Upgrading

[EyeZ]

12" MTX Audio JackHammer JH5512X2D ( 2 subs in enclosure, 4 ohm's wired to 2 ohm's total )

Kenwood KAC-7205 Amp

Ok so heres my situation. I don't know too much about car audio ( very limited ). I have x2 12" Jackhammer subs, powered by a 1000W Kenwood amp, some JVC door speakers and stock 6x9's. I want to make my system a little better, I was thinking of adding in a 4 channel amp for my door/rear speakers and leave the kenwood dedicated for my subs .

I'm driving a 2005 chev malibu, 2.2L 4 cylinder, stock alternator. Will I need to upgrade or do the Big 3 for me to power another amp ? I believe its 105W stock output ...

What should I get for the 4 channel ? How would I need to wire it up so they both run in sync ? would I wire the kenwood to the 4 channel ? I'm so clueless with all this it's not even funny.

Any input would be appreciated. I just don't like the way my in-car speakers sound... My subs pound crazy good, but I've been told that a 4 channel amp would make it 10x better. Now, would a 250W max output 4channel amp help my situation at all ? Cause I know where I can get one for free, but it's not a high-quality amp but it should be better than having my kenwood powering it all shouldn't it ?

And,,, how would I dedicate the kenwood to the sub ? Bridge the two outputs to my sub ? Would my sub be able to take that much power ? And do I have to re-do the amp gain etc etc if I add in the 4 channel? Bare with me I'm new to all this ! Thanks.

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[Dr. Slam 10+ year member]

12" MTX Audio JackHammer JH5512X2D ( 2 subs in enclosure, 4 ohm's wired to 2 ohm's total )Kenwood KAC-7205 Amp

Ok so heres my situation. I don't know too much about car audio ( very limited ). I have x2 12" Jackhammer subs, powered by a 1000W Kenwood amp, some JVC door speakers and stock 6x9's. I want to make my system a little better, I was thinking of adding in a 4 channel amp for my door/rear speakers and leave the kenwood dedicated for my subs .

I'm driving a 2005 chev malibu, 2.2L 4 cylinder, stock alternator. Will I need to upgrade or do the Big 3 for me to power another amp ? I believe its 105W stock output ...

What should I get for the 4 channel ? How would I need to wire it up so they both run in sync ? would I wire the kenwood to the 4 channel ? I'm so clueless with all this it's not even funny.

Any input would be appreciated. I just don't like the way my in-car speakers sound... My subs pound crazy good, but I've been told that a 4 channel amp would make it 10x better. Now, would a 250W max output 4channel amp help my situation at all ? Cause I know where I can get one for free, but it's not a high-quality amp but it should be better than having my kenwood powering it all shouldn't it ?

And,,, how would I dedicate the kenwood to the sub ? Bridge the two outputs to my sub ? Would my sub be able to take that much power ? And do I have to re-do the amp gain etc etc if I add in the 4 channel? Bare with me I'm new to all this ! Thanks.

Do you have one sub or 2? This confused me. Do you have a factory or aftermarket head unit?

 

[jolly_26 10+ year member]

Now, would a 250W max output 4channel amp help my situation at all ?

First off, you need to forget anything you hear about max power, and start looking at the rated RMS output. This is what really matters, take some time to learn about what it means, it will help you out a lot.

For example your Kenwood is not 1000w at all. It is rated for 250x2 @ 2 ohms, or 500x1 @ 4 ohms (bridged). I don't know a lot about Kenwood but even these ratings may be overstated.

Also, your alternator; 105A not W. A is Amps, how much current it can run. Power can be calculated (Watts, the W you put) by multiplying by the voltage.

do I have to re-do the amp gain etc etc if I add in the 4 channel?

Yes, definitely. Go ahead and google how to set up your amp gains properly, just to be sure you are doing it right.

Basicly, hit the amplifier section for a 4 chan and the speaker section for those, BUT first read and read on how to do a proper clean install, do it right the first time and save yourself the headaches. Make sure you take into account proper wiring, sound deadening, matching of power output & power handling through correctly setting gains, and of course getting the right gear.

Sorry to treat you like a noob but you pretty much claimed to be one in your OP. And welcome to the forum //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

 

[EyeZ]

Yeah it's no problem . I originally got my system installed at future shop I'm doing my research first don't worry //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif I already read into setting gain with a DMM. I have an aftermarket HU , I don't know the brand though. I have one sub enclosure with 2 12" subs in it, wired to 2ohm's.

 

[jolly_26 10+ year member]

I have one sub enclosure with 2 12" subs in it, wired to 2ohm's.

Is it ported or sealed? I know you aren't looking to upgrade substage, but if you want big change for small money, a new enclosure can work wonders..

Also do you know how many RCA outs your HU has? It might need upgrading too.

 

[EyeZ]

HU has 3 RCA out's. Went into future shop and talked to them, I guess the Kenwood amp I have now is just the Mono channel amp, so all I really need is some RCA's and a bit of power wire.. they said my existing 4GA wire should be enough to power both.