2 or 4 channel amp for Mac mini?

thanassius · 08-29-2007, 02:41 PM

Would it make sense to use a 4 channel amp to connect to a Mac mini, or should I just go with a 2 channel amp?

From what I understand, I could use a 1/8" to RCA Y-cable, and then two more RCA Y-cables to get 4 channels coming out of the Mac, and into the amp, but would this make much of a difference in audio quality? All I care about really is a left and right channel with good highs and low tones, but since I'm putting in an amp anyway, I wanted to see if it would be worth extra $$$ to go with a 4 channel. Thanks!

paragraph · 08-29-2007, 02:50 PM

afir 4 chan would be two y's (2xL 2xR), one on Line-Out one on Rear (or if you have them seperated, a converter on left and right rear)

2 chan would be cheaper, and if you a decent budget would allow you to splurge on a really nice amp. However 4 chan would give you a much better experience.

I don't know if 2 channel amps are cleaner, or more powerful typicly, but i know they are typicly cheaper, but you can always add in a second amp later for the rears if you really wanted to

edit: ok, i just re-read your splitter situation, if you were going to run with that i'd go with a two channel amp, line-out only has a left and a right, so unless there is a quality or other reason to opt for the 4 chan you don't stand to get any surround sound etc.

iamgnat · 08-29-2007, 02:51 PM

I have 3 amps (bridged 4, 2, and a mono) hanging off my Mini with a bunch of RCA splitters (one of these days i'll get a real sound card

) and it sounds just fine.

I would go with the 4 if you have 4 speakers, but that is just me.

-dave

thanassius · 08-29-2007, 06:49 PM

Dave, I've got 8 speakers in the car (front L&R, front L&R tweeters, rear R&L, rear R&L tweeters). My entire install is mounted on the roof of my trunk (on the inside of course). There's already a cage for the stock VW monsoon amp, so I'm hoping to find a single small amp to fit in that space to keep things clean. Having a huge amp and a mess of RCAs doesn't sound like the most aesthetically pleasing thing :-)

Paragraph, I think you're answer was pretty much what I'm looking for. Since the line out on the Mac only does L&R, there's no huge benefit to having four channels, as it would essentially be the same thing in the front as in the rear, right?

I think I'll look for a semi-cheap but semi-powerful 2 channel amp and call it a day.

Thanks for the tips!

iamgnat · 08-29-2007, 09:30 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by thanassius

Dave, I've got 8 speakers in the car (front L&R, front L&R tweeters, rear R&L, rear R&L tweeters).

I believe (though I have seen enough posts (without reading them) about the Monsoon to suggest there is something different about it) that that is still a 4 channel system. The amp is just going to crossovers that split the signal between the woofer/tweeter set.

Quote:

There's already a cage for the stock VW monsoon amp, so I'm hoping to find a single small amp to fit in that space to keep things clean. Having a huge amp and a mess of RCAs doesn't sound like the most aesthetically pleasing thing :-)

How big is the factory amp? Most are significantly smaller than the smallest aftermarket that i've seen. (just curious)

That just want clean routing and custom cables are for

In the end, audio always comes down to what is best for you. Have fun and enjoy, that's all that's important

-dave

thanassius · 08-29-2007, 10:31 PM

I believe you are correct about the monsoon and crossovers. That's why I'm going to pick out a decent amp in one of the evil big boxes and let them deal with installing it, so all i have to do is connect the turn on lead and the RCAs.

It's a fairly small amp, I don't have exact dimensions but my guess is a little smaller or bigger than an 8.5 X 11 sheet of paper. Best Buy had a no name 2 channel amp with decent power a few weeks ago for about $100 that was about the same size, so I'm keeping my eyes out for a free installation special.

I've done my share of custom cables with this project, so I can definitely appreciate the benefits :-D

paragraph · 08-30-2007, 07:55 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by thanassius

Best Buy had a no name 2 channel amp with decent power a few weeks ago for about $100 that was about the same size, so I'm keeping my eyes out for a free installation special.

Keep dreaming

Free amp installs are rare, and when they do have them they are usually for a set price and up.

I'd either bite the bullet and DIY, or just pay for an install.

thanassius · 08-30-2007, 08:11 PM

lol I guess I'm just used to the ones for head units and assumed the same for amps! oh well, thanks.