QuestionQUESTION: Im putting together an audio system but i really dont know what to do as far as the amplifier issue. would it be better to use a high powered 4 channel amp to run my tweeters 4 aftermarket speakers and also my one subwoofer that ill install; or should i buy what i need with the 4 channel and a small mono amp to run my sub im not sure?
ANSWER: Hi Jeremy,
It's hard to say without knowing more about your system; but in general, I think you'd be better off with a separate amplifier to run the subwoofer. It's possible to drive four speakers (plus a pair of tweeters) using two channels of a 4-channel amp, and bridge the other two channels to drive a sub; but there are some disadvantages to this approach. Using a 4-channel amp for the front and rear speakers and a separate mono amplifier for the sub would give you a lot more flexibility, and allow you to adjust and control the system more effectively.
There are also 5-channel and 6-channel amplifiers available. If one of these matches your speakers and your budget, it might be a good solution.
It sounds like you'll be running the tweeters in parallel with one of the speaker pairs. You can do this, but you'll need to make sure you install in-line crossovers on the tweeter wires (or use tweeters with built-in crossovers).
Hope this helps!
Brian
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QUESTION: Thanks a lot on the feedback, i was originally going with two different amps but wasnt sure if it made a difference thanks on the advice. If you don't mind i would like to know some more things. Im going for clear, clean, quality overall sound with the system im setting up. Do you have any advice on what i should be looking for as far as speakers, certain amplifiers or subwoofers?
ANSWER: Hi,
I really don't like to make specific recommendations for car audio components, if only because there are so many high-quality components out there that I don't have any personal experience with. I can try to give you some ideas to help you select your components, though.
The most important component to your overall sound quality will be the front speaker system. It sounds like you're planning on using two front speakers, together with separate tweeters. I don't know what kind of vehicle you have, so I don't know the speaker size or locations; but I wouldn't recommend putting a 2-way or 3-way speaker in the door (for example) then adding an additional tweeter in another spot. You're better off purchasing a component speaker system that includes a dedicated bass/midrange driver and tweeter, with a separate crossover. Less is more when it comes to speakers, and you won't usually improve the sound by having different tweeters in different locations producing the same output.
When selecting speakers, look for the most natural, lifelike sound. Don't automatically pick the brightest or loudest speaker, or assume a 3-way speaker is better than a 2-way. Also, don't pay attention to the frequency response or sensitivity specs--your ears are your best guide. Keep in mind the location of the speaker in your vehicle. If the stock speakers aren't aimed directly at you, then the new speakers won't be either. See how the speakers sound off-axis instead of just standing right in front of them.
The rear speakers are far less important than the front speakers. Usually they're just there for the rear seat passengers, bass reinforcement, and a rear "fill" effect. Don't pick a speaker that sounds very bright--you don't want the rear speaker output to distract you from the front sound stage.
When choosing an amplifier, look for amps that are CEA-2006 compliant. CEA-2006 is a set of standards for amplifier power ratings. If you're looking at two amps that are both CEA-2006 compliant, you'll know that you're comparing apples to apples when it comes to the power output.
If you decide on a ported subwoofer box design, then you'll want the mono amplifier to be equipped with a subsonic filter. This isn't necessary with sealed boxes, but it can help prevent damage to the subwoofer in ported systems.
The box design will be very important to the subwoofer's performance. If possible, I'd choose a subwoofer/enclosure combination, where the manufacturer has designed the box specifically for the sub. Then you'll know that the enclosure is well-matched to the subwoofer. If you decide to buy the subwoofer and enclosure separately, then I'd stick with a sealed enclosure, or a custom-built enclosure--I wouldn't try to match a sub with a pre-fabricated ported box.
If you're planning on a balanced audio system, rather than a bass-heavy setup, then a single subwoofer should work well for you. You shouldn't need more than one sub to get a strong bass output, if you pick the right sub. To get the most from a mono amplifier, you'll probably want a 2-ohm subwoofer system. If you stick with a single sub, this means you'll want to choose a 4-ohm dual voice coil subwoofer.
Hope this helps!
Brian
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QUESTION: i really appreciate you answering all my question with no complaint.lol but final question i promise.lol by the way my car is a 2009 mazda 3 and it take 5x7/6x8 same speaker really. but according to what you said i should go with component system for sure in the front, now in the rear passenger doors which are also 5x7/6x8 i dont want that sound to mess with the front as you said so should i go with like a midbass driver or a 2-way speaker which one would give me more overall quality sound. im sorry to keep bothering you but i really want to make sure i put together the best system i can.
AnswerHi Jeremy,
It's really a matter of preference--some people like a full-range sound in the rear, while others deliberately choose a mid-range speaker just for a fill-in effect. Personally, I think I'd choose a 2-way speaker that matches the tone of the front speakers as closely as possible. I just wouldn't want a very bright sounding speaker, or a speaker that would tend to distract you from the front sound stage.
If you pick an amplifier with a very flexible built-in crossover, you might have the option to try a low-pass filter on the rear speakers, and cut off the highest treble. Then you can see what kind of sound you prefer. However, it's uncommon to find amplifiers with a very wide selection of low-pass filter frequencies; most low-pass crossovers are really designed for use with subwoofers, so they don't often let you choose a frequency above 200Hz or so. You'd want the ability to select a much higher crossover point, and there are some amps out there that would let you experiment.
A note on the speaker sizes: it's pretty easy to buy or build an adapter plate that will let you put a 6-1/2" speaker into a 6x8" opening. Don't assume that you're limited to 6x8" and 5x7" speakers. If you open the range up to 6-1/2" speakers, you'll have many, many more options to choose from--including some real world-class speaker systems that just aren't available in a 6x8".
Hope this helps!
Brian
