I guess I’m old school and would have went with dual amp setup. A 4 ch and a sub amp. I like that technology is now allowing more compact setups. Allowing less overall space to be taken up by the system. Keep up the great work!! Getting back into system building from 20 years ago and I have really been enjoying the channel!
I am a fan of 5 channel and multiple amp setups. It really depends on the situation. For simple installs, 5 channels are great. Especially when you aren't running several thousands of watts to subs. My wife has a JP95 amp powering her system with 2 Incriminator Audio I12 subs at 1300 watts. The 4 channels power her front, rear and tweeters. I have JP84 and JP23 V2 amps. 3 speakers in each front door. Plus, 2 Incriminator Audio Lethal Injection 12s at 2500 watts. Our systems were designed for different things. Now, she wants my system. I also installed a Recoil 5 channel amp in my buddy's truck for door speakers and a preloaded Kicker dual 12 enclosure. Single amp setups are easier to wire and manage. Also, they look cleaner.
I'm doing a full system amp w/5 channels. The only difference is that I'm using an aftermarket head unit. Thanks for the video, Mark! Keep 'em coming! This is good to see so that I can think through all of your builds and be more familiar with the car audio mindset.
Great addition by talking about real world amp draws listening to music. Most people assume they are drawing way more amps than they really are. All they need to do is attach a DC clamp meter and watch the amperage as they play music. You can learn a lot from this. 👍
I like both. Multiple amps is nice if you need a certain amount of power or have a big vehicle with plenty of space. I currently am going with a 5 channel amp. It just works better for me in a midsize truck.
I’m getting ready to begin my custom install in my focus st and your videos have been a huge help. I live in phoenix so I’ve already stopped by mobile solutions for some stuff. Going with a C7 3 way custom a pillar setup and 13w7 in my focus st. Planning on taking a lot of inspiration from your stealth install. I went with separate amps because I needed 8 channels plus the sub. I decided on the vxi amps - 800/8 and 1000/1 for this.
Are you going to post videos on here? I just finished up the temp setup in my 2016 FoST with my older Audison LrX5.1k, Hertz Mille 3-ways with the pillars on the passive crossovers and mids active, and a 12” Hertz HX sealed. I say temp because I do plan to redo the sub portion to get some of my trunk back, either 3 of the Audison Prima 8s or maybe 2 of the new Hertz Mille shallow subs and do a nice false floor at the same time. I just had the HX already so I decided to run it.
I’m in mesa . Running the same amps (both vxi ) in a 2020 Caddi .13w7 and all focal speakers , Jl hub. Mine build will show the magnet thru plexi and plexi slot port ,sub firing forward , leds , cool bracing and that mobile solutions vibe ! Because I’m running focal k2 they are already 2 ohm which is super cool . The doors have some excellent bass . Thanks Mark for the helpful videos
I don't know enough to say whether I'm a fan of the all-in-one amp or separate amps. I can see the value in both, and some issues with both, but that's about where it ends. What I do know is that I watched a number of your videos before finally arriving at a solution that works for my Malibu with the Bose system. It retains the factory HU and Bose amp, but the speakers are all new, plus a 10" sub-woofer. From the factory amp, the output goes to a DSP, then to a 5-channel 750W amp. The front speakers use the factory wires, the rear deck speakers use new 16-ga wire, and the sub gets its own 10-ga wire. Power goes to a 100A breaker at the battery, then to a 4-ga wire to the trunk, then to a second 100A breaker, and then across the trunk to the amp. I originally had plans to have a second battery in the trunk, which was the reason for the second breaker.
I like the 5 channel amps, currently have the RD900/5 powering 2 10’s and 4 6.5’s. Sounds really good, recently upgraded all the RCA’s to KnuConceptz and noticed a big difference. Although, I feel at times that I am under powering the subs.
@@CarAudioFabrication running a set of JL Audio 10W0v3’s in a sealed enclosure and 4 pioneer 6.5’s. I think my winter project will be to replace the 6.5 with a mid tweeter combo, I like Focal but also like the JL Audio C2 that you can mount the tweeter on the woofer.
Bonjour je suis français et j'adore vos vidéos ! Même si j'ai des difficultés a comprendre l'anglais😢 Ca n'empêche pas que je trouve votre travail très beau 👍
I like the 5 channel amp, I would like to see a video just like this, but with factory speakers and a added sub, when you do the install video a quick explaination would be great!!!
For ease of use in a mild build, multi channel amps are awesome as far as I'm concerned. If you are going to decibel drags... well, you should already know what you need. Lol. I'm currently using a multi with built-in dsp, and I think it sounds very good. I'm having issues getting the tune spot on, but that's probably me.
I like both. Using an 8 channel Audison with dsp, for a three way front stage. Midbass bridged. Simple and clean. And a separate sub amp. No rear fill for me.
I've watched so many of your videos to configure my 2021 Toyota Tacoma setup. Ended up going with a Rockford Fosgate R2-750X5, JL Audio SB-T-TACDCG3/10TW3 Stealthbox, and Kicker CS Coaxial speakers with the OEM headunit for ease of installation. It sounds 100x better than my buddy's truck that has the factory JBL upgrade especially after adding sound deadening material throughout.
My build is finally finished. I have two fi audio mt 12’s in a down for sound profab enclosure, two skar audio skv2 4500’s strapped, 2 xs power d3400 batteries, 320 amp alternator, two runs of 1/0 wire, and a 4 channel for the highs.
I love using multi channel amps as well simplicity in connections and placement. I had a pdx-v9 added another pdx-v9. 3 way up front, 3 way out back running active and passive, woofers by themselves mids and tweets on a passive. Then each sub channel running 2 type r 8's. Was easy to upgrade each time. Started small and built up from there.
I like the concept of a full system amplifier and they certainly have their place. For the average person, they are likely to be all they will need. But the major downside is lack of individual upgradability. For example, if I have a 5-channel amp up and running and then decide 600 watts is not enough for my new 18's I'm upgrading to, then I need to run a separate subwoofer amp and I now have a 5th (or 7th) channel on my amp that's not being used. So my advice would be: if you are confident the full system amp delivers all the power you suspect you will ever need, go with it. Less to wire, less room taken up by multiple amps. But if you think you might one day want more power (most likely for your subs) then you should probably keep sub and mid/high amplification in separate amps. My 2 cents.
That is one downfall of 5 channel amps. But, Down4Sound and Deaf Bonce make massive powered 5 channel amps. My wife's JP95 is pushing 1300 watts on the sub channel. The Deaf Bonce does over 2,000 watts on the sub channel. So, one could upgrade to a larger 5 channel amp too.
im planning on running 4 amps for my setup, 3X12in subs with an amp each, and a single stealth cabin amp for the internal speakers. looking forward to how you set yours up as some insperation would be great, i half set it up nice, soldered and plastic wrapped connections, then started running out of daylight and rushed the back end install so need to go back and redo all the boot stuff.
I prefer using seperate amps for lows and highs. You had mentioned in one of your previous videos that if the amp stopped working you were down for the count. Using 2 or more amps for your setup allows you to keep your system working and makes it easier to replace the defective amp without losing the whole system. BTW, I really enjoy your videos - very informative, I watch them all. Thanks!
Hello! I always wondered why my system not sounding right even after hours and hours of tuning with sonarworks mic and a DSP. Seeing your latest videos I decided to try out a JL audio Fix 82. (also to upgrade spare wheel sub to JL audio 10tw3). Thank you. Will see what it does but I suspect the factory stereo in my Polo being EQ'd before sending the signal to everything else.
I like all in one amps. Like zapco amps with dsp. 6 channel 100x6 with 8 channel dsp. 4 channels up front, 2 out back and sub channel out dsp so you can get choose your own bass amp. Nothing comes close to zapco for the 800$ that 6 channel coat. Its class AB also so sound quality will be top notch.
I've always been a fan of five channel amps instead of a four channel and mono amp, but the dsp amps are new to me. I've never used one yet. I'm doing both my first and second dsp builds at the moment, but both are dsp and five channel amps separate.
I would love to have a 5 channel amp in all my cars, but I prefer individual amplifiers because, initial investment upfront is lower and you can add amplifiers later but 0 gauge wiring upto the trunk distribution block is mandatory, you will really appreciate the addition of each amplifier powered speaker one at a time and the difference it makes alone, in case you damage your amplifier (may be a short, water ingress, stupidity etc...) you burn one amplifier at a time also flexibility in wiring as close to the speakers as possible, location and mounting, size and the ability to turn them off individually when you are parked and listening to music alone.
My head hurts, maybe watching this video at 5am wasnt the greatest idea 😂 it was like being back at highschool in a science lesson. All joking aside, its such an amazing vide, breaking down each amp load values and using an easy to follow diagram layout. It will be great when we see all this coming together and going into the vehicle. To answer your question towards the end of the video, I guess it comes down to the requirement of the person and their vehicle. If it's their own vehicle they cruise around in and what awesome sound, they may opt for the multiple amplifier option. If it was a work or family vehicle they may want a more compact setup using just the 1 amplifier.
For a cheap system, I'd go recoil 5 channel amp. Nothing comes close for a budget option. 1800.5 140x4 with 600x1 into 4 ohms 220x4 with 980x1 into 2 ohms
For me personally in a daily driver or vehicle that either has limited space or will still need use of the space it has I like all in one but in my classic car or vehicle that rarely sees more than myself I prefer sperate amps so when I decide to change subs or mids and highs I can swap amps easier
System I'm going to do will have 3 amps. 3 component fronts. Rear doors for fill. All those will be on an 800 watt 8 channel amp. Running 4 subs on 2 1000 1 channel amps. Everything will be JL Audio. Head unit will be Alpine.
Multi vs Single AMPs to vary by system goals and what is the vehicle. Typically i have always preferred two or more in the past but the new stuff is so good that it becomes about application and goals
Mark great vidoes first.. alot of talent with getting car audio.. as long as youtube is around so are you, hope your making the money on these video uploads you deserve
It depends on the vehicle. Small and sports cars have less wide open space, so one amp may not fit. I find it easier to keep things to the minimum. But many situations don't allow that. So my answer is..." It depends"
Hello. I bought a 2023 Elantra too. I'm watching your videos and they're helping me out a lot. When will you be doing the install of everything? Thank you
Over time, I don't rush to get projects done as I rather take the proper time to document everything on the channel. I'm not in a race against anyone or have anything to prove to anyone.
Question regarding ground wire sizes... I understand that if you are going straight to a device, your ground wire should be the same size as your power wire. But what if where your fuseblock is, is only where the control system is, and the device is somewhere else. Like, say your fuseblock is in the trunk, and you have a switch that turns a relay on and off, which sends power from that fuseblock to a device mounted under the dash. That device wouldn't be grounded back at the fuse block would it, or wouldn't it be better to ground it 'locally' ie: within a couple feet of the device?
Can you plz explain if the tweeters use the same cable for the build? The diagram shows it uses the same cable as the woofers please someone elaborate on this
Plan on doing a 660.5CX amp with focal icu 165s in the back on flat and two kicker 10 inch comp Cs I still have been debating on components I want any recommendations would be awesome 65-70ish range
I'm using an aftermarket kenwood head unit. Do I still need the T-harness, audio controller, and DSP correction processor between the head unit and amp? Or can i just go from head unit to amp.
Thank you for an awesome video, it's just in time for a new project for my new 2023 Forester wilderness, the sound system is a non-hk, I want to ask you if have worked with Subaru with the Starlink system. Is there a way to bypass the Starlink system because the front speakers wires run through the Starlink and it can not be amplified more than 25 watts or it will ruined the system. I want upgrade my sound system with speakers, sub and amp while keeping the stock H.U. or maybe an aftermarket one. Your guidance will be very appreciated. Thank you Mark and Aloha🤙
I recently started watching your videos as I am about to upgrade my system in my car. They really help and are detailed but concise and to the point. I will have 2 amps one for the speakers, and the other for the sub. I always wonder what wires I need to upgrade as the car is from the 90s. Do you suggest gutting out everything or just doing what is needed?
I have a newbie question... My Rav4 has 6 speaker locations... I also want 2 small (6.5 ) subs... It is for quality listening at moderate volumes... I was thinking about a 5 channel amp... But how do I get ALL that wired into the one amp...
Is it possible to use one single 4 channel A/B Amp to power 8 speakers (1 x 6.5" component speakers in front doors, 1x 6.5" coaxial in rear doors and 4 x 6x9" in the third row of a medium size SUV) but having kinda switch to have the front and rear doors speakers working while the 4 6x9 are off and viceversa, having the 4 x 6x9 working while the doors speakers are off. Or it is simple not achievable and definitely we have to install three Amps; 1 x doors, 1x 4 x 6x9 and 1 x subwoofers ??? All technical advise are welcome !
That's awesome! Yeah, its one of those things, if you can easily replace the factory wiring go for it, but with so many vehicles having a pinned plug between the door and body its no longer practical to just simply run wire through there.
Can you help me, to find out how to pull the signal for a amp for subwoofer only from the original system from a 2021 ram 1500 this has the alpine system
I think power balancing over too much sub volume. Front and rear speaker just 300 watt but why you put 600 watt sub isnt that enough 300 watt? Im trying to set up system like that I bought one 400 watt rms sub and front 75x2 component rear 60x2 coaxial. Should I increase sup power? Isnt that enough? My car is a b segment car and I think this is enough. And I planned to wire size on amps fuse value. Amp has 60 amp fuse I calculate to that value. I suppose amp couldnt draw current above 60 amp if it does it pops.I think calculation useless. I learn alot of think from you but you are bass man.🤟
I have been using the same 4 channel + monoblock + active crossover from my first car to the now 4th (a decade later). I always hated struggling to find space to place all the components. My idea is to install the system and make it seem factory fitted. with the new car, I'm now looking for an affordable 5-channel with high-input + crossover just to minimize the components required... still looking though :(
So I just got a car that has no head unit and is running just a 4 channel amp as it "head unit" can I add an amp to run with it or should I just buy a 5 channel and run the sub wires
How do I figure out if my 2022 toyota camry xle hybrid with 9 inch screen without jbl system can take this amp without hurting the hybrid system ....a little less mpg wouldn't be a killer but would it hurt anything else ???
I'm running a Kenwood 6006dsp and a JP8. I also have a 21 Elantra. My question is this, I soldered RCA's directly to my front speaker outputs for my signal and I've had zero issues. Why do you need the LGDS and I didn't?
Some factory headunits look for the speaker load in order to function. If they don't see the load they assume there is a problem and it turns itself off. It's like a protection circuit. I'm not familiar with that dsp, but it may have speaker loads built in. Youd need to go through the manual to find out.
What do you do if your Amp power connectors are designed to fit 10 AWG wire or smaller? I picked up the new Alpine Optim8 and the power terminals are designed for 10AWG. I was told I should just make 8AWG fit. Suggestions? I prefer less amps so just the 1. Thanks for sharing!
You can totally mod the 8ga to fit. You just cut away some of the wire strands to shrink the diameter. Just don't do that near the amp or carpet. Do it out of the vehicle or inside a plastic bag, etc... Stray strands of copper are amp killers. Use extreme caution and keep everything clean. Should work fine. It's plenty of current. BTW, thats the Alpine unit that has the strange amp ratings. I notice they don't list thd for its ratings, not even in the factory manual. I suspect its putting out half its rated power, hence the 40A fuse.
@@808SSCamaro I'm disappointed they don't show all the specs. Still, you may be just fine with the power it provides. Plus you can always add an amp for more power. Subs are the most power hungry. Mids use very little and tweeters almost no power.
I want to do something pretty similar its just i been troubleshooting my front speakers music plays fine through them but i cant here phone calls or the volume is really low and cant be adjusted I have a microbypass has anyone ever had this issue?
Great video as always Mark! I didn't plan my system all that well. I watched a bunch of your videos but still missed things! I have a Helix M6 DSP amp and a Skar Audio RP1500 mono block. This is all in a 14 Ram! My issue is I don't have any channels left for my rear fill!! I'm thinking about changing the sub amp to something smaller so I can squeeze a 2 or 4 channel next to it! Any recommendations?
A lot of people don't run rear fill. I don't. Since rears need minimal power you might be able to run the rears off factory power. Then again, that dsp should allow for differential rear fill, which I hear is great. I'd like to try that myself. If your satisfied with the power of the 6 Helix channels and just need a small 2 channel to power rear speakers just about anything should work. 30w x 2 should be plenty of power. Perhaps a small motorsports style of amp.
The power of the M6 is fine! The Morel 3 way set up front sounds good, but I'm craving more midbass! May put 8" in door to take the place of the 6.5. The mid bass is maxed out with the toslink optical and midbass adjustments. Just ran a 6 channel rca to see if maybe I can help with some radio adjustments
Thank you for know how to pronounce the word ‘co-axle’. You would think audio ‘professionals’ would know how to say words associated with said profession. But then we have nucular…which isn’t even a thing, but as the saying goes: haters gonna hate, idiots gonna…idiot?
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I guess I’m old school and would have went with dual amp setup. A 4 ch and a sub amp. I like that technology is now allowing more compact setups. Allowing less overall space to be taken up by the system. Keep up the great work!! Getting back into system building from 20 years ago and I have really been enjoying the channel!
I'm with you on this one. I'm old school and just like separating the two.
I'm a fan of 5 channel amps. It keeps things simple. Thanks for the video.
I am a fan of 5 channel and multiple amp setups. It really depends on the situation. For simple installs, 5 channels are great. Especially when you aren't running several thousands of watts to subs. My wife has a JP95 amp powering her system with 2 Incriminator Audio I12 subs at 1300 watts. The 4 channels power her front, rear and tweeters. I have JP84 and JP23 V2 amps. 3 speakers in each front door. Plus, 2 Incriminator Audio Lethal Injection 12s at 2500 watts. Our systems were designed for different things. Now, she wants my system. I also installed a Recoil 5 channel amp in my buddy's truck for door speakers and a preloaded Kicker dual 12 enclosure. Single amp setups are easier to wire and manage. Also, they look cleaner.
I'm doing a full system amp w/5 channels. The only difference is that I'm using an aftermarket head unit. Thanks for the video, Mark! Keep 'em coming! This is good to see so that I can think through all of your builds and be more familiar with the car audio mindset.
Great addition by talking about real world amp draws listening to music. Most people assume they are drawing way more amps than they really are.
All they need to do is attach a DC clamp meter and watch the amperage as they play music. You can learn a lot from this. 👍
I like both. Multiple amps is nice if you need a certain amount of power or have a big vehicle with plenty of space. I currently am going with a 5 channel amp. It just works better for me in a midsize truck.
Definitely! Can't beat the small size of the 5 channel amp. Thanks for chiming in and watching!
I’m getting ready to begin my custom install in my focus st and your videos have been a huge help. I live in phoenix so I’ve already stopped by mobile solutions for some stuff. Going with a C7 3 way custom a pillar setup and 13w7 in my focus st. Planning on taking a lot of inspiration from your stealth install.
I went with separate amps because I needed 8 channels plus the sub. I decided on the vxi amps - 800/8 and 1000/1 for this.
That's going to be an awesome system! Enjoy!
Are you going to post videos on here? I just finished up the temp setup in my 2016 FoST with my older Audison LrX5.1k, Hertz Mille 3-ways with the pillars on the passive crossovers and mids active, and a 12” Hertz HX sealed. I say temp because I do plan to redo the sub portion to get some of my trunk back, either 3 of the Audison Prima 8s or maybe 2 of the new Hertz Mille shallow subs and do a nice false floor at the same time. I just had the HX already so I decided to run it.
@@dday_p51 I’m not a youtuber like Mark but I might post some pictures and video of the process.
I’m in mesa . Running the same amps (both vxi ) in a 2020 Caddi .13w7 and all focal speakers , Jl hub. Mine build will show the magnet thru plexi and plexi slot port ,sub firing forward , leds , cool bracing and that mobile solutions vibe ! Because I’m running focal k2 they are already 2 ohm which is super cool . The doors have some excellent bass . Thanks Mark for the helpful videos
I don't know enough to say whether I'm a fan of the all-in-one amp or separate amps. I can see the value in both, and some issues with both, but that's about where it ends.
What I do know is that I watched a number of your videos before finally arriving at a solution that works for my Malibu with the Bose system.
It retains the factory HU and Bose amp, but the speakers are all new, plus a 10" sub-woofer. From the factory amp, the output goes to a DSP, then to a 5-channel 750W amp.
The front speakers use the factory wires, the rear deck speakers use new 16-ga wire, and the sub gets its own 10-ga wire.
Power goes to a 100A breaker at the battery, then to a 4-ga wire to the trunk, then to a second 100A breaker, and then across the trunk to the amp. I originally had plans to have a second battery in the trunk, which was the reason for the second breaker.
You are one of my car audio heroes, dude.
I like the 5 channel amps, currently have the RD900/5 powering 2 10’s and 4 6.5’s. Sounds really good, recently upgraded all the RCA’s to KnuConceptz and noticed a big difference. Although, I feel at times that I am under powering the subs.
What subs and speakers are you running? Sounds like a nice system!
@@CarAudioFabrication running a set of JL Audio 10W0v3’s in a sealed enclosure and 4 pioneer 6.5’s. I think my winter project will be to replace the 6.5 with a mid tweeter combo, I like Focal but also like the JL Audio C2 that you can mount the tweeter on the woofer.
Bonjour
je suis français et j'adore vos vidéos !
Même si j'ai des difficultés a comprendre l'anglais😢
Ca n'empêche pas que je trouve votre travail très beau 👍
I like the 5 channel amp, I would like to see a video just like this, but with factory speakers and a added sub, when you do the install video a quick explaination would be great!!!
i have done both with amps and prefer to have 1 amp running everything if possible
Great info, still searching for an option to keep factory HU in my 23 Tacoma and add amps and speakers.
For ease of use in a mild build, multi channel amps are awesome as far as I'm concerned. If you are going to decibel drags... well, you should already know what you need. Lol.
I'm currently using a multi with built-in dsp, and I think it sounds very good. I'm having issues getting the tune spot on, but that's probably me.
I like both.
Using an 8 channel Audison with dsp, for a three way front stage.
Midbass bridged. Simple and clean.
And a separate sub amp.
No rear fill for me.
I've watched so many of your videos to configure my 2021 Toyota Tacoma setup. Ended up going with a Rockford Fosgate R2-750X5, JL Audio SB-T-TACDCG3/10TW3 Stealthbox, and Kicker CS Coaxial speakers with the OEM headunit for ease of installation. It sounds 100x better than my buddy's truck that has the factory JBL upgrade especially after adding sound deadening material throughout.
That's awesome! Glad you are getting to enjoy amazing sound! Sound treatment is definitely key. Does that model have one or two of the 10's?
My build is finally finished. I have two fi audio mt 12’s in a down for sound profab enclosure, two skar audio skv2 4500’s strapped, 2 xs power d3400 batteries, 320 amp alternator, two runs of 1/0 wire, and a 4 channel for the highs.
I love using multi channel amps as well simplicity in connections and placement. I had a pdx-v9 added another pdx-v9. 3 way up front, 3 way out back running active and passive, woofers by themselves mids and tweets on a passive. Then each sub channel running 2 type r 8's. Was easy to upgrade each time. Started small and built up from there.
I like the concept of a full system amplifier and they certainly have their place. For the average person, they are likely to be all they will need. But the major downside is lack of individual upgradability. For example, if I have a 5-channel amp up and running and then decide 600 watts is not enough for my new 18's I'm upgrading to, then I need to run a separate subwoofer amp and I now have a 5th (or 7th) channel on my amp that's not being used. So my advice would be: if you are confident the full system amp delivers all the power you suspect you will ever need, go with it. Less to wire, less room taken up by multiple amps. But if you think you might one day want more power (most likely for your subs) then you should probably keep sub and mid/high amplification in separate amps. My 2 cents.
Yes, definitely agree the 5 channel locks you in and makes future upgrades more difficult, but if looking for something compact it can't be beat!
That is one downfall of 5 channel amps. But, Down4Sound and Deaf Bonce make massive powered 5 channel amps. My wife's JP95 is pushing 1300 watts on the sub channel. The Deaf Bonce does over 2,000 watts on the sub channel. So, one could upgrade to a larger 5 channel amp too.
im planning on running 4 amps for my setup, 3X12in subs with an amp each, and a single stealth cabin amp for the internal speakers. looking forward to how you set yours up as some insperation would be great, i half set it up nice, soldered and plastic wrapped connections, then started running out of daylight and rushed the back end install so need to go back and redo all the boot stuff.
Sounds fun! Here's a video for planning electrical for more amps if it helps - th-cam.com/video/WwlqMVu609s/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
In general I prefer separate amps for component and sub however I have had limited space and had to default to combo amps
I prefer using seperate amps for lows and highs. You had mentioned in one of your previous videos that if the amp stopped working you were down for the count.
Using 2 or more amps for your setup allows you to keep your system working and makes it easier to replace the defective amp without losing the whole system.
BTW, I really enjoy your videos - very informative, I watch them all.
Thanks!
Always a trade off! Thanks for watching!
Hello! I always wondered why my system not sounding right even after hours and hours of tuning with sonarworks mic and a DSP. Seeing your latest videos I decided to try out a JL audio Fix 82. (also to upgrade spare wheel sub to JL audio 10tw3). Thank you. Will see what it does but I suspect the factory stereo in my Polo being EQ'd before sending the signal to everything else.
Since I'm doing an active three way system with an extra sub i need 7 amplification channels. I definitely will go the 2-Amplifier route!
I like all in one amps. Like zapco amps with dsp. 6 channel 100x6 with 8 channel dsp. 4 channels up front, 2 out back and sub channel out dsp so you can get choose your own bass amp. Nothing comes close to zapco for the 800$ that 6 channel coat. Its class AB also so sound quality will be top notch.
I've always been a fan of five channel amps instead of a four channel and mono amp, but the dsp amps are new to me. I've never used one yet. I'm doing both my first and second dsp builds at the moment, but both are dsp and five channel amps separate.
Depends how important saving space is. If there's room separate amp and dsp but if not then having them both in one is pretty handy
5 channel is for me. Big power, small footprint for my Cooper S (R53)
I like a separate amp for subs. I’ve used and love KnuKoceptz products!
Like the 5 channel. With dsp. So clean
I like a lot of power so a 4 Channel and dedicated sub amp separate. For low power system a 5 channel is convenient
Thanks for covering the power limits of the factory wire
You bet
I would love to have a 5 channel amp in all my cars, but I prefer individual amplifiers because, initial investment upfront is lower and you can add amplifiers later but 0 gauge wiring upto the trunk distribution block is mandatory, you will really appreciate the addition of each amplifier powered speaker one at a time and the difference it makes alone, in case you damage your amplifier (may be a short, water ingress, stupidity etc...) you burn one amplifier at a time also flexibility in wiring as close to the speakers as possible, location and mounting, size and the ability to turn them off individually when you are parked and listening to music alone.
My head hurts, maybe watching this video at 5am wasnt the greatest idea 😂 it was like being back at highschool in a science lesson. All joking aside, its such an amazing vide, breaking down each amp load values and using an easy to follow diagram layout. It will be great when we see all this coming together and going into the vehicle.
To answer your question towards the end of the video, I guess it comes down to the requirement of the person and their vehicle. If it's their own vehicle they cruise around in and what awesome sound, they may opt for the multiple amplifier option. If it was a work or family vehicle they may want a more compact setup using just the 1 amplifier.
5 channel amps are great. Would suite most users.
For a cheap system, I'd go recoil 5 channel amp. Nothing comes close for a budget option. 1800.5
140x4 with 600x1 into 4 ohms
220x4 with 980x1 into 2 ohms
For me personally in a daily driver or vehicle that either has limited space or will still need use of the space it has I like all in one but in my classic car or vehicle that rarely sees more than myself I prefer sperate amps so when I decide to change subs or mids and highs I can swap amps easier
I chose this over anchorman 2 tonight
Appreciate you!
System I'm going to do will have 3 amps. 3 component fronts. Rear doors for fill. All those will be on an 800 watt 8 channel amp. Running 4 subs on 2 1000 1 channel amps. Everything will be JL Audio. Head unit will be Alpine.
Multi vs Single AMPs to vary by system goals and what is the vehicle. Typically i have always preferred two or more in the past but the new stuff is so good that it becomes about application and goals
Mark great vidoes first.. alot of talent with getting car audio.. as long as youtube is around so are you, hope your making the money on these video uploads you deserve
I have a 5 ch amp now and while I like it I think when its time to upgrade I may go for a seperate monoblock for the subs.
It depends on the vehicle. Small and sports cars have less wide open space, so one amp may not fit. I find it easier to keep things to the minimum. But many situations don't allow that. So my answer is..." It depends"
Went separate amps in my car because a combined amp wouldn't fit plus the sub was a subsequent addition and may be further upgraded down the line.
I prefer the separate amps. If you have any issues you can replace them individually. For a good deal I'd get a combo amp though.
Hey ...can u do a video on a ab amplifier....specifically a 8000watt amp and what sub with be a right fit ....thanks 😁
SPL BUILD!!!!
I am on budget 😀 than I'm fan of 4ch amp for tweets and woofer + 2ch amp rear coax + sub amp
Hello. I bought a 2023 Elantra too. I'm watching your videos and they're helping me out a lot. When will you be doing the install of everything? Thank you
Over time, I don't rush to get projects done as I rather take the proper time to document everything on the channel. I'm not in a race against anyone or have anything to prove to anyone.
Literally just in time 🤝🏾
I prefer the 5 Channel amps. My RD900/5 is fantastic
Question regarding ground wire sizes...
I understand that if you are going straight to a device, your ground wire should be the same size as your power wire. But what if where your fuseblock is, is only where the control system is, and the device is somewhere else. Like, say your fuseblock is in the trunk, and you have a switch that turns a relay on and off, which sends power from that fuseblock to a device mounted under the dash. That device wouldn't be grounded back at the fuse block would it, or wouldn't it be better to ground it 'locally' ie: within a couple feet of the device?
Can you plz explain if the tweeters use the same cable for the build? The diagram shows it uses the same cable as the woofers please someone elaborate on this
Okay. How do you run this from a garage? I want to run an entire system from my garage. You got videos on THAT? SUBSCRIBED
Dude that looks aweosme
Plan on doing a 660.5CX amp with focal icu 165s in the back on flat and two kicker 10 inch comp Cs I still have been debating on components I want any recommendations would be awesome 65-70ish range
I'm using an aftermarket kenwood head unit. Do I still need the T-harness, audio controller, and DSP correction processor between the head unit and amp? Or can i just go from head unit to amp.
Thank you for an awesome video, it's just in time for a new project for my new 2023 Forester wilderness, the sound system is a non-hk, I want to ask you if have worked with Subaru with the Starlink system. Is there a way to bypass the Starlink system because the front speakers wires run through the Starlink and it can not be amplified more than 25 watts or it will ruined the system. I want upgrade my sound system with speakers, sub and amp while keeping the stock H.U. or maybe an aftermarket one. Your guidance will be very appreciated. Thank you Mark and Aloha🤙
I recently started watching your videos as I am about to upgrade my system in my car. They really help and are detailed but concise and to the point. I will have 2 amps one for the speakers, and the other for the sub. I always wonder what wires I need to upgrade as the car is from the 90s. Do you suggest gutting out everything or just doing what is needed?
For simplicity i like 5 channel amps. For sq i prefer seperate amps.
thank u sir
I have a newbie question... My Rav4 has 6 speaker locations... I also want 2 small (6.5 ) subs... It is for quality listening at moderate volumes... I was thinking about a 5 channel amp... But how do I get ALL that wired into the one amp...
Can you please do a video where you show how to put a full system into an already amped car as I’m struggling to bypass it cheers
Is it possible to use one single 4 channel A/B Amp to power 8 speakers (1 x 6.5" component speakers in front doors, 1x 6.5" coaxial in rear doors and 4 x 6x9" in the third row of a medium size SUV) but having kinda switch to have the front and rear doors speakers working while the 4 6x9 are off and viceversa, having the 4 x 6x9 working while the doors speakers are off. Or it is simple not achievable and definitely we have to install three Amps; 1 x doors, 1x 4 x 6x9 and 1 x subwoofers ??? All technical advise are welcome !
What loc should I use on a 5 channel amp? I want power my 4 door speakers and I have one sub. Pac LPA-E.4 4ch,lc7i,lc2i ?
Does anything about this change if it’s an aftermarket stereo
Why use a fix86 when you have a dsp? Does the dsp not take care of the signal issues as well?
Tony D'Amore did a video on how much wattage factory wiring can handle. I don't recall just how much, but it was north of 700wrms.
That's awesome! Yeah, its one of those things, if you can easily replace the factory wiring go for it, but with so many vehicles having a pinned plug between the door and body its no longer practical to just simply run wire through there.
How is the audio quallity after picking it from Head unit and make it flat, and after that qualizing to our prefernces?
Thanks for the great information Mark. Does wiring length factor in to choosing the gauge?
Can you help me, to find out how to pull the signal for a amp for subwoofer only from the original system from a 2021 ram 1500 this has the alpine system
I think power balancing over too much sub volume. Front and rear speaker just 300 watt but why you put 600 watt sub isnt that enough 300 watt? Im trying to set up system like that I bought one 400 watt rms sub and front 75x2 component rear 60x2 coaxial. Should I increase sup power? Isnt that enough? My car is a b segment car and I think this is enough. And I planned to wire size on amps fuse value. Amp has 60 amp fuse I calculate to that value. I suppose amp couldnt draw current above 60 amp if it does it pops.I think calculation useless. I learn alot of think from you but you are bass man.🤟
I have been using the same 4 channel + monoblock + active crossover from my first car to the now 4th (a decade later). I always hated struggling to find space to place all the components.
My idea is to install the system and make it seem factory fitted.
with the new car, I'm now looking for an affordable 5-channel with high-input + crossover just to minimize the components required... still looking though :(
Is a capacitor needed for any system over 1,000 watts of power ?
So I just got a car that has no head unit and is running just a 4 channel amp as it "head unit" can I add an amp to run with it or should I just buy a 5 channel and run the sub wires
Hi ...what happens if the sub is 10 000w peak and 650rms and the amplifier is 8000w and 700rms ....can u explain this plz
How do I figure out if my 2022 toyota camry xle hybrid with 9 inch screen without jbl system can take this amp without hurting the hybrid system ....a little less mpg wouldn't be a killer but would it hurt anything else ???
Seprate amp for sub and channel speakers
I'm running a Kenwood 6006dsp and a JP8. I also have a 21 Elantra. My question is this, I soldered RCA's directly to my front speaker outputs for my signal and I've had zero issues. Why do you need the LGDS and I didn't?
Some factory headunits look for the speaker load in order to function. If they don't see the load they assume there is a problem and it turns itself off. It's like a protection circuit.
I'm not familiar with that dsp, but it may have speaker loads built in. Youd need to go through the manual to find out.
What do you do if your Amp power connectors are designed to fit 10 AWG wire or smaller? I picked up the new Alpine Optim8 and the power terminals are designed for 10AWG. I was told I should just make 8AWG fit. Suggestions? I prefer less amps so just the 1. Thanks for sharing!
You can totally mod the 8ga to fit. You just cut away some of the wire strands to shrink the diameter. Just don't do that near the amp or carpet. Do it out of the vehicle or inside a plastic bag, etc... Stray strands of copper are amp killers. Use extreme caution and keep everything clean.
Should work fine. It's plenty of current.
BTW, thats the Alpine unit that has the strange amp ratings. I notice they don't list thd for its ratings, not even in the factory manual. I suspect its putting out half its rated power, hence the 40A fuse.
@@JasonWW2000 thanks! Half it's rated power doesn't sound good!
@@808SSCamaro I'm disappointed they don't show all the specs. Still, you may be just fine with the power it provides. Plus you can always add an amp for more power. Subs are the most power hungry. Mids use very little and tweeters almost no power.
@@JasonWW2000 Thanks! If I got a sub, it may only be just one so thinking the amp would be ok. Would reevaluate later on. Appreciate your input!
I run multiple amps mostly because 5 channel amps doesn't have enough power for subs I run where I need 3-4k rms for subs
Great video thanks! Do you follow
It depends as stock speaker wiring can vary, but generally speaking that is a somewhat safe assumption.
What would you recommend for a 08 Cadillac STS? I would like to upgrade the radio now I know I'm going to lose features
Depends on a few things for your application. I can assist here: www.caraudiofabrication.com/consultations
I want to do something pretty similar its just i been troubleshooting my front speakers music plays fine through them but i cant here phone calls or the volume is really low and cant be adjusted I have a microbypass has anyone ever had this issue?
On some late model vehicles the phone calls go through the center channel speaker. Do you have one and did you bypass it?
Great video as always Mark! I didn't plan my system all that well. I watched a bunch of your videos but still missed things! I have a Helix M6 DSP amp and a Skar Audio RP1500 mono block. This is all in a 14 Ram! My issue is I don't have any channels left for my rear fill!! I'm thinking about changing the sub amp to something smaller so I can squeeze a 2 or 4 channel next to it! Any recommendations?
A lot of people don't run rear fill. I don't. Since rears need minimal power you might be able to run the rears off factory power.
Then again, that dsp should allow for differential rear fill, which I hear is great. I'd like to try that myself.
If your satisfied with the power of the 6 Helix channels and just need a small 2 channel to power rear speakers just about anything should work. 30w x 2 should be plenty of power. Perhaps a small motorsports style of amp.
The power of the M6 is fine! The Morel 3 way set up front sounds good, but I'm craving more midbass! May put 8" in door to take the place of the 6.5. The mid bass is maxed out with the toslink optical and midbass adjustments. Just ran a 6 channel rca to see if maybe I can help with some radio adjustments
Wait, what's all this other stuff? I thought you just needed a head unit. Speakers and an amp?
Separate amps. It's a cleaner sound, this is based on my own testing.
Cleaner is a strange way to describe it. Cleaner in what way? Lower noise floor?
I prefer a separate amplifier. More watts for subs.
Multiple amplifiers. I need about 12 channels of amplification
i prefer separate amps
Thank you for know how to pronounce the word ‘co-axle’. You would think audio ‘professionals’ would know how to say words associated with said profession. But then we have nucular…which isn’t even a thing, but as the saying goes: haters gonna hate, idiots gonna…idiot?
great video. my daily driver 5 Chanel.
luxury car...5chanel
toy...big boom...3 or more amps.😊