1 Amp or 2 ?

[TROOPER]

Hey guys,

What are the pros and cons with having 1 amp or 2 amps?

I've been looking at a 5 channel amp to drive the 2 front speakers, and a subwoofer which is around $600.

But I've also considered 2 amps for the same price to do the job.
1x 2 channel amp for front speakers, and 1 x mono amp for subwoofer.

I'll list the amps below, but what are your thoughts about this?

I'm thinking at least with 2 amps, I can upgrade one amp or replace in a failure,
without having to replace one more expensive part.
Note: the dual setup also has more power, 500w over 300w.

Single Amp ($600)
Alpine PDX-5
(75 watts RMS x 4 + 300 watts RMS x 1)

Dual Amps ($545)
Rockford Fosgate Punch P300-2 ($230)
(2-channel car amplifier — 75W RMS x 2)
&
Rockford Fosgate Punch P500-1bd ($315)
(Mono subwoofer amplifier — 500 watts x 1 at 1 ohm)

[cptspeed]

I am running a 700x5 kicker and have no regrets. I have had it in two vehicles now. The five channel would be more versatile if you decide to change vehicles. IMO you don't need that much sub power, unless you are just into loud bass. Plus rockford amps are not as good as they used to be.

[TROOPER]

This is my planned setup so far:

* HEAD UNIT - Kenwood DNX6160
* AMPLIFIER - Alpine PDX-5 - 5Ch 600 Watt Amplifier
* SPEAKERS - Polk Audio DB6501 - 6.5" Component Speakers
* SUBWOOFER - Rockford Fosgate Punch P3D212 12" - Dual 2-Ohm Coils
* SATELLITE - SIRIUS Satellite Radio Interfcae - SIRIUS Connect SC-C1
* INTERAFCE - PAC SWI-JACK - Steering Wheel Control Interface
* ACCESSORIES - iPod cable - Kenwood KCA-IP301V
* SUB ENCLOSURE - Zenclosures - Rear Facing single 12"

[cmmonte92]

Originally Posted by TROOPER

This is my planned setup so far:

* HEAD UNIT - Kenwood DNX6160
* AMPLIFIER - Alpine PDX-5 - 5Ch 600 Watt Amplifier
* SPEAKERS - Polk Audio DB6501 - 6.5" Component Speakers
* SUBWOOFER - Rockford Fosgate Punch P3D212 12" - Dual 2-Ohm Coils
* SATELLITE - SIRIUS Satellite Radio Interfcae - SIRIUS Connect SC-C1
* INTERAFCE - PAC SWI-JACK - Steering Wheel Control Interface
* ACCESSORIES - iPod cable - Kenwood KCA-IP301V
* SUB ENCLOSURE - Zenclosures - Rear Facing single 12"

TROOPER,

The only thing I'd change is the Steering Wheel Interface.

I used the Metra Axxess and it was much easier to install and program than the PAC SWI-JACK. I've installed both (different vehicles) and it was a night/day difference.

Here's some links:

Amazon.com: Metra Axxess ASWC Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface (Black): Electronics

Or here

Axxess ASWC - Steering Wheel Control Adapters and Interfaces - Sonic Electronix

[cptspeed]

I think you will be more than happy. BIG improvement over stock.

[TROOPER]

Shame these in-dash head units are so damn expensive LOL

and I still need to budget for all the wiring, dynamat, and door spacers.

[Jesse_Hunter]

Originally Posted by TROOPER

Shame these in-dash head units are so damn expensive LOL

and I still need to budget for all the wiring, dynamat, and door spacers.

Tell me about it! It's the only thing I have left to buy to do my entire audio upgrades. I have attempted to save the money for it like 4 times already and had to spend the money on something else! Grrrrrrr

[bigaudiofanat]

Wow I forgot about that polk amp, nice amps like the alpines. I use to run a 6 channel infinity amp and liked it.

[TXSpeedDemon]

Have you thought about your install location, or care? There is no way you can hide two amps, there simply isn't room. If you don't want them to be seen you'll have build a false floor. With one amp it would be possible to put it under the passenger seat if you get one thin enough.

Another thing to think about is the headunit selection. Getting one like mine that has GPS, iPod and Bluetooth all as separate components makes a big difference. I had to find a place for all those modules (under the pass seat) which effectively eliminated any chance I had installing my amps anywhere other than on top of the box, in plain sight, unless I built a custom false floor for my trunk. it still looks good, but not nearly as clean as it would have if I could have kept the amps out of sight.

And if you're not into HUGE bass, 300 wts should be enough to fill out your sound very nicely. I'm running 500 wts (actually less since it's at about 60% gain) to two 10" Boston Acoustics G5s and while it looks great it's painfully overpowering in this little hatch.

[Matt]

Originally Posted by TXSpeedDemon

Have you thought about your install location, or care? There is no way you can hide two amps, there simply isn't room.

I have both of my amps hidden just fine. One under each seat. No issues with heat, no visible cables, etc.

Getting one like mine that has GPS, iPod and Bluetooth all as separate components makes a big difference. I had to find a place for all those modules (under the pass seat)

You have your GPS antennae under the passenger seat?

[2004YZFR1]

If you use the Alpine PDX amps you can mount one under each seat. That is what I just did on my 370. I ran a PDX 1.600 mono amp and one PDX 2.150 for my Alpine SPX-17 pro components. It jams pretty good. Just be careful on the passenger side. There are fuel lines around that area, just take some measurements and you will be ok.

[TROOPER]

Yeah I didn't think there was a problem mounting fairly small amps under the seats.

And I hadn't really but much thought into location at this point, but more functionality, and obtaining the best choices as far as configuration.

So I guess they'll either go under the seats, or right behind them towards the floor, instead of the shelf area behind the seats.
I'm not that tall LOL, so there is room behind the seat the way I have my driving position.

I hear good things about the Alpine PDX-5, I'm just checking all options right now, and I'm not convinced this amp will provide 800+ watts as quoted previously..

[yellowZ]

I have the PDX-5, but didn't pay $600, rather $350 online. Do a search for it and you won't pay that much. Here's an amazon link, but there are even cheaper options with shipping paid for.

Amazon.com: Alpine PDX-5 - Amplifier - 4-channel plus Mono-power: Automotive

Also, mine came with the "birth certificate" noting it was tested at 108 per channel for the speakers and 412 for the sub channel. Its nothing to sniff at.

[ROC1ROB]

Nice find! Thanks for the info.

[TROOPER]

Well slight change of plan going on here LOL

Since I have a Garmin GPS already, I'm planning on mounting that in the cubby hole now.
I saw no point in laying down $1000 on an in-dash GPS right now, so I'm going the single DIN head unit route.

At least I can get some better quality sound in the car now, and work on the sub/amp etc etc, when I have more funds to play with

ORDERED:
* HEAD UNIT - Alpine CDA-105 - Single DIN
* FASCIA - METRA Face Plate for Single DIN
* SPEAKERS - Polk Audio DB6501 6.5" Component Speakers
* AMPLIFIER - Alpine KTP-445 - 45 watts RMS x 4 channels
* MISC - Dynamat for doors

TO DO:
* SUB ENCLOSURE - Zenclosures - Rear Facing single 12"
* SUBWOOFER - ??? Maybe - Rockford Fosgate Punch P3D212 12"
* EXTERNAL AMPLIFIER - Unknown ???

The Alpine KTP-445 was cheap, but it does give me 45w RMS over the 18w RMS from the head unit.
So I'm still interested in my original question regarding if I should go for the 1 amp or 2 amps, in the next phase of my subwoofer upgrade.