Several summers ago we converted a 40' long school bus to haul our kids/their teams to sports tournaments/dances/outings ... "Ward" (bus's name) is now a local icon of rolling fun. Last weekend Ward was vandalized. Receiver and power amp are gone. Now looking to upgrade. Issue is my audio-buddy that installed it has long since moved away. I will group my questions/issues into two parts.
1. Can I combine a receiver (CD/MP3/Receiver) and an amp (or series of amps ... read below) into a custom made wooden cabinet? Since Ward doesn't lock the idea is to carry the electronics in and out as needed. Plug it all in and start rolling. Do amps and receivers in close proximity create interference or heat issues? I've got plenty of woodworking tools/skills and a plan for quick release clamps to lock it in place.
2. Ward has three basic sound "zones". First is the interior with its six indoor/outdoor enclosed speakers screwed into the wall/ceiling, and the marine-grade self enclosed bass unit under one of the captain's chairs. Second is the four exterior speakers in the front of the bus where we removed the red and amber blinkers above the windshield and replaced with marine speakers. Third zone is the same as the second but comprises the exterior speakers mounted on back of the bus (Because you never know what tailgating might require.). We never really had enough power to drive the interior zone, and one (let alone both) of the exterior zones. My question is if a a system can be designed where one source (receiver/CD/MP3) can then be run through a switching system to one, two or three amps, each dedicated to a zone?
Guidelines for your suggestions/responses: First, keep it simple. My audio knowledge is weak. Second, while I do plan to spend several hundred dollars, I do not plan to spend several thousand. Overall the objective is to make enough noise to be intimidating when rolling into the parking lot of a basketball tournament. Hi fidelity is not necessary.
