Audio Systems: Amp Question, dual voice coils, 4 ohms

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I am getting my entire car audio system redone and heard you were the guy to go to.  

For the front - Pioneer Premier TS-D720C - 120W RMS (520W peak) at 4 ohms
For the rear - Pioneer Premier TS-D902P - 80W RMS (360W peak) at 4 ohms
Subwoofer (1) - Pioneer Premier TS-W3002D2 - 1000W RMS (3500W peak) at Dual 2 ohms (does dual mean I have to buy two?)

My question is what my idea amp would be.  I have no idea as to find the perfect amp for the amount of RMS.  I assume I need an amp with at least 3 channels (one for each set) and for one of those channels to produce 1000W?  I apologize for my lack in knowledge, but as you can see, that's why I'm asking you.  What amp or amps would you suggest (both quality and price wise)?  I deeply appreciate your time and have done countless Google searches only to find nothing.  Once again, thank you.

ANSWER: Power ratings on speakers is not meaningful. Especially peak power ratings as they mean even less.  The most important specifications, aside from impedance, is sensitivity.

If I were you I would put in two stereo amps or one quad amp to drive each speaker independently. Then, you would need a single amp for the sub.  The sub with 2 ohms means the dual voice coils would give 2 ohms if connected in parallel and if they were in series the impedance would be 8 ohms.

As to the amplifiers you have many, many choices.  They are relatively good quality now days and you can google shop for them.  Get a couple in mind and visit a shop or two and get some comment from the installers or sales people and look up the reviews on the net.

But, I refrain from giving specific equipment recommendations because of the many subjective factors involved; cost, fit, finish, sound quality, prestige, etc.

Your choice of front speakers are 88db sensitive.
Your choice of rear speakers are 90db sensitive.
This is a little low so you will need full power to bring out the crashing sounds.  You should have at least 100w driving each speaker.

The sub is about the same so you should select an amp that can drive a 2 ohm load to at least 500w; more if you can afford it and if there is mounting space.  A good digital class D amp would be good for this job.

Happy hunting.  It will be an awesome system when all done.

C



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for the reply, it was a big help in deciding.  I am just making sure that the amps I've picked out will do the job.  So far I am going with the following:

For the front/rear - Alpine PDX-2.150
For the sub - Alpine PDX-1.1000

Will these fulfill all your recommendations?  If not, can you suggest another Alpine amp(s) that will?  Once agian, thank you for your time as it is greatly appreciated, and sorry if I'm being frustrating.

Answer
Check the specifications, especially the one you are going to connect with the sub.  The loading should accept a 2 ohm speaker.  The others are no problem.

I am quite certain either of these amps will drive a 2 ohm load so you should be okey.  Alpine is top notch stuff.

Good Luck,
C