Newbie question on MK2 sub/amp/comps !!

[dobsy]

I've never ran compoments, always coaxials so don't know the difference really but basically, after searching past topics on here I'm going for the following
-Upgraded 6x4 in the rear running from headunit (already done)
Components in the front running off amp which will also feed a 12" sub.

Now my headunit is a bit oldschool (it's pioneer, 45x4 I think) but only has 1 set of rca's in the back of it, I take it I can only only run a 2 channel amp off this then and therefore cannot run both components and sub as i need a 4 channel amp?

Also another thing I don't understand is the wiring of the components-do the tweeters and the 13cms run off the same wire and the crossover sorts the distribution? Or do I run the 13cms of the amp and the tweeters off the headunit?

Thanks for your replies in advance!!

[tommk3cab]

The componant set you get should come with a crossover network with two wires in and 4 wires out. two of the four wires out will be labled sub ( or backcone or something like that) and two will be labled tweeter. There will be two crossover networks, one for each speaker. the crossover network will be made to match the individual speaker and tweeter. make sure you het each + and - the right way round, they may be labled but if not there will be a way to figure it out. the crossover network inputs are basically used like a speaker, therefore they are only powered from one source, either HU or amp, then as you thought the signals are sorted and split.

if you want to run a sub as well as amping your componants you will need either a new HU or a line driver, I would advise a new HU though, you can get one with two RCA outs for not too much £Â£Ã‚£. The only other option if you really can't afford a new HU or have some kind or attachment?! to your original HU would be sacrificing stereo sound by splitting one side of the RCA to make two, at the amp end, you would then have your componants both running as either the left side or the right side, this is done a lot with subs, and I have done it myself as bass isn't so stereo orientated but i have heared of it done with componants also. You would still need a 4 channel amp and there may be small sound quality issues with this, if that would bother you.

[dobsy]

Thanks mate-some good info there.

Think I'm going to save for a decent HU and build from there. 

[dobsy]

Any one know if these are up to much?

I know it's only a cheapie but I'm not after massive sounds, just a bit of improvement, will run a sub and comps of it.

http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/5626.html

[Heyho]

You have several options with only 1 RCA output, these are:

Use RCA splitters on both L+R, which won't halve the signal voltage as commonly percieved.

Use a 4 channel amp, like the one you have suggested.

Some amps also have an RCA out as well as in, so you can connect one amp to the output of another.

Given your budget, I would recommend this :

http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/2911.html

It is a very good price, and will have a bit more oomph than the Alpine.  You can then give the comps 100w per side, and 290w to the sub.  If you're happy with your headunit, why change it?

[tommk3cab]

Some amps also have an RCA out as well as in, so you can connect one amp to the output of another.

forgot about this, yeah that probably would be your best option. except for this, http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/2911.html
in itself is a 4 channel amp, so what you would need would be 2 two channel amps with RCA outputs as well as inputs. or just like i said any 4 channel with the loss of stereo sound, RCA splitters do also decrease signal strength but it can be compensated for if gains are used properly and are high enough powered. As far as i know 2 channel amps with outputs are hard to come by. JBL amps are exeptional for the money though.

[Heyho]

in itself is a 4 channel amp, so what you would need would be 2 two channel amps with RCA outputs as well as inputs. or just like i said any 4 channel with the loss of stereo sound, RCA splitters do also decrease signal strength.

As I said, this is a commonly perceived misconception - when using RCA splitters, the plugs are split in parallel, therefore the signal voltage shown to the amp is the same as before.  I don't think it's wise to split more than once per cable, due to potentially overloading the source unit.

One other point worth mentioning is that lots of 4 channel amp will pass the signal internally to the other 2 channels if only one pair of RCAs is connected - so sometimes splitters aren't even necessary.

[dobsy]

So if I stick with my headunit I guess I'll need either one of these
http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/5132.html

or 2 of these
http://www.caraudiocentre.co.uk/product.asp?product=21603

and obviously the normal rca cables from them to the amp.

Definately an option anyway until I get a decent HU.

[tommk3cab]

in itself is a 4 channel amp, so what you would need would be 2 two channel amps with RCA outputs as well as inputs. or just like i said any 4 channel with the loss of stereo sound, RCA splitters do also decrease signal strength.

As I said, this is a commonly perceived misconception - when using RCA splitters, the plugs are split in parallel, therefore the signal voltage shown to the amp is the same as before.  I don't think it's wise to split more than once per cable, due to potentially overloading the source unit.

One other point worth mentioning is that lots of 4 channel amp will pass the signal internally to the other 2 channels if only one pair of RCAs is connected - so sometimes splitters aren't even necessary.

yeah i have heared that before, about the 4 channel amp self splitting thing, ive never seen any clear written proof though in specs or whatever, could be very handy, is there any way of telling if they do it or not?

i think my 2 channel might do this if you only connect one rca and bridge the speaker outputs, maybe thats why ive had the problems with it being overpowered until i fitted rca splitters, which has made me think it effects the signal in some negative way,  mine doesnt like it if they arnt split, but if you only plug one rca in, or split them its fine?!
line driver manufactures seem to think splitters have a signal drop effect too, thats how i came to this conclusion, but i suppose they have line drivers to sell!

the rca splitters i have though are 1 male into two male, i dont know if this would make a difference, the ones in dobsys link are one male into 2 female, basically dobsy's ones would need 2 sets of 5m rcas, whereas mine split at the amp end and only need one set of rca's?

i really would say dobsy, for what you want you would be better of getting a decent set of 10 cm co axes ( i assume you have a mk3) for the dash spks and running them off the HU and using your RCAS just for the sub and amp, but thats only because the lack of stereo would really bother me! depends a lot on your tunes though. i have recently done my dash spks with some coaxes, make a lot of difference on their own, bit of subbage to add some depth, you would be well away! but its entirely up to you.

[dobsy]

Yeah it's an idea to run coaxes off the HU and then just the sub off the rca's. Its a Mk2 though not a Mk3.
Decisions Decisions-lik i say, I'm not after massive tunes, just a bit of quality!