um, hi im stupid and need help

[Stealth5]

i just got my alpine cdm-9803 headunit and now im looking for an amp...i need one that will power all 4 speakers and 1 10 inch subwoofer. my question really is how many channels do i need? i dont know if each pair (front and back) run on one channel apiece, or does each speaker need its own channel. btw, id prefer an alpine amp so i can use the bass engine tech. dealio to its fullest

 

[chuyler1]

First off, do you plan on upgrading your stock speakers?

If all you want is a subwoofer on top of your stock speakers, Alpine's built-in amplifier will power them perfectly, then you can get a 2-channel or mono amp for the 10" subwoofer.

If you do plan to upgrade your speakers, you should think about what you plan on buying before you buy an amp. Alpine, along with several other companies, makes a 5 channel amp that will make for a simple install.

However, most 5 channel amps don't put out alot of power. Your best bet is to buy a 2 channel sub amp now, then when you decide to buy new speakers, pick up a 4 channel amp to power them.

 

[1sty]

You need seperate channels for the fronts and rear speakers and for left and right so 4 channels total then 1 channel for the sub.
Technicaly you can run the front left and rear left on the same channel and the same with the right speakers but unless they are the exact same speaker this is not advised in any way and is generaly considered HACK!

A 5 channel wold be best. If you want the most power out of the 5 channel amp you can also bridge the 4 channels down to 2 more powerfull ones and power just the front speakers with them and still have the 5th channel for the sub. The alpine MRP-F320 is discontinued and can be bought for 20% off. So only $200 or so with full warrenty. This amp has no replacement next year. Which sucks since it is one of my all time favorite amps.
Not to mention they are being bought up fast.
The 5th channel of the amp can power most entry level subs. A JL 12W0 is not out of its range.

What speakers and sub to you intend to use?

 

[1sty]

However, most 5 channel amps don't put out alot of power.

I disagree.

The alpine MRP-F320 5 channel has the exact same power as the Alpine MRP-F200 for its four channels and damn near the same power as the MRP-T130, only 10 watts less, already internaly bridged for the sub.
Alpines higher 5 channel is the same way. Bsicly just to amps combined in one and the sub amp already bridged to one channel.

Also these amps are not cranking more then 30 watts rms and can easily be used with the factory speakers. I talk from experience here as I did this exact setup in my 97 Integra for over a year with no issue and its factory speakers were stamped as 15 watts not 25 watts like our cars.

 

[chuyler1]

I used the PPI 5-channel amp for a long time (30x4+120x1) with several configurations. The thing I found was that the sub channel was never enough even for the single 12" DVC sub (getting ~200watts@2ohms). Its in my g/f's car now with the front channels bridged to send 120x2 to the CDT CL 3-ways. She doesn't listen to very demanding music so she likes it.

I agree that the stocks can handle the 30 watts, but why buy an amp for that when the built in one will do just fine. Especially when you're on a budget.

 

[1sty]

I agree that it is the sub channel that is usualy lack luster in a 5 channle but it usualy is just a 2 channle amp the company makes already built in and bridged so when compared its the same but if you need a bass heavy system then seperate amps are a must.

 

[Stealth5]

i was actually considering that MRP-F320 amp...i dont need tons of power. im not sure which sub to get and the stock speakers are ok for a while, especially if i can bass-block them when i get the sub and amp.

 

[1sty]

No need, the alpine is a good amp and thus has a high pass crossover build in so bass blockers are useless. Not to mention bass blockers are a poor substitute to a crossover.

 

[Stealth5]

soo, i got the head unit, and im going to get that alpine amp, but what is a good and affordable 10" subwoofer that would work well with the alpine stuff. last night i was testing my stock speakers and when i turn the bass off to them, i can turn them up pretty loud without sounding too bad, but later an upgrade would be in order

 

[chuyler1]

The JL audio 10w0 is one of the best entry level subwoofers. I know they sell a prefab box with two of them, but I'm not sure if they have one with a single. My first system had a trio of these powered by an alpine 2-ch amp.

 

[1sty]

They do sell one with a single sub and it is the exact setup Sir Nuke uses.
Keep your bass at 0 when you have the amp. the 5 channel amp has a crossover for all speaker so it will keep the bass off of your speakers with no adjustment needed to the bass setting.

This is the JL single 10W0 in a prebuild encloseure that is far superior to a Q-logic or R/T box.
http://www.jlaudio.com/enclosures/CS110RGW0.html

 

[PaulMP3]

where do they sell that alpine f320 amp for 200$?

 

[1sty]

Anywhere that still has it as it is discountinued, Crutchfield had it down t that.

 

[PaulMP3]

sweet, i think i will pick one up. Should i get my wire and rca's from them also. whats recomended for that size amp?

 

[yay for cars]

1st mp3, you mentioned that you should turn the bass to zero when using a sub. What is zero on the stock head, middle position or far left? thanks

 

[1sty]

middle position.

 

[1sty]

sweet, i think i will pick one up. Should i get my wire and rca's from them also. whats recomended for that size amp?

You can get your wires form them. YOu could save few dollars somewhere else but the extra shipping would counter any savings.

8 guage power wire kit is needed.

 

[PaulMP3]

any kind of special rca or power kit recommended?

 

[1sty]

Everything they have is of decent quality I personaly like to get atleast a mid line RCA as opposed to the cheapest.

 

[PaulMP3]

Would this amp fit under my seat?