Me=Newbie: Do I need an amp?
A few friends and I are designing our car-computer. The computer end is no problem, because Chris and I (Hunter) are the resident computer geeks, and the speakers/subs are no problem because Justin is the - uh - big bass speaker dude. However, we're running into problems because Chris and I can't figure out whether we need an amp or not - we're installing the first unit in Justin's car, which has several amps already, with a "normal" head unit and stereo system (plus two 12's in the trunk), but will we need these amps after we've installed the computer? It seems that we should, but I've never seen a computer hooked up through amps (I'm running a pretty large Sub and surround sound right now, but no amps are required... is that just because a car system is so much louder, and a computer can't supply the wattage necessary, or something?)
So, uh - anyway - we have amps. Once we put in a computer, do we need amps, if we want to keep the same volume level? Thanks!
- Strix Varius
Yes you do.
=P have the audio out go to a amp (that has pass through which allows the signal to pass through to another amp) that either controls your car speakers (4 channel) or your subs, then use the pass through to send it to the other amp.
Thanks to Arby for the info.
I was wondering the same thing before I asked Arby.
Putting a computer in changes nothing. If you had amps in before, leave them in. Otherwise, you'll be find without. Just plug the computer in the aux in/cd changer of the head unit.
However, if you mean take out your head unit completely and run everything from the computer then yes, you will need an amp.
Your sub that you have on your computer is probably a "powered sub" as well as most home theater subs. This means that they have amps built into the sub.
Most mobile audio subs do not have built on amps (bazzookas do). Hence, you WILL need amps to push your subs that you already have in there.
Basically this is what you need to do. Hook your computer up to your head unit (there are various methods to do this). Then if you have subs/amps or not, it wont matter.
OR, if you have an amp...you can make your computer the head unit and go straight from the comp to the amp (assuming all your speakers are hooked up through it/them)
I'm a ghost...email me if you have any questions on my old setup
My way outdated website: http://www.poboytech.net
FYI: I sold my 96 4Runner and bought a 1985
Of course you will need amps still. The computer will just be used like a changer or other input would. Its not going to give your speakers power. You still need amps to get power.
dont let people say that you need an amp (besides the deck), because you dont. i have mine setup so that the pc goes to the aux. input. i dont use another amp and it sounds fine. but, it would be a good recommendation that if you want a expert install, you use an amp. dazd&confuzd's post was right on!
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Yea If you want to try to power 2 12" subs with your headunit you could but per your question you would not have the same volume level.Originally posted by Strix
we're installing the first unit in Justin's car, which has several amps already, with a "normal" head unit and stereo system (plus two 12's in the trunk), but will we need these amps after we've installed the computer?
So, uh - anyway - we have amps. Once we put in a computer, do we need amps, if we want to keep the same volume level? Thanks!
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