how many amps

[86 silverado short]

hello, I`m wanting to know how many amps i will need. I will be using
1 - 10" woofer
2 - 6x9
2 - 3.5" for dash any help or ideas please

[trz1000]

You need one for sure for the sub. Ideally you'd have a four channel to run the 6x9's and 3.5's and a mono amp for the sub. Assuming you use decent amps, it'll sound better that way than by using the head unit to run main speakers but if you're doing it on the cheap, all you need is one amp to run the sub.

In my Jimmy I used a Clarion PDX5, it's a 5 channel digital amp. Being a digital amp it doesn't require huge heat sinks so it's smaller and can be hidden in an area with less air flow than a solid state amp. It runs a 10" sub and two sets of 6x9's very well. However, it is pretty spendy though not too bad when comparing to buying a good 4 channel and a mono, not to mention the space savings.

I run my Jimmy topless all the time and the stereo sounds great, for a drop top. With the top on it's awesome as the bass response is greatly enhanced. It hits pretty good topless and almost hurts with the top on.

Some guys don't like 5 channel amps, they say that you can get some cross talking. I've never had any issues but I'm also not a pro audio installer.

Anyway you go, you don't have to spend a fortune to get a good sound. For great sound, be prepared to drop some bennies.

[von guido]

in my truck I have a 350 watt amp powering a 10 inch audiobahn sub with an alpine HU powering the stock speakers..sounds pretty good and rap hits HARD.

[Bad70sbchevy]

I'd say two, one for the speakers and one for the subs. I'm running an ancient Jensen 208W amp powering two alpine type-Rs and a 300W Dual powering two 12" Pioneers behind the seat. Haven't really got to run the subs under full power yet, need to strap down the box better before I can do that .

[KC_Goose]

One amp for the sub and another to power the 6x9's and dash speakers...im running 2 12" kicker L7's with 2 kicker 1200.1 class d amps

[86 silverado short]

Thanks for all the great advise. anyone else. Well it sounds like i need to save and get two amps.

[Jparks]

You can find a few amps out there that will run all your speakers. It'll be a 5 channel, with 4 slightly lower powered channels designated for your highs and a higher powered mono for your sub. Check out crutchfield, they have a good selection.
Posted via Mobile Device

[kp110477]

I'm relatively new to this site, but I have been doing a LOT of research lately on how to build up my '89 Chevy Suburban... Anyway, the point is, I ran across an ebay store that sells mid-range/high-end stuff for about half the price as bestbuy, crutchfield, etc..... check them out. I haven't bought anything from them yet as I'm still in the research stage of my entire build up. Best of luck. http://stores.ebay.com/discountcentralonline

[stich626]

Originally Posted by 86 silverado short

hello, I`m wanting to know how many amps i will need. I will be using
1 - 10" woofer
2 - 6x9
2 - 3.5" for dash any help or ideas please

I'd run one good bridge able 4 channel amp

why..
well unless you have a very high end head unit it has amps in them..
and your dash speakers are not gonna take more power than what most headunits are gonna give you..

then run the 4 channel amp 2 channels to the 6 by 9's hooked from the head units rear rca outputs..
then bridge the other two channels to get a nice high power to run your 10"
most good amps that can run this way will have a highpass and lowpass filter
so the bridged channels are not working to power anything but low end bass..
and not wasting power on mid's and highs

I've had great luck with rockford fosgate and jl audio
if you where running a pair of 12's I'd say run a 2nd amp for the subs
but with one 10"
one amp will be better as you'll buy a higher quality amp instead of two lessers for the same money..
and be happier, also the wiring will be easier and cleaner.

running the dash speaker from a amp is fruitless as the 3.5" speakers can't use the power and you'll be turning the power down either through the use of the amps gain or the head units fader..

good luck

[tubbedII]

I agree with both Jsparks and stich626...

I'd price out the difference between a bridgable 4 channel and a 5 channel (both of very good quality) and go with the cheaper one...