Help with Amp

[custom1970]

Ok, I've put a new radio in the truck, have 6" round speakers in kick panels and put 6x9's under the seat. It's sounds good, but just not as loud as i think it should be, easpecially going down the highway...,
I have an old school Hi-Fonics Odin 150 watt Amp,

What is the best way to hook it up?

To just the 6x9's or to all 4 speakers?
If to all 4 how should i wire it?
Any help would be much appreciated, been a long time since i've done much Audio work...

[GCncsuHD]

Being that it's a two channel, and "150 watts" which probably translates into 60-75 watts RMS, it would be underpowered going to all 4 speakers. I would probably just run the 6x9s off of it, and if the amp has a built in crossover send only lows to the 6x9s. Then I would run the 6.5"s off the head unit, up the highs and cut the bass on the headunit to send only highs to the front 6.5s.

This is how I have my 78 setup, except with two 3.5s in the dash rather than 6.5s in the kicks. I am quite happy with the setup, and it is much better than when I had all four running off the headunit, especially since I knew I was really lacking in bass since I had to keep the bass turned down low for the 3.5s. Now sending the lows to the 6x9s and the highs to the 3.5s it sounds much more balanced.

Beautiful interior BTW.

[jimmydean]

2 x 120W @ 2 ohms (12V) from what I can find. Depending on the power rating of the speakers, you could run all 4 with good performance. If the 6x9's need more than 75w rms each, then just run the 6x9.

I wouldn't filter the highs too much on the 6x9s since they are 3ways.

[custom1970]

Originally Posted by jimmydean

2 x 120W @ 2 ohms (12V) from what I can find. Depending on the power rating of the speakers, you could run all 4 with good performance. If the 6x9's need more than 75w rms each, then just run the 6x9.

I wouldn't filter the highs too much on the 6x9s since they are 3ways.

your right, it is 120w @ 2 ohms (even though i'm not sure what that means) i found some info on the Amp online, apparently it's considered a pretty bullet proof Amp. How would you suggest i wire everything for all 4 speakers? Just hook them up in series left/right each going to a channel or what? I assume this Amp creates a fair amount of heat, but it should be ok under seat?

And GCncsuHD, thanks for the comments, and my truck has also been in the family a while, was originally my grandfathers

[GCncsuHD]

Originally Posted by jimmydean

2 x 120W @ 2 ohms (12V) from what I can find. Depending on the power rating of the speakers, you could run all 4 with good performance. If the 6x9's need more than 75w rms each, then just run the 6x9.

I wouldn't filter the highs too much on the 6x9s since they are 3ways.

Keep in mind that amp was made well before the CEA standards for amplifier ratings. HiFonics does not even specify RMS or Max ratings for that amplifier, but they do state that it was tested between 11.5-16 volts, rather than the specific 14.4V amps are tested at now. Remember it was likely tested right at that 16v max where it would give the most output although that is not likely where the amp will be operated at. Judging by the overall size of that amp, I doubt it is good for much more than 100 watts RMS at 4 ohms, maybe it would do 150w at 2 ohms, but I would begin to worry about longevity and overheating at 2 ohms as it does not look to be built for great cooling.

And I would filter the highs out of the 6x9s to get the best highs from the 6.5s without interference from the 3way 6x9s screwing with the sound since they are not aimed properly for highs and due to the speed of sound the sound will reach your ears at different times, it is very slight, but it is noticeable. The wavelength of the lows travels differently and aiming for that is not nearly as important.

Originally Posted by custom1970

your right, it is 120w @ 2 ohms (even though i'm not sure what that means) i found some info on the Amp online, apparently it's considered a pretty bullet proof Amp. How would you suggest i wire everything for all 4 speakers? Just hook them up in series left/right each going to a channel or what? I assume this Amp creates a fair amount of heat, but it should be ok under seat?

And GCncsuHD, thanks for the comments, and my truck has also been in the family a while, was originally my grandfathers

Assuming your speakers are 4 ohms, wiring them in series would make it 8 ohms per channel with 2 speakers wired in series per channel. This would greatly reduce the output of the amp. Wiring them together in parallel would make it 2ohms on each channel which would increase the output of the amp, but also create more heat so make sure to mount it in a well ventilated area or it may overheat and cut off unexpectedly.

Good to see these trucks staying in the family, my 67 was bought new by my great grandfather as well

[custom1970]

Ok, you guys know a heck of a lot more than me about this, i appreciate all the help. Think i'll just hook it up to the 6x9's and see how that works, it's an easier install anyway and they do need the most help since the bench seat and bad angle they're sitting at is killing them. Thanks again and will let you guys know how it works out.

[jimmydean]

Originally Posted by GCncsuHD

Keep in mind that amp was made well before the CEA standards for amplifier ratings. HiFonics does not even specify RMS or Max ratings for that amplifier, but they do state that it was tested between 11.5-16 volts, rather than the specific 14.4V amps are tested at now. Remember it was likely tested right at that 16v max where it would give the most output although that is not likely where the amp will be operated at. Judging by the overall size of that amp, I doubt it is good for much more than 100 watts RMS at 4 ohms, maybe it would do 150w at 2 ohms, but I would begin to worry about longevity and overheating at 2 ohms as it does not look to be built for great cooling.

Well, the rating I found was listed at 12V and I know from experience that the older HiFonics did well at 2ohms. Don't be mislead by the physical size of the older amps. The PPI 100w I used in a pro class truck put out nearly 1000w total and was smaller than that. IASCA National champ, no cooling issues.

[custom1970]

Hopefully this is the last question. The AMP has a place for a wire on the back for what it calls (remote turn on) How would i hook this up? Do i need to run a 12v wire with a switch in it or what? thanks!

[GCncsuHD]

Originally Posted by custom1970

Hopefully this is the last question. The AMP has a place for a wire on the back for what it calls (remote turn on) How would i hook this up? Do i need to run a 12v wire with a switch in it or what? thanks!

Most aftermarket radios will have a remote turn on lead, usually blue in color. This will switch the amp on when the radio is on. You could also run this wire to a 12v+ ign source so that the amp comes on anytime the truck is on, but be forewarned you will probably get a feedback pop through the speakers when you turn it on. When you have it hooked up through the radio, it usually has a 1/2 second delay or so to avoid this pop. I don't recommend a 12v switch as it just adds one more thing to forget and come out to a dead battery.

[jimmydean]

That is the wire that is used by the deck to turn the amp on. If you aren't using a deck with a wire for power antenna, then you can run a 12v switch. That's what I am running since I am using my MP3 player to push my tunes.

[GCncsuHD]

Originally Posted by jimmydean

That is the wire that is used by the deck to turn the amp on. If you aren't using a deck with a wire for power antenna, then you can run a 12v switch. That's what I am running since I am using my MP3 player to push my tunes.

Using the "power antenna" wire is not a good idea, most decks shut power off to that wire if you go to AUX or CD mode, which in turn would cut power to the amp as well, it should have a dedicated remote turn on wire.

[tubbedII]

Don't be scared of wiring the speakers from the amp in parallel, it's the simple one. It just running 1 channel to 2 speakers. If it were me doing this, I'd run 1 channel to both 6x9's and the other channel to the 6's in the kicks. By doing this, you'll lose your ability to do left or right balance, but at the same time you can use the left or right balance to adjust the levels of front to rear incase one set doesn't like to be as loud as the other.

To do this, simply run 2 sets of speaker wires off channel 1 to both the 6's, then do the same with channel 2 for the 6x9's. This will get you the most power out of your amp, but as for it being 2 ohms, that really depends on the ohm rating of your speakers.

[custom1970]

Here's the wiring diagram from my radio. Do i have an option other than the yellow auto antena?
And i'm assuming that i'd use the Line out RCA's to go to AMP, then hook speakers directly to the AMP?
And am i correct that the AMP has to always be on if the radio is on? Would be nice to be able to listen to the radio without the power drain from the AMP if the truck wasn't running...

[custom1970]

So if i wanted to try and run all 4 speakers, is this how i should wire it? Excuss my hand drawing, i know it's not that good. Also, still not sure the best place to hook up the Remote Turn On.

[tubbedII]

It's hard to say with 100% accuracy if that remote wire on the radio is the right one. But, if you put a test light to it and it's off when the key is off and on with key on, it's the right one. All you need is a key activated wire, so if it's not, just tap into any wire that is ACC powered and use it.

Also, you're speakers are already wired as I desicribed (parallel). You can easily just take the wires off your radio and plug them into the amp just as they are and you're set for the speaker wire wiring.

[Newold65]

Just my 2 cents but you can do as everyone has said to discover if the yellow wire will work for you as a remote wire and if you still want to have the ability to listen to your radio you can wire in a switch in line, running off of said yellow wire. That way you can choose whether or not to listen to your radio with the amp on or off and do not have to worry about draining the batt due to the fact the power will be cut once you remove the keys. I've set up alot of stereos that way so my buddies can turn off the big subs when they have kiddos in the car, and have never had any issues.

[custom1970]

Originally Posted by Newold65

Just my 2 cents but you can do as everyone has said to discover if the yellow wire will work for you as a remote wire and if you still want to have the ability to listen to your radio you can wire in a switch in line, running off of said yellow wire. That way you can choose whether or not to listen to your radio with the amp on or off and do not have to worry about draining the batt due to the fact the power will be cut once you remove the keys. I've set up alot of stereos that way so my buddies can turn off the big subs when they have kiddos in the car, and have never had any issues.

This method would be my preferred install. Question, how would i wire this? If i hook the speaker wires up to the Amp (as in my drawing) and not the Radio, will everything still work if the Amp is not on?

[Newold65]

Sorry it took so long to respond. But if you want the ability to control whether or not the amp is on, You will have to hook it up with the two 6" speaker's directly to the deck and then run the two 6x9's to the amp. This way when you want to really hear your music in your truck you can kick on the amp and power up the two 6X9's and when you just want to sit and listen and not worry about draining your batt you can kill the amp and just listen to the front two 6's. It's not a perfect solution but it does give you another option. It'll look something like this.

[custom1970]

Originally Posted by Newold65

Sorry it took so long to respond. But if you want the ability to control whether or not the amp is on, You will have to hook it up with the two 6" speaker's directly to the deck and then run the two 6x9's to the amp. This way when you want to really hear your music in your truck you can kick on the amp and power up the two 6X9's and when you just want to sit and listen and not worry about draining your batt you can kill the amp and just listen to the front two 6's. It's not a perfect solution but it does give you another option. It'll look something like this.

Thanks for the info and the drawing, this is the way i'm going to hook it up. Also, thanks to all the help from everyone else. Will post how it works once i get it hooked up. Not looking forward to pulling the AC ducts apart again....LOL

[djracer]

Are the 6x9's in boxes? if they are not they will sound horrible. I can't tell from the pictures. I would not run any of the speakers off the radio and I would put both left speakers on one channel and both right channel speakers on the other. Any speakers hooked to the amp will not play when the remote wire is not on.

There is some bad info in this thread. If anyone needs help on anything stereo related pm me. I have done it all and been doing it for a living since 1986.

[stich626]

if it was me, I'd find another small amp and use two one for the fronts and one for the 6by9's or get a 4 channel amp..
that hiphonic amp driving 4 speakers will set the failsafes in the amp as it overheats
no matter the ohm load.. it's not a high current amp design..
I've never had good luck with that brand.. they always cut off ,overheat
if you drive your truck any lenth of time, with the volume up.. you'll not be happy with that amp..

[djracer]

That is a very old very decent amp and it should not have a problem running 2 ohm stereo. Run atleast 8 ga wire to it and ground it with 8 ga straight to the floor with the paint scraped away. Make the ground 18 inches or less. You already have it just try it. If you are no happy with the results then change it. I think you will be more than pleased with it.

[custom1970]

[quote=djracer;4760958]Are the 6x9's in boxes? if they are not they will sound horrible. I can't tell from the pictures. I would not run any of the speakers off the radio and I would put both left speakers on one channel and both right channel speakers on the other. Any speakers hooked to the amp will not play when the remote wire is not on.

Yes, the 6x9 are in boxes, not real big ones, but as big as under seat would allow. The reason i was thinking of running the 6.5's off the radio was so that if the truck wasn't running i could still listen to the radio without having to worry about killing my battery. Is this a bad idea?

Originally Posted by stich626

if it was me, I'd find another small amp and use two one for the fronts and one for the 6by9's or get a 4 channel amp..
that hiphonic amp driving 4 speakers will set the failsafes in the amp as it overheats
no matter the ohm load.. it's not a high current amp design..
I've never had good luck with that brand.. they always cut off ,overheat
if you drive your truck any lenth of time, with the volume up.. you'll not be happy with that amp..

I already have this AMP so i'm going to use it, just trying to decide the best way to hook it up. Granted i know very little about AMP's..., but what research i did do on these old AMP's is that they were very well made. The company was bought out a while ago and the quality went down hill after that.

Originally Posted by djracer

That is a very old very decent amp and it should not have a problem running 2 ohm stereo. Run atleast 8 ga wire to it and ground it with 8 ga straight to the floor with the paint scraped away. Make the ground 18 inches or less. You already have it just try it. If you are no happy with the results then change it. I think you will be more than pleased with it.

Thanks, there's not alot of info out there about these AMPs, but what i found, agrees with what your saying. Also, thanks for the tip about how to properly ground it.

[stich626]

Originally Posted by djracer

That is a very old very decent amp and it should not have a problem running 2 ohm stereo. Run atleast 8 ga wire to it and ground it with 8 ga straight to the floor with the paint scraped away. Make the ground 18 inches or less. You already have it just try it. If you are no happy with the results then change it. I think you will be more than pleased with it.

so what if that amp is happy running a 2 ohm load.. the current to run the 4 speakers, that amp can't do. for any lenth of time..
it will clip like mad and either shut down or burn up tweeters and or mid range speakers

[djracer]

If the amp did anything out of the norm it would be get hot and shut off. Its only gonna clip if you over drive it. If you listen to this or any other amp and back off when it sounds bad you won't hurt anything at all. I have run speakers rated at 35 watts a channel with 125 watts a channel and not had a problem. This amp is much higher quality than you think. Its just old. The old Hyphonics stuff was very high quality.

Custom 1970 I would hook all the speakers to the amp. If you listen at lower volumes the amp is not gonna be that bad on your battery. Higher volumes it will draw more current.