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Hey guys I am in the process of gathering my stuff for my stereo install. I am going wiht the Pioneer AVIC-N3, 4-60watt Infinity 6x8 speakers in the doors (supercab) and I want an amplifier to complement these speakers. I have been doing my homework and I have decided to get a 4-channel amp but I am indecisive on which brand to go with. I am looking for the best value for my money but I don't a piece of junk in my truck. Some of the brands I have considered are MTX and Kicker. I personally am new to this end of the audio world so any help would be appreciated. I also have not yet decided where I want to mount the amp but I am debating with: under the rear seat, under the center seat(front), or between the back seat cushion and the cab of the truck.
You have a number of options and both the brands you mentioned above are quality amps. Asking that type of question about stereo equipment is akin to asking which lift or what tires. Everyone is going ot have an opinion based on their experience or worse based on a friend of a friend etc. I have had good experiences with both brands, as well as sold them both in a past life (previous job in college), there are certainly better amps but more cost effective probably not for the set up you are looking at.
One thing to consider. I would recommend running the new speakers off of just the Pioneer Deck and see what you think, it will be a tremendous upgrade over the stock stereo. Then with the money you saved look at adding a sub woofer and mono/dual channel amp. It is very easy later to add a 4 channel to the existing speakers if you decide you need more.
I definately will try the new headunit and the speakers first. I was told that my speakers will be under-powered with just the headunit. Like I said before I don't know too much about audio but I would like to get the best sound quality with out distorting the speakers and potentially ruining them.
A 4-channel amp is a good idea... I would just power the front two speakers with the amp and bridge the rear channels for subwoofer duty. I'm not much of a fan of rear-fill... music is recorded in stereo, so I would run the rear speakers off the HU.
A 4-channel amp is a good idea... I would just power the front two speakers with the amp and bridge the rear channels for subwoofer duty. I'm not much of a fan of rear-fill... music is recorded in stereo, so I would run the rear speakers off the HU.
I am currently using a crossfire amp to run my subwoofer (crystal comp 12)and could not be any more pleased. Seems to be very clean, and I have had it for 5 years, beat the snot out of it. It outlasted my JL Audio 12W3. www.crossfirecaraudio.com
I have also been happy with my Hifonics amp in my car, as it is 8 years old, and still works great.
I've used older MTX, Power Acoustik, Profile, and JBL... MTX & JBL have been very good. Power Acoustik is cheap power (sub duty) and the Profile's are very decent for the money.
I was under the impression that most replacement speakers really need an amp to maximize thier potential.In my last truck i had rockford 5x7 and i kept blowin them.Then the dealer i was gettin them from told me that the new aftermarket hu wasnt strong enough for them.They needed an amp.although i have seen the expensive infinity in a non pre amp stereo setup and they sounded good.I think i may look infinty next year . good luck man though with your setup.
Thanks for all of help guys. I have another question. With all of the electronics going into my truck will the factory batteries have enough juice to power this stuff wil out killing my cranking power? I have 2 batteries because its a diesel but it does draw a large amount of cranking amps to get the beast going. What is your opinions?
I wouldn't go with either. Look into a percision power AKA PPI, I've used the same amp and subs (3 JL audio w-6 sub's bridged down to 1 channel)in my last 3 trucks running and still shakes the fillings out your mouth! As far as door speakers go, try seperates. I use MB Quarts in all 4 door also with a seperate four channel PPI , NO DISTORTION what so ever. A little more pricey but will last you a lifetime.