Question1. I've recently ordered a Kenwood X1200M 800W 4Ω-1200W 2Ω RMS x1 Class D amp, and will be installing it in a Geo Prism. I've been told that under the rear seat is a good place to put amps as the cabin is cooler (I live in PHX,AZ the trunk probably gets over 150F in the summer), but it's directly on the floorboard. Would it be better to mount in the hot poorly ventilated trunk or under the front seat, about 8-10 wire feet away?
2. My wiring kit is coming with 16 gauge speaker wire, is that sufficient?
3. I've got 2 Kenwood KFC-3011 4Ω SVC 400W RMS. Since it's a 2Ω configuration I'm left with a surplus of 400W. I'll have a variable gain remote KCA-WR10, apart from "Don't turn up the gain too much"(yeah, tell that to someone unsupervised), is there any easy way to prevent overload?
4. Would turning the box (currently ported, soon to be sealed) toward the cabin instead of the rear increase the perceived volume?
This is a great service you're providing, many thanks. I only wish I were expert enough in something to contribute.
Answer1.
It's a toss up; trunk is better ventilation and that is what you want. Under the seat may be cooler but ventilation is greatly restricted. Also, the length of wire to battery is shorter from under the front seat which is good. But, the heat build up is just about the same, maybe more inside the cabin when the car is setting idle in the sun with the windows rolled up. If you turn on the amp before the cabin cools it could see greater temperatures than if mounted in the trunk. So, I am leaning towards trunk mount in your case due to the much better ventilation.
2.
Yes, 18 ga is okey for the speakers since the distance is so short. Only a few feet in the worst case.
3.
It isn't worth going to any great effort to get a few more watts (which, by the way, will increase the heat problem as in number 1 above) because it will add only 3db at max which is barely perceivable. And, your amplifier will run stronger and better on 4 ohms. Yes, there is a really good way to prevent overload: Keep the volume down. When either the speakers or the amp start sounding grunge and distortion goes crappy you have overloaded.
4.
Sub sounds are pretty universal; that is, the sound radiates in all directions uniformly. That being said, moving the box close to a wall or corner will often enhance the total output. This prevents cancellation of the pressure waves. But, I doubt if you will get much of a change by relocating the sub box in the automobile you are using it in. If you had a Firebird or Camaro with the sub box in the recessed trunk in the back they often get a big bass kick due to the secondary volume of the small trunk.... and similar trunks, but with the Prism your trunk is just a flat floor, isn't it?
Good Luck,
C
