Originally Posted by dipstick86
I was at circuit city the other day and the salesperson said that ideally, if I wanted to run two speakers and a sub from an amp, I should buy two and have each seperate. Is this just their bullshit way of saying "spend more money"?
Buy two of what? Two amps? No, this is not true. I have a pair of component speakers and a subwoofer running off of a single 4-ch amp. It is doing fine.
Originally Posted by dipstick86
I'm looking at 4 channel amps, is it possible to run two speakers plus a sub off it, or do I need more channels?
A 4-ch amp will power that just fine. Channels 1 and 2 for the speakers, and bridge channel 3 and 4 for the subwoofer. This is how my system is set up right now.
Originally Posted by dipstick86
initially I'd like more power for my speakers, I'm running a 40w headunit and 180w 4 way pioneers in the back, but I'm sure I'm not even getting 20w out of each speaker. I've heard about 40x4 watts actually meaning 15wx4 or something, so what would be the most cost effective way to get louder, and at higher quality - A new (higher watt) head unit, or an amp?
The power rating that the companies use to sell their headunits is crap. That amp in theheadunit that claims 40x4 is a BS. That 15x4 rating you have is more reasonable. What is a cost effective way to get louder? More wattage, meaning an EXTERNAL amp.
Originally Posted by dipstick86
I'm passing on a sub for now, but back to the first question, would I need to buy a second amp when the time comes for the sub?
Suggested name brands along with info is appreciated.
Will you need to buy another amp when if comes time for a subwoofer? NO.
You can ideally have your system set up this way:
1. Headunit powering the rear speakers if you choose to have speakers in the rear. I do not. I say that you should concentrate on your front stage...even meaning spending more money on them instead of buying speakers for the rear. I currently have no rear fill, and dont plan to either.
2. Get a 4-ch amp. You can use the first 2 channels to power the front speakers, and bridge the last 2 channels to power the subwoofer.
As for brand names....what does your budget look like?
(Shameless plug...I have a pair of brand-new amps for sale. Give me a PM if you could be interested.)