Can I use a 4 or 5 Channel AMP with a head unit that only has 2 single RCA outputs.

[adarduk]

I'm very new to car audio and I have a question, most likely a stupid one but I believe you should learn directly from those who know. So I'm adding a 1 sub plus 4 speakers to my ride. My head unit has 4 speaker outputs and 2 individual RCA Outputs. The amp I want has 5 channels but also comes in a 4 channel variant if that would be better. I would prefer to have all 4 speakers amped because I'm getting a fairly beefy amp that will have plenty of power left over for the speakers. I've included a picture of both the AMP I want to buy and my current head unit/stereo.

Now knowing the head unit has 2 RCA outputs while the AMP has 6 RCA Inputs. I'm wondering how exactly that works. Would only 2 of the 5 channels on the amp work If I hook it up like this.? Would the other speaker outputs simply not work? Is there a way that this will work at all? I don't want to buy a new head unit but will If I have to, but even still I can't find a head unit that is even decently priced with 6 RCA Outputs. I just need help, please.

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[huberoy123 10+ year member]

You may be correct. It looks like you will need RCAs going into each input. The easiest solution is to find a head unit that has the outputs to match your amplifier. Another option is to find an head unit with 4 RCA output. Use a splitter/or Y-adapter to split the signal from one set of RCAs to get ther signal for the sub channel.
Good luck.

 

[dragon.breath 10+ year member]

Some 4 and 5 channel amplifiers have a switch that allows you to put signal to all channels with only one pair of inputs.
Try downloading the manual for the amplifier you are looking at, and see if that is a option.

 

[Firewalker]

Beefy amp and boss don't go together. You will be lucky to see 30-50% of what that amplifier claims is rms just a FYI. A lot of better 5 channel amplifiers out there.

 

[adarduk]

Beefy amp and boss don't go together. You will be lucky to see 30-50% of what that amplifier claims is rms just a FYI. A lot of better 5 channel amplifiers out there.

Well, my price range is around $160 and I need upwards of 2000w. Any recommendations? I'm not really sure what's good or what's not. At this point, I'm just going off of Amazon Reviews.

 

[adarduk]

You may be correct. It looks like you will need RCAs going into each input. The easiest solution is to find a head unit that has the outputs to match your amplifier. Another option is to find an head unit with 4 RCA output. Use a splitter/or Y-adapter to split the signal from one set of RCAs to get ther signal for the sub channel.
Good luck.

Do you know if splitting that dual RCA signal twice each to make 6 outputs reduces the sound quality or provides the correct voltage to all 6 inputs on the AMP? In general, is splitting and RCA signal bad?

 

[1aespinoza 10+ year member]

Do you know if splitting that dual RCA signal twice each to make 6 outputs reduces the sound quality or provides the correct voltage to all 6 inputs on the AMP? In general, is splitting and RCA signal bad?

Place the Input Mode switch to channels 1&2. Placing it in 1&2 will supply signal to all channels using only those two rca inputs. I assume when that switch is on the 3&4, it means that you also want to use those inputs in conjunction with 1&2 for fade control.

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

Well, my price range is around $160 and I need upwards of 2000w. Any recommendations? I'm not really sure what's good or what's not. At this point, I'm just going off of Amazon Reviews.

all those are lying cheating watts. You are looking at 40 watts x 4 channels and maybe 200 watts for the 5th channel at best with that boss amp. buy based on amplifier dyno tests on youtube. Best to save up another 100 for one month and get something thats actually good rather than useless junk. Amazon reviews have noobs that dont know anything about car audio praising amps like its a god send just because it works. They have nothing to compare it to. Anyone that uses a real amp would notice the difference immediately.

btw only look at RMS number(continuous actual wattage rating), do not look at max power numbers(aka number the amp sees before it blows up or the imaginary watts rating.). However boss, pyle, lanzar, power acoustik, hifonics all lie on RMS numbers too so best to just stay away from the garbage brands completely.

 

[Jeffdachef 5,000+ posts]

This is what you can expect out of your current choice of boss amps. literally less than 1/5 the power.



Here''s a more accurately rated amp.

 

[dragon.breath 10+ year member]

Well, my price range is around $160 and I need upwards of 2000w. Any recommendations? I'm not really sure what's good or what's not. At this point, I'm just going off of Amazon Reviews.

What speakers are you running that makes you think that you need that much power? Tell us exactly what you are trying to power and we can give you a much better option.