5-channel Amps

[aveosummit]

Has anyone used one or do people prefer 2 separate amps (monoblock and 2-ch or 4-ch amp?

I am asking because I am looking at the new mobile spec 5-channel Amp and realized that it would be a good match for aveo owners since our vehicle is not very big and it does not take alot of amp power to make your music clear.

The amp specs are as follows (all wattage in RMS):

CH1-CH4:
50W x 4, 4 ohm
75W x 4, 2 ohm
150W x 2, 2 ohms bridge

CH5
230W x1 @ 4 ohm
350W x1 @ 2 ohm
450w x1 @ 1 ohm

[aveosummit]

For those interested in a 1 amp do all setup a 5-ch amp would be the way to go. Alot of companies make 5-ch amps Alpine, Boss, Logic Soundlabs, Soundstream, Clarion, Kicker, Hifonics, Lanzar, Mobile Spec, Oxygen Audio (O2), Infinity, Crunch, MB Quarts, DEI Directed Electronics, Eclipse, Memphis, Rockford Fosgate, Pheonix Gold, MTX and more. If you know of some companies that I have not listed please feel free to add.

What follows is a picture of a SQ 5-ch amp setup with description:



You can see from this photo that the amp only needs one pair of RCAs to power the entire system.


A single Image Dynamics IDQ 10" sub mounted behind the rear seat is sealed off from the trunk.

Installer:
Chris Huyler

Equipment:
Clarion 7575z head unit; Precision Power 5440 5-channel amp; CD Tech Classic 3-way components; CD Tech 6.5" coaxials; Image Dynamics IDQ 10" subwoofer; Stinger Dream Series Interconnect; Rockford Fosgate 1 farad capacitor;

Description:
The goal of this system was simple SQ. It is centered around a bridged 5-channel PPI amp which has built in crossovers to further simplify the signal path. It has been configured to send 120 watts to each front channel and 200 watts to a subwoofer. Rearfill, if needed is powered by the head unit.

[xtreme 2]

Now that is pretty cool... But how does it know the difference between base and sound quality? Dunno if I would want the same amp from my Sub powering my 6.5" door speakers...

[aveosummit]

A 5-ch is 2 separate amps (4-ch class A/b) and (1-ch Class D) sharing one power source, and that is how you can power your speakers and your subs off of one amp. In the previously shown pics the frequencies are separated by the amplifier to be output on the respected channel. 5-ch have come along way now in that they actually separate the bass channel on the RCA side so that you can clearly see what should go where.

[aveosummit]

If you are looking to do a one amp (5-ch) solution then you want to look for an amp that is 1 ohm stable to get the best bang for you buck.

[aveosummit]

5-Channel amp sale holla at me if you are interested?

[genefitz]

I have personally used the Pheonix Gold 5 Ch 900W amp.

It has mad good quality, and very good sound. Back in the days, I used to use 2 amps to run everything, in my last car I was running 1 infinity Component set, 1 pair of Infinity Reference coaxials, and an infinity DVC 10" sub off that Phoenix, 4 ohm for the regular speakers, and 2 ohm on the sub. It rocked my socks off.

[little monster]

one set of RCA? If your head unit supports front and rear RCA can the amp use both for better sound? If so, then thats the friggin' bomb! I was freaking out on where to put two amps in the car!

[genefitz]

Generally, with 5 Channel amps, it has 3 sets of pre-amp inputs. Front, Rear, and Sub.

If you have a head unit with 3 oputputs, well, pretty simple, straight forward setup.
When you are talking about using a head unit with only front and rear outputs, it gets a little more tricky, best advice is to pick up a 2 way cross over for the rear channel, then route out from there.

The 5 channel amps have a distinct advantage over multi-amp set-ups because you only have one power, 1 ground, and 1 remote lead to run. And though the amp is usually larger, there is only one.

Half empty:
You will have to use a cap on it (probably not over 1.2 - 2 Farad). It will add another few dollars onto your installation, but will be well worth it.
Second part of the half empty:
Grounds become very important. One ground, and it has to be a pretty damn good one. (best advice drill a hole in the trunk, Grommet, clean the paint, and ground to the frame)
If not, you will have one annoying alternator whine.

[aveosummit]

Half empty:
You will have to use a cap on it (probably not over 1.2 - 2 Farad). It will add another few dollars onto your installation, but will be well worth it. .....

Words of wisdom, if you plan on adding a capacitor(cap) please note that you are putting additional strain on your alternator, now it has to charge the Cap and your Battery. My advice would be to upgrade your alternator and your stock battery while you upgrade your system. If that is not in your plans then I would say upgrade your battery at least and if that is not possible at the time you upgrade your system. Remember the following: Watts = Volts * Amps so if you prefer not to upgrade your alternator or battery then build your system accordingly our alternators are rated at 85 amp and batteries average 12.5-14.6(very good stock and aftermarket batteries).

On average an alternator is built with a 20% buffer so you have about 17amps additional available.

Watts = Volts * Amps
212.5 = 12.5 * 17
248.2 = 14.6 * 17
Just some food for thought.