what amp to power 8 speakers

[jeepinwi]

I'm pretty inexperienced in audio stuff. I have 8 speakers installed in my boat and need an amp to power them. The speakers are all Polk Audio DB651 6.5", 60 watts RMS and 4 ohms. I've been looking at the Kicker ZX650.4 amp which is rated at 120 watts per channel at 4 ohms. Would I have any issues hooking up 2 speakers to each channel? Any other amps you would recommend? I'd like to stick with one bigger amp to power all 8 speakers, , but would also consider 2 smaller amps. Looking to spend up to $300 on an amp/amps.

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[misfit138 5,000+ posts]

Find a nice 2 channel rated for 250-ish watts per channel @ 4 ohms.

Wire each group of 4 like this:

or

Find a nice 4 channel rated for 120-ish watts per channel @ 2 ohms.

Wire each group of 2 like this:

 

[jeepinwi]

Thanks, those diagrams will be extremely helpful. Any suggestions on an amp with good sound quality?

 

[misfit138 5,000+ posts]

I wouldn't know what to recommend for a boat. I'd imagine that moisture is an issue...

 

[jeepinwi]

I'm not too concerned about moisture. The amp will be mounted up out of harm's way, and the boat is always stored indoors. I know how important it is to let a boat dry out after use. Boat will never spend more than a weekend in the water. It will then be brought home and stored uncovered to dry out.

 

[05_ZX636 10+ year member]

i have 8 powerbass 4xl 6.5's running off a sundown 100.4, also have an aq 90.4 thats about to take the sundowns place

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

The kicker would be a very good choice IMO.

You'd be running it at 2 ohms stereo, so 170x4. That's 85w per speaker so use your high pass filter at 80hz or so and use some caution setting the gain.

The Mbquart amps come to mind too. Either the dsc480 or 4125 would work well. I think either one would be cheaper than the kicker.