newbie to amps/subs

[twdubs]

i'm new to this stuff and had some questions and was looking for some feedback/suggestions. i have a 92 VW GLI. right now i have JL Audio front door speakers, stock dash speakers and boston rear speakers. i want to add an amp and sub and use the amp to power the rear speakers. this maybe a dumb question but: what type of amp (and brand) should I get? what does power and ohm's have to do with the speakers, subs, etc...i have a newer alpine head unit. what speakers should i use to replace my door and dash speakers? lastly, what's the difference between a mono and multi channel amp? i think I know but would rather be schooled by someone on here.

thanks!

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[plugitin 5,000+ posts]

mono is one channel...and multi channel is just that, multiple channels...how much are you looking to spend on everything?

 

[twdubs]

thanks - i dunno - what's realistic? it's my DD but I'm not looking to win any contests with it. just want to increase the quality of the music i'm listening to. i've seen used amps go for $100-150 and subs for $200?? $400-500 - i don't know if that's ridiculous or good for a reasonable, used system (not including install in that price - just equipment).

what do you think?

 

[shayne1134 10+ year member]

my first system brand new when i was a complete beginer was at least $600 after amp sub box and wiring, then my next was about $2000, now the system im putting has already cost me $2000 and i have to upgrade all my wiring, so yes that is a decent price, because i dont even have a badass system yet, only 2 12" RE XXX's and probly a crossfire vr4000d if i can find one to power them.

 

[plugitin 5,000+ posts]

i have about 1500 into mine...and btw, you can do the install yourself man, save some bucks.

 

[twdubs]

makes sense, is the install difficult? i'm guessing fairly simple if I'm just going from amp to sub but what if I want to power other speakers in car or is that not recommended? are 8' subs ok? again, not looking for crazy bass just a more rich full sound. i have a sub on my computer (klipsch) and it sounds great.

 

[plugitin 5,000+ posts]

install is easy, take your time and read up on here about it and ask questions if you cant find it. You can get two amps, or run just one. how many speakers are you lookig to have in your vehicle?

 

[twdubs]

another good question - trying to keep car looking stock/oem/clean - so want to keep the original dash speakers, door speakers and rear deck speakers. so, 6 speakers including the sub. i guess i could run them off the head unit?? or am I better off powering the 6 with a multi-channel amp? or two amps?

 

[plugitin 5,000+ posts]

id say ditch the dash speakers maybe, and run a 4 channel for them, then get a mono for your sub...