how do i amp 4 speakers and sub? do i need an amp for each?

[wojtas]

That depends on if u r running 4 speakers and your head unit can run 6, what type of amp u r using, and if u plan on using a line output converter or amps with speaker level imputs. If u r going to conceal the amps under something or in something, then u will need to use cooling fans, but i dont reccomends it sense the air that the fans could b pulling might b just as hot as the air that u r pushing away, and your amp will overheat anyways.

[Drewet88]

I haven't picked a new head unit yet. Actually I was looking for something with GPS and that could play DVD's. (open to any suggestions)

Since I don't know what the difference is between a line output converter and amps with speaker level inputs I'll need you to explain that to me before I can answer that question.

I know I'm going to upgrade my amp also, I was thinking of going with kicker everything for this setup. But I'm still open to suggestions (I just really want everything to be the same brand).

I was going to try and conceal everything under a false bottom and the fan I was looking at says it could cool down the air by 10% because of the "cooling chip" so I was thinking about maybe 2 or 3. But if there is still the possibility of my equipment blowing I'm going to throw out that idea.

[wojtas]

If u want an easy idea, go with an amp with speaker level imputs. The idea is basically, instead of using RCA inputs to the amp to provide the audio signal, the inputs r screws or clips that wire from the head unit goes into. This is since u dont have RCA outputs on the stereo, so instead of hooking up your deck speakers to teh stereo, u hook them into the amp. The cooling fans might work depending on how u vent the false bottom. U cant really go wrong with Kicker, however the price is high. They also dont make HUs that I know of, let alone 1 that plays DVDs.

[Drewet88]

Yea. They don't make head units that I know of so I was looking at this Pioneer one that has GPS and DVD capabilities. (I was told that you should buy the one you want the first time)

[Jet-Lee]

DON'T USE HIGH INPUT(SPEAKER LEVEL INPUTS)!! They sound like ass. Go to Wal-Mart and get their Scosche 4 channel line output converter and mount it as close to the head unit as possible. The closer the better.

I can't believe there are people here saying to use line level inputs!

[wojtas]

You can get clean, well-defined music from an amp with speaker level imputs if u adjust it properly. All a line output converter does is convert a high level output from a stereo signal, to a lower output so that u can hook up any amp to it, using a transformer and high-voltage resistor. It is alot easier to get an amp with speaker level inputs so that u dont need to weaken the outgoing signal and cut off sound curves using a resistor. What is the point in decreasing the strength of a signal to just strenghten it by running it through an amp? Line output converters are supposed to be used if u want a particular amp that only has RCA inputs. Go ask the guys at IASCA what they use when they want to create a factory look in the front, but subs in the back.

[Jet-Lee]

Factory look in the front? I don't know about you, but my line output converter is hidden from view, to keep that factory look.

A high output signal is waay more likely to have interference from the rest of the engines electrical systems.

What do you think the high-inputs do to the signal on the amp? They crunch the signal down and run it through the same components as the low input signal.

Using a converter, you bring the high output down to a low output, send it to the amp with less interference and get a cleaner sound out of the speakers. It's not rocket science.

[ImportBuilder]

That's how it would be hooked up.
you run power from battery to distribution block, then to each amp
run remote from head unit to closest amp, then fromt here to 2nd amp
run speaker wire from subwoofer amp to subwoofer
run speaker wire from speaker amp to speakers
RCA from head unit to each amp
GROUND each amp seperately, but ground them to the same spot.

[Jet-Lee]

Oh man, I LOVE the drawing, that's awesome!

[ImportBuilder]

Photoshop + 5 minutes = BEST ART EVER.

[PaulD]

Originally Posted by Benjamin2005

HOWEVER it is very important not to run the RCA and remote leads alongside the power through your car. you must run the RCA leads and remote down one side and the power down the other as the power lead is carrying current and the RCA and remote leads carry signals and which will be affected if the power lead is directly next to them - giving you distortion.

some old wives tales just NEVER die

[wojtas]

U Will Get Interference Either Way! Oh, and the factory look, that is what the people at IASCA use, not me. I prefer the alternative of getting a HU with RCA outputs, like Drewet88 said he was going to do. That is not rocket science either, that is being able to read at a 5th grade reading level, and taking the time to read the forums. Im done arguing over this. I have seen many car audio comps that do exactly what i am saying to do, but he and u can do whatever u want.

[Jet-Lee]

Originally Posted by wojtas

U Will Get Interference Either Way! Oh, and the factory look, that is what the people at IASCA use, not me. I prefer the alternative of getting a HU with RCA outputs, like Drewet88 said he was going to do. That is not rocket science either, that is being able to read at a 5th grade reading level, and taking the time to read the forums. Im done arguing over this. I have seen many car audio comps that do exactly what i am saying to do, but he and u can do whatever u want.

You won't get near as much interference with low signal RCA's. I said that already. Factory look...I just told you, you can stick the converter behind you HU or some panel, and it looks factory, duh. Who doesn't prefer getting a better HU with RCA outs? Some just don't have the money.
I want you to show me ONE serious SQ competitor who uses speaker level outputs going into the high input signal input on their amp, no RCA's, no line output converter, just straight from the rear-deck signal into the amp.

EDIT: Upon further investigation, I cannot locate the post where Drewet88 states he will be getting a HU with RCA outs.

[PaulD]

low level, hi impedance signal lines will pick up more noise than a high (speaker) level with lo impedance.

[Jet-Lee]

Originally Posted by PaulD

low level, hi impedance signal lines will pick up more noise than a high (speaker) level with lo impedance.

Reasoning?