Thread: 2-channel / 4-channel Amp??

1.yes
2. probably, depending on wattage and resistance
3. you can't
4. crappy sound

Originally Posted by hellbent1

Here are my questions
1. One tech at best buy told me that to hook up 4 speakers and a sub, i would need one 4 channel amp, and a second mono or dual channel amp to power the sub...is this true?
2. Can I use the factory installed speakers with an amp, or do i have to replace them?
3. If that dude at Best Buy is right, how do u hook up 2 speakers and a sub to a 2 channel amp!?
4. What limitation does the sound card of my laptop impose on the whole amplifier ordeal?? My IBM T30 has only 1 speaker jack, 1 line in and 1 mic jack.

Thanks for your help!

1. Yes and no. Yes you can hook it up that way OR use a five channel amp that has 4 channels for mids and highs and a sub channel.
2. You can use the stock speakers but it would be a good idea to check the Ohm rating. Most likely they will be 4 or 2Ohm. This will help choose the size amp you need. If you don't care about blowing your ears out you might also look at an after-market head unit with a good built in amp and AUX input. THis would avoid running power wires, finding a place for the amp, etc. and possibly cut down on price. I would still recommend after-market speakers for better sound though.
3. I think you misunderstood what he said. The 2 channel amp would be use bridged mono to a single channel for the sub.
4. A big limitation. Look into either a good quality USB or PCMCIA sound card.

Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by Defiler

3. I think you misunderstood what he said. The 2 channel amp would be use bridged mono to a single channel for the sub.

Look again, he clearly asked how he could hookup 2 speakers and a sub, all to one 2 channel amp. As IC said, you cannot.

If you are happy w/ your stock speakers, why dont' you look into an aux adapter from PAC or the other companies?

Originally Posted by J187

Look again, he clearly asked how he could hookup 2 speakers and a sub, all to one 2 channel amp. As IC said, you cannot.

Errr...You look again. He is referring to the statement in question one which states, "One tech at best buy told me that to hook up 4 speakers and a sub, i would need one 4 channel amp, and a second mono or dual channel amp to power the sub."

I think he misunderstood. Anyway I agree with the adapter for an AUX input for the stock HU.

Nah, I think J187 is right on this one. At least, that's the way I interpreted it also....

Originally Posted by Defiler

1. Yes and no. Yes you can hook it up that way OR use a five channel amp that has 4 channels for mids and highs and a sub channel.
2. You can use the stock speakers but it would be a good idea to check the Ohm rating. Most likely they will be 4 or 2Ohm. This will help choose the size amp you need. If you don't care about blowing your ears out you might also look at an after-market head unit with a good built in amp and AUX input. THis would avoid running power wires, finding a place for the amp, etc. and possibly cut down on price. I would still recommend after-market speakers for better sound though.
3. I think you misunderstood what he said. The 2 channel amp would be use bridged mono to a single channel for the sub.
4. A big limitation. Look into either a good quality USB or PCMCIA sound card.

Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by hellbent1

Alrite, I am finally taking the risk of some serious noob bashing, but I have been going nuts trying to understand how an Amplifier works. Screw those other forums, they are crap...please dont redirect me there!

So, I have an 05 Altima (2.5S) which has a HU with no AUX. The car has 6 speakers (Factory installed) which are pretty good IMO. I dont wanna replace them.

Now from what I understand, I need a 4 channel amp for 2 reasons
1. to connect 4 speakers
2. to hook up my laptop to the amps

Here are my questions
1. One tech at best buy told me that to hook up 4 speakers and a sub, i would need one 4 channel amp, and a second mono or dual channel amp to power the sub...is this true?
2. Can I use the factory installed speakers with an amp, or do i have to replace them?
3. If that dude at Best Buy is right, how do u hook up 2 speakers and a sub to a 2 channel amp!?
4. What limitation does the sound card of my laptop impose on the whole amplifier ordeal?? My IBM T30 has only 1 speaker jack, 1 line in and 1 mic jack.

Thanks for your help!

It seems like the question in number 3 is simply that - considering what the guy at BB said, How can I then hookup the 2 speakers and sub to a channel.

I thougth at first you werer refering to ICs number 3, the answer he gave. I think IC interpuretd the question correctly. the answer is simply, no you cannot. But I don't think the OP misunderstood the BB guy, I think he knew the BB guy was saying that those are the amps he needs. I think he's just totally confused!!!

You can conect the 2 speakers to 1 channel and the sub to the other, and see how long they work before they get damage.

Get a 4ch amp, use 2 ch for speakers and bridge the other 2 for the sub.

They won't get damage. The only thing that will happen is you'll only get a mono sound, not stereo.

edit: if the amp has separated x-overs.

Depends on the amp. The amp would have to be 2ohm stable, if the speakers are 4 ohm.

@Symon - he is asking about wiring 4 speakers and a sub, a 4 channel amp will not serve this.

Not going to find a lot of 2 channel amps with independant crossovers either