Amplifier Question...
 

Hi guys...need some input on a multi-channel amp for the Nismo. I'm considering a single amp (5-channel) with rears set to off for the time being (given there's nothing to drive back there at the moment...).

I haven't built a system recently and am not familar with the "preferred" models these days. I'm considering an Infiniti Kappa series amp thinking I could drive a 10" slimline (spare tire custom-box mount) and the component fronts (dash/doors).

Here's one model I was perusing...
Infinity KAPPA FIVE (kappafive) 5-Channel or more Amps Car Amplifiers Car Audio Car Audio, Video, & GPS Navigation - Sonic Electronix

Firstly...any better suggestions for the $$?

Secondly, wondering if you guys think mounting an amp in one of the compartments behind the seats would cause the amp to overheat?

BTW - thinking of going with the Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT head-unit.

You don't need rear speakers and you don't need a 5 channel youd be better off getting a good 4 channel, drive new component speakers up front, then bridge the 2 rear channels for a sub. If you are going single ten and are buying a decent 4 channel you would easily have all the power you could handle in our tiny cars. I went with alpine scs-600c components up front (80w RMS) and a JL 10w0v2 for a sub (200w RMS) and i'm running them off a 4 channel amp. If you can bust the cash for an infinity kappa 5, you should be able to get a great class D 4channel just check your ohms and make sure it is bridgeable.

I agree only he can still use a 5 channel amp and bridge the 4 channels for more power to the fronts an still have the sub channel.

I agree with Big A on this. 5 channel amps are extreamly flixible in usage. They typically have oversized power supplies so any channels left unused will be rerouted to the other channels.

I would recommend the Alpine PDX-5 class D amp over the infinity. Its much smaller and will run cooler than the infinity amps. A friend of mine had one of thier amps and it huge but I wasnt ompressed at all with its output. I was really soft on the bass dynamics. Poor damping factor for such a large amp.

If you dont mind spending some extra cash I highly recommend the JL HD 5/900 amp. I have one running in 3 channel mode driving 200 X 2 and 500 X 1 and it is an extreamly controlled amplifier. It has tons of dynamic headroom which in my opinion warrants its high price. This is one of the best amps out there.

I agree with the alpine pdx 5. 2fast you should check out the new infinity amps very small and pack a bit of power in them as well.

thanks, guys...will check out the Alpine...great idea on the bridging.

Has anyone used the compartment as a mounting area for an amp by chance?

You mean your glove box? Doubt it would fit there.

Big, measure yours and let us know if it'll fit.

2 problems with that, no z and no alpine pdx 5.

It will actually fit! Both the alpine and jl and amps are roughly the same size. I explored this option but I went another direction. I think it would be an interesting install becasue all the wiring will be out the bottom so when you open the compartment the settings are right there. I think this location is worth further exploration.

That's kinda what I was thinking...stealthy...just worried about the amp over-heating. I might buy a second door and play around with putting some ventilation slots / holes in it.

We only have another month of deep-freeze up here...hope to pull the trigger on the audio stuff toward mid-March.