I want to power a pair of component speakers and 1 sub, do i need a 4 or 2-channel amp?

Question

I want to power a pair of component speakers and 1 sub, do i need a 4 or 2-channel amp?

Answer 1

if your head unit is newer you dont need and amp for you component speakers  but you'll need one for the sub though. i would get a 2 channel for the sub and run it mono and just run the componets off the head.

Answer 2

Ideally, you would run a single 2 channel for the speakers, and a seperate mono block amp for the sub.

If you arn't planning on spending that kind of money, you'll have to go with a 4 channel amp, but keep a few things in mind.

1) The subwoofer's Ohm load will drastically affect the way that you wire the system, so have a professional take a look at the wiring.

2) If you are like 99.99% of the population with a stereo, you are going to turn your stereo up too loud, and overtime this can cause unrepairable damage.  Most of this damage will be caused by turning the bass up too much, and damaging the channels running your sub, which will eventually bleed over into all the other channels.  So you'll be out an expensive 4channel amp, instead of only being out a cheap mono block if you go with the 2 amp setup.

**You don't want to run your component set off your deck.  Most component sets can handle power upwards of 50w RMS, and you'll want to be able to supply that to them, because otherwise you will be pushing them into distortion long before your subs begin to distort.  99.99999% of the stereo on the market cannot produce more than 20w RMS power.  Even though they say 52x4 and other non-sensical stuff, that's the bare facts.

Answer 3

I would personally get a 4 channel...it gives you more options later on if you choose to run more speakers off of it..and for the price difference, why not..good luck bud

Answer 4

Definitely 4 channel - because with a 2 channel you would need to split one of the channels which sounds pretty poor.  

However, your sub will probably be underpowered. For example, using a 4 x 50w RMS amp would give you good input for your speakers (assuming they are rated close to 50w RMS, could be a little higher), but the sub would only get 100w RMS.  Most subs, especially those placed in car boots, need 150/175w RMS and upwards to sound nice.  

What are the specs of the speakers and sub? WIthout these I cannot give you the best answer possible.