SimonD

Hi,
my current set-up is a basic Alpine HU, Infinity 6000CS components and 6x9 Kenwood subs in the rear shelf using the amp that they came with.

I think that the next step should be more power to the fronts.

Questions:
1. Do you agree?
2. What should I look for in an amp?
3. Where should I mount it (it must not be visible or restrict luggage space)?
4. Any suggestions for make/model of an appropriate amp.

Thanks in advance for all/any advice.
Cheers
Simon

speednut

Couldn't you sleep for thinking about the sounds in your car?
I take it that you own a wagon. IMHO it all depends on what level you want to take it to and what you want from your car. The more extreme the install the heavier it all gets and the slower the car will go. To keep it light and tidy you could mount the amp either on the back the rear seat or under the front seat. An external amp is definetly the way to go, but remember to use the best cabling that you can afford. As for choice of amp...I like the Alpine V12's.

SimonD

No I have a MY00 4 door.
Back of the rear seat is out because of potential damage from push chairs and loading up the rear with the back seats down - it's very much a working family car. Under the seat is possible but it would have to be pretty small not to interfere with foot space.

I've never used an external amp before (except for the little thing powering the subs) so have no idea what the size/performance trade-offs might be.

I'll have a look at the Alpine stuff - cheers.

GaryCat

I take it you will only be powering the Infinitys with the amp if the kenwoods have their own - Under the passenger seat is the usual place, a smallish amp will take up about half the size of a CD changer and if you put is as far forward as it will go it should not be in the way of any feet.

Make sure you consider the speaker wiring - the existing wiring will not handle much more power so you will have to run thicker cables into your doors.

Alpine, Infinity, Kenwood & Pioneer all make good amps. Anything up to about 70w RMS into 4ohms would be OK at about the £80 - £100 mark.

Add in about £20 for a wiring kit.

SimonD

Yes, just the Infinitys to be powered.
Just had a quick look at the CarAudioDirect site and saw the Alpine MRPT-220 at £70. It quotes 70W RMS @ 2ohms and 50W RMS @ 4ohms. Obviously well within the capacity of the Infinitys but do you think that I will see a noticeable improvement over my 45W (I assume that this is a peak figure!!) head unit?

Secondly, what is the significance of the two output figures - ie 2ohms vs 4 ohms.

Apologies for the questions but this is all new to me.