I'm considering a 6 channel amp for my car. I've got components up front, 6x9s in the rear and somehow I've ended up buying a sub too. I know this isn't an optimal set up but that's how it's happened...

I've got an existing 2 channel amp, powering the 6x9's. Would it be a case of swapping the 2 channel for the 6 channel, and just wiring in the components & sub?

The amp is question has 3 sets of phono inputs, would I need to run 3 sets of phonos from my HU in order to get all 4 speakers & the sub to work? Or could the single set of existing phonos do that job?

Ideally you want a head unit with 3 sets of RCA outputs (front, rear and sub). 2 more sets of RCA leads, wire everything up and away you go.

There's a JBL 6 channel amp on eBay at the moment that will do everything you need. On my iPhone at the moment so I'll put a link up later if needed.

On a personal note, I'd ditch the 6 X 9's and use front comps and sub through a 4 channel amp.

Thanks MABR!

I love the 6x9s they sound great but I can believe once the fronts are amped up and sub is in they'll be less important. That said I've got it set up so in the drivers seat there is a balanced sound between front and rear. Would losing them not shift the soundstage to the front of the cabin?

Gunzi, do you need a six channel amp? They're quite big and hard to hide. Are your speakers up to it (I'm thinking of the fronts)? Also can this amp you want to use run in bridged mode to create (effectively)a five channel amp or are you going to run two subs?

You may be better with a 4 channel amp. Amp up your fronts, assuming they can take it, bridge two channels to drive a reasonable sub and leave your headunit driving the 6x9's.

As for connecting everything you have a few options. Assuming that you stick with your headunit you can either buy an amp that accepts high level input. Basically you connect the speaker wires to the amp (will be in the instructions how to do so). That allows you to then use your one set of pre-outs to connect for the sub.

Alternatively you can use something like Click me to utilise your headunit and get the adjust-ability.

I think this is ideally where the soundstage should be. Good set of components up front with a good sub in the rear.

If you like to be immersed in the sound, might be worthwhile 4 channel with rears off HU as mentioned.

Ross

Thanks for all the help chaps. Inb my car so far I've got Infinity components up front with Focal 6 x 9s in the rear. I managed to find a brand new fli trap 10" passive sub for £35 on amazon so decided to go for that on a whim.

My existing amp is a 2 channel phoenix gold which is mounted to the rear bench so it's out of the way, any new amp will end up there as well since there's quite a bit of space. My headunit is Alpine with 2 sets of RCA outputs on the back. I was planning on turning the 6 channel into a 5 by bridging for the sub.

Given the advice here I think I will go with a 4 channel and run the 6x9's off the HU, that seems to be the best solution and will give me a wider choice, as 5 / 6 channel amps are harder to find at a reduced price on ebay!

Yes it would but that's exactly where you need the soundstage to be.

Considering the equipment you have already try this as an experiment;

- Run the front speakers through the PG amp (connected off the front RCA's on the headunit).

- Connect the passive sub through the rear RCA's on the headunit.

- Disconnect the 6 X 9's completely.

Try the above and see how that sounds. You could always reconnect the 6 X 9's for a bit of "rear fill" if you felt the need but I doubt you will.

Cheers for the advice chaps. I'm bidding on a 4 channel at the moment. In the mean time the sub has arrived, I'd forgotten how much I love low bass in the car!