Amps and Speaker Power

Hi,

I have done my research and cannot find an answer to my question(s). I'm a noob at car audio stuff, so please bear with me.

I want to put a 1000WATT subwoofer in my car, along with 400watt 4-way speakers. My CD deck only produces 200 watts max.

Now say my sub is 1000watts peak and 500watts RMS. Would I have to get an amp that produces 1000watts of power or 500watts of power?

Also, how would I go about hooking the amp up to my 4 speakers? Could I buy a 200watt amp and use the deck for the other 200watts?

Do I need 2 amps?

I'm so confused with this stuff. I hope my post makes sense... I just want to understand all of that stuff so I can begin looking for subs/amps/speakers. Thank you!

Hi,

Thank you for your quick response!

Basically all I want is a simple 4-speaker, 1 subwoofer setup to really rock my car with minimal cash.

I have a '92 Nissan NX 2000 and a '90 Honda CRX, I haven't decided which to put the sound system in yet. On most CD decks I've seen it says 50watts x 4. So I guess they mean peak power. :(

I want my 4 speakers to total 400 peak watts, atleast 200watts RMS.

I want a 1000watt peak power subwoofer with atleast 500 watts RMS.

So what you're saying is that if I get a 1000watt/500watt RMS subwoofer, I'd need to get a 500watt amp? The sound won't distort if I hit a beat up to 1000watts?

I am willing to spend up to 300$ (Canadian) for each component.

Like I said, I just want a simple, yet strong system. I have been in friend's cars that make your head feel like it's caving in... I want that!

Anyways, thank you very much for your information. It has been helpful and I hope that you can help me even more by getting me on the right track!

I almost forgot!

Will I need 2 amplifiers?

Maybe one mono channel for the subwoofer and can the 4 other speakers be powers by 1 amplifier? 4 channel amps are expensive... I want to understand how I'd power the 4 speakers with one amp. Thanks!

Hey,

Thanks for the responses and the link, it was very informative.

I am willing to spend 800-1000$ total for my system.

I am going to buy a new deck, speakers, sub, and amp.

So what I understood from the article, I should have at least 100+watts headroom for my subwoofer. Meaning if my sub is 500watt RMS, I should get at least a 600watt amp? It makes sense because I'd think you want some extra power for those hard punches that push the sub up to peak power.

I listen to mostly heavy metal, BUT I would also like to play some rap/techno (basically beat heavy) music that you can feel. I won't run it full volume all the time, but once in a while I'd like to crank it up nice without distorting.

I have been looking at some speakers/subs/decks online. I only look at the ones that appeal to me, and then check out their specs. I think I'd be better off with buying a 4-channel amp and a 1 (or 2 bridgable) amp for the subwoofer.

So if I am correct, I should match my amp with my speakers' RMS power and leave a little headroom? I just want to be clear on that and then worry about hooking it all up. : ) You guys have been really helpful; I appreciate it.

And forbidden, I live in Quebec. Where abouts are you?