Thread: 2 channel - 4 channel, watts?

watts is a unit of power, 2 channel means you have 2 channels, ie 2 rca ins and 2 speaker outs (for left/right) 4 channel obviously means 4 inputs and 4 outputs, its possible to run 2 speakers off one channel, its also possible to run 2 channels off 1 input. for subwoofers you can use a mono amp (one channel) or bridge (on a bridgable amp) 2 channels together.

you obviously need to do a lot of research on this to get you started learn these things before you start installing a car stereo

what watts means
what channels are
(these 2 should be covered now)
what speaker impedences mean
what bridging amps is about
also look into class D sub amps if you really want a kickass system



edit: and its very important you understand the differance between Peak and RMS watts

well actually 2 channel means the amp can amplify 2 different signals, 4 channel means you can amplify 4 different signals, the amount of speakers you can connect to has to do with the impedence it can cope with, if you connect 2 4 ohm speakers in parallel you are effectivly running at 2 ohms so this combination is alrite on a 2 ohm stable amp (or a 1 ohm stable amp) but not a 4 ohm stable amp, if you dont want to worry about this too much use 1 channel per speaker and you should be sweet

rca is the input plug to the amp, it is for the line level that comes out of your headunit (or carputer)

If you go for a 5 channel amp, you should be able from a single left and right output (sound out of motherboard) going into the amp, and the amp split it into

front left & right
rear left & right
Sub

Most amps have a little pot you can turn also that would enable you to set the correct balance between front and rear speakers... and also how much sub is on

yeah - I say you need to spend a LOT of time looking stuff up based on teh types of questions you are asking....

this isn't exactly something you just randomly pick out for your set-up...you need to match your amps and speakers and your air space, etc....

have you read the stickeys at the top of the car stereo and newbe forums?

Yeah defo agree with Red_GTi, its a massive subject.. and really only limited to your pocket! I would prob start on looking at whats going to feed the amp first, are you going to use the soundcard on the motherboard, or opt for a audigy or something.. I myself am just using the soundcard off my M1000 and am very happy with the quality. You could always start with the onboard sound card and if your not happy move up. Then you are best working backwards then.. Choose the speakers next, making sure there the right size for where there going, and a nice balance... the guys at the stereo shop are always keen to help here. Might as well use em as thats what they do. Then once you know what your input is going to be and you have your output (speakers) then it should make it choosing a amp a bit easier.