I though maybe I did and forgot. So +1.

FYI

There is a 4ch amp in the classifieds right now.

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=69672

[RCdemoral]

WHOA - I'm more interested in the wiring! That stuff is expensive! Thanks for pointing this out!


I read this before seeing who wrote it. I though maybe I did and forgot. So +1.

FYI

There is a 4ch amp in the classifieds right now.

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=69672

[RCdemoral]

OK - I just want to run this by you guys to make sure I have the gist of it:


4 channel amp install:

-Run at least a 4 awg power wire from battery to trunk if two power amps. Use the "lowest" fuse needed of the two amps.

-Run an additional ground from battery to chasis just because
-Use a fuse block for a common ground as well from the amps, and ground it real good.

-Use a fuse block and use it to wire power to the two amps using 8awg wire

-Put in an in-line fuse between each amp and the fuse block.

- I'll need 3 sets of RCAs - front pair, rear pair, sub (I have those RCAs out from my HU. I can opt to use a crossover, and have only one set of RCAs running through the whole car if I realllly want))

- wire my 4 channel amp to the rear door speakers using new wiring
- "front rear jump" or whatever its called: piggy back off the stock speaker wiring - join the front/rear wires and have the rear speaker wire to my amp for the fronts, to save me from running even more cable.
-oh, and the turn on wire to both amps from the HU.



Am I missing anything here, or do I have a general good grasp of what's needed?

[peterm15]

Sounds like you have the general grasp.

The ground needs to be really good or things won't work. You do not need a distribution block for the ground. Just ground the amps individually to a common ground point ( rear seat bolt)

I rewired all my speakers so I can't help you there.

Basically you need.

1 amp wireing kit ( comes with fuse. )
Extra 4-8 guage power/ ground wire
1 fused distribution block.
Some other odds and ends I can't remember.

My amps main power Runs off 2 gauge split into 4 gauge at the dist block.
The ground is run from each amp directly to the seat bolt. Some say my gauge is over kill but I don't really care. I'd rather have to big then to little.

My 2 amps, 4 speakers, HU, and wire were all purchased off a member here. The wire cost me almost as much as everything else combined.

Edit
I will say I am by far no expert. I'm going off personal experience. I have only done the install once.

[RCdemoral]

Sounds like you have the general grasp.

Edit
I will say I am by far no expert. I'm going off personal experience. I have only done the install once.

Well, with all that I'm pretty sure you succeeded very well since your car did not set itself aflame. Thanks for the heads - I'll just ground them separately (at least 6" apart from what I recall). The -fused- distro block makes great sense.

Thanks guys! When I do the install (when weather is nice outside), I'll post pics. Thanks again!

[peterm15]

Well, with all that I'm pretty sure you succeeded very well since your car did not set itself aflame. Thanks for the heads - I'll just ground them separately (at least 6" apart from what I recall). The -fused- distro block makes great sense.

Thanks guys! When I do the install (when weather is nice outside), I'll post pics. Thanks again!

My grounds are run to the same bolt. It would be the same as running them to a dist block. I think you want a maximum of 18" wire for ground though.

Where are you located. Im willing to lend a hand if needed.

[RCdemoral]

My grounds are run to the same bolt. It would be the same as running them to a dist block. I think you want a maximum of 18" wire for ground though.

Where are you located. Im willing to lend a hand if needed.


Oh nice. I'm up near Orangeville though - pretty far. I'll ground each separately just because.

I got my speakers yesterday, and my sub over the weekend. :)

[peterm15]

Oh nice. I'm up near Orangeville though - pretty far. I'll ground each separately just because.

I got my speakers yesterday, and my sub over the weekend. :)

Actually your not that far from me.

I'm at 9 and 27.