Thread: Hippo's Audio Build Help

Thanks for answering the question. I didn't want to do the 4 channel amp cuz I got a good deal on a 2-channel. BUT I can return it if you really think it will make the install alot easier. LET ME KNOW what you think.

Looking at 4-channel amplifiers, I found this one Pioneer GM-D9500F 4-channel car amplifier — 75 watts RMS x 4 at Crutchfield.com it's a little bit lower power than I would like for the 6x9's but it should be okay.

Originally Posted by Hippo Machine

Thanks for answering the question. I didn't want to do the 4 channel amp cuz I got a good deal on a 2-channel. BUT I can return it if you really think it will make the install alot easier. LET ME KNOW what you think.

Looking at 4-channel amplifiers, I found this one Pioneer GM-D9500F 4-channel car amplifier — 75 watts RMS x 4 at Crutchfield.com it's a little bit lower power than I would like for the 6x9's but it should be okay.

Having done quite a few installs, I would, without a doubt lOok at getting one amplifier to replace all three. There is no reason, unless you need the increased power output to have multiple amplifiers where one would surfice. I would look into a 5 channel amplifier to drive your entire system. It's so much easier installation wise, and cheaper. Save yourself the time and money and get a good 5 channel amp, or, if you must, two amplifiers but three just seems silly.

Honestly man... It add's weight, and just takes up more space. If you can return it and get a 4 chan.

Agreed, get a 4-channel. Also sorry, I must've just got offline when you PM'd me.

For Big 3 lengths, it's really a matter of doing a little measuring, but for all grounds, the shorter the better, we're talking 3 ft. max if you must. For battery ground to chassis, 1 ft is enough, for engine ground to chassis, you should be able to squeeze by with 2-2.5ft. For Alt to power. 6-7 ft will give you good wiggle room. Measure it out, add maybe half a foot to each measurement, order that much, then you should be safe.

I've seen peeps use 0ga wire for the big 3 and they actually picked up a mpg.

Originally Posted by rynoman03

I've seen peeps use 0ga wire for the big 3 and they actually picked up a mpg.

Wouldn't doubt it. Modern day cars depend so much on the electrical running smoothly, if you have better, less resistant flow... anything is possible.

Originally Posted by SeanGTP

Wouldn't doubt it. Modern day cars depend so much on the electrical running smoothly, if you have better, less resistant flow... anything is possible.

Funny you should say that. Larger wire is more resistant than smaller. The only reason you use larger gauge wire for such projects is to make sure of can handle the increAsed amperage without getting too toasty. Anyhow, unless you planning on putting more than 1K watts worth of stereo in your car, I wouldn't worry too much about this big three upgrade. Just a huge expenditure of money for no gain. The only reason you should do that upgrade is because you have too. The stock alternator and wiring should do okay with draws less than 1k, above that however, the big three is critical.

There's a few reasons you run multi channel amps and I don't think they apply here.

1) Channel separation. It doesn't matter who made what, there's cross talk inside an amplifier. Best way to get rid of that is a separate power supply/separate amp.
2) Redundancy so that in case of failure you aren't replacing one extremely expensive amp; only "part" of the system
3) Power requirements. I don't really want to explain...so here's one word; transient.

I highly doubt your install takes any of these into account. I'd say 2 amps can be efficient and 3 amps starts some head scratching

How bout this 5-channel? Boston Acoustics GTA-1105 5-channel car amplifier — 70 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms + 400 watts RMS at 2 ohms at Crutchfield.com good power for the four speakers, and 250w rms for the sub (sub rated at 300w rms).

anyone??

I was pretty impressed with those boston amps. I never had one come back blown after an install. It doesnt say at what ohm the sub needs to run at for 250w rms. I'll look into it.

I like this one...pretty close except the GT-50 is made in Italy and uh...nothing else matters

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Boston Acoustics GT-50 5-channel car amplifier — 55 watts RMS x 4 + 250W x 1 at Crutchfield.com

doh!...it's sold out :/

What sub are you running, again?

that amp is 250w x 1 @ 4 ohms, so it would work for errrythingg

Rockford Fosgate P3D2-12 DVC gonna wire it at 4 ohms.

Originally Posted by Hippo Machine

Rockford Fosgate P3D2-12 DVC gonna wire it at 4 ohms.

Thats what I thought, but you know that is a 600W rms sub?

its 600w RMS at 2 ohms, not 4 ohms I thought..

Disregard that^^ lol don't even know what I'm saying. I thought it was 300w rms.

Doesn't look like I'll find a 5-channel for a reasonable price with enough power for my sub then. Looks like I'll have to go to 2-amp set up, just a mono for now.