Help: Replacing a 4 Channel with a 2 channel, and Misc

[Immortal 10+ year member]

mmm just realized something, I guess I would have to disconnect the rear speakers entirely because I cant use the fader as its set up right now. Maybe when I get the new amp I can change the wiring to get the fader to work? How would I do this? Or does the fact thats its set up as a bridged 2 channel negate this ability...

"Also, overpowering isn't a bad thing. In fact, in many cases, it's best. You just have to make sure you set the amp gains correctly and don't send a clipped signal. When you do this, your not having to turn your gains, volume levels, or any other db boosters up. In the long run it's easier on the equipment, and sounds much better when done properly. For instance, I'm running 150w RMS to each side of my RSD's. And they are rated at 60w RMS. So I'm more than doubling the RMS power of the speakers. However, my amp gain is 1/4 or maybe 1/3 at max and my volume never goes much over 60%. It sounds MUCH better than it did with the 50w RMS I was sending the RSD's previously."

Ill be honest. Im not good when it comes to the electrical component of tuning amps and speakers (like ohms and impedeance and all that crap). It seems like I am overpowering my speakers as is because I have them sending 2-300w to each side, unless its running at 8hms in which case I assume they are instead being underpowered. Can I improve this situation via wiring right now until this summer when I buy new equipment? Just looking for more clarification and "dumbed down" info on gains, etc lol

 

[ronjon228 10+ year member]

Well, in all honesty, the best thing you can do is research. Check the FAQs here on CA.com. Check FAQs on other car audio sites (diymobileaudio.com is a good one). Learn what Ohms means and how to wire accordingly. Learn how amps work and what to look for in good amps. Learn about 4-channel amps, 2-channel amps, and how to wire an amp. Basically learn anything you can about the subject.

Then decide what you want to do. Right now, you're best upgrade would be a component set, as I stated. It's the single best thing you can do to improve the sound and not spend a ton of money. Once you do that, then go from there.

It's hard to recommend things or tell people how to do something if they don't understand the basics. That's why I suggest reading and researching all of this before diving in head first. It will make your decisions much easier and you can buy things that work the way YOU want. Instead of having some one else tell you what to get/do.

In the end, doing the above will make you a much happier, more informed person. Also, you'll save time and money in the long run. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[Immortal 10+ year member]

While we are on the subject, it turns out that crappy monobloc is underpowering my subs significantly which is a shame because I bought Fosgates.

Read:

http://www.caraudio.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4417322#post4417322

I guess I do need a new amp after all

 

[ronjon228 10+ year member]

Wire it to 1ohm. It will be MUCH louder if it's only @ 4ohms right now.

 

[Immortal 10+ year member]

Any reason why I would want it at 4 ohms over 1 ohms if I get an amp that runs it at 500w oat 4 in the future?

 

[ronjon228 10+ year member]

No real reason. I mean most amps don't do 1ohm stable, so you'll have to settle with 2 or 4 ohms final impedance. Since yours does, you might as well use it. Otherwise you have power going to waste.

 

[Immortal 10+ year member]

I just thought of something. With a component set and the 4 channel amp as I have it now, can I set up active crossovers with the equipment I already have?

Sounds like I will need to set the midranges and tweeters (4 total) to each use a channel but since I have a 4 channel amp thats not a problem. Im guessing the crossovers that come with the fosgate components can be used for an active crossover?

Yes I realize it will take a lot of tinkering to sound right, but I might as well if it will really make a difference. Thoughts?