Newbie questions on install

I have a couple crappy 12" Sony subs that have 1 4-ohm voice coil each.  They take 200 watts RMS.  The amp I have to power them is a Sony 2 channel amp that puts out 200 watts RMS into 4-ohms for each channel.  So that sounds like a perfect fit from what I can tell.  Is there any problems running these subs from this 2 channel stereo amp as opposed to using a mono sub amp?  How will having a left and right sub compare to having two mono subs?  Thanks! Plan, Research, Do

it will demand a little more on your electrical system than a class d amp but will also sound a bit better(though i dont think sound quality is one of your worries). if you would like some more detail on amp classes go to http://www.bcae1.com/ampclass.htm

the amp is a perfect fit.

I would love to buy expensive equipment right now, but it's just not in my budget.  I'm currently out of a job and couldn't see myself spending a few thousand or more on a vehicle audio system since I don't make good money even when I am working.  The cost of living in southern california is crazy and most people can barely afford an apartment.  So for me, this Sony gear will have to do.  I actually have 4 of these subs and 2 amps.  I also bought Infinity 6.5" separates for the speakers and an MTX amp to power those.  The head unit is a $600 Alpine deck with no amp built in and 3 sets of 4-volt preouts.  And I bought an 8" monitor to install in the dash with a Sony PS2.  So for me, hopefully this system will sound good and be worth it.  I have 2 gauge power and ground wire and high quality RCA cables, so hopefully that will work for the install.  I also have about $300+ of Dynamat Extreme coating the whole inside of my truck, and new carpet to install.  I also have new racing seats custom welded to the OEM seat brackets and racing seat belts.  I'll post pics in the fiberglass forum when I'm done.  I'm going to glass my dash, doors, and do an amp rack/sub enclosure for the back of the club cab.  Maybe some day if I win the lotto, I can buy better subs and amps.  Or if anyone wants to donate to the "buy Dave a better system" fund, please let me know. Plan, Research, Do

I have a decent truck battery that puts out some power.  I have no idea how much right now.  If I'm going to have 2 Sony amps for my subs that both put out 400 watts RMS, then an amp for the speakers that puts out about 160 watts RMS, will I need a better alternator/2nd battery/capacitor?  I don't want to drain/ruin my truck battery.  If running the truck plus the 3 amps will cause the battery to fail or run out early, I would rather upgrade to a better alternator and/or 2nd battery if it will help.  What do you think? Plan, Research, Do

a cap will do nothing as it stores energy, not produce it.  install it all and see if your alt can take it.  if not get another.  a deep cycle battery like an optima yellowtop will do wonders.  what kind of truck do you have?  why would you spend the money on a nice deck, "good" rca cables, and dynamat when your speakers and amps would make them relatively useless.  i would sell the dynamat, rca's, amp wiring, all the sony and mtx stuff and buy one good sub, a good pair of comps, and 2 good amps.  you could get more and better sound out of 1 decent sub than with 4 crappy subs.  good wiring is a marketing ploy as copper is copper.  the only difference between wires is how many strands they have.  any cheap rcas are ok as long as they are twisted.  the best rca cables you could have are the ones you make yourself.  i hope you were planning on upgrading anywyas with a $600 hu

if this is what you have and cannot afford anything else then this is the best system for you right now. with that you should not need anything. if so go with a new ho alt when you get the money and then a yellow top deep cycle battery. if you are going to play when you are in a parking lot chatting with your bids then a cap will do something. a cap will help store some energy  when at idle it is not a solution for anything some alt cannot even put out enough for a system unless at a high rpm, so you go get your ho alt and have the same problem when your sitting still  or parked jamming away. if you get like a 20 farad cap this will help in that case.

Thanks for the info guys.  I was thinking about getting a JL Audio 12W7 and I know that everyone here would recommend that instead of the Sony stuff.  But I got a killer deal on it.  It retailed for about $300 + tax here for one of the amps and two of the subs.  But it was on sale for about half off so I paid only $300 for all four subs and both amps.  In the long run, I am doing all this work more for looks than for SQ.  It's a 2000 Dodge Dakota with 90,000 miles on it and I doubt I'll be keeping it for more than another two years or so.  I'll fix up the inside nice and with the fiberglass work that I plan to do, some kid locally will be willing to spend money on the truck when I'm ready to sell it.  I may spend $1,000 for all the equipment I'm putting in, but when I sell the truck I will probably get double value for it.  I think that the system will sound good when all is said and done.  Since I'm not used to expensive quality gear, and I'm not planning to go to competitions, this system should be exactly what I was looking for.  The head unit I already had and since it doens't play MP3 CDs, I would probably want to get rid of it when I get a new car anyway so I'm putting it into the truck.  And I'm putting the Sony PS2 in there with the monitor because when I sell the truck, I'll just buy a PS3.  Plan, Research, Do

I am trying to learn everything that I can about installing and vehicle electric systems.  I will hopefully be getting a new job soon and will make a little better money, and my truck will be paid off.  So in a couple years I'll sell this truck and buy a nice car and get some better quality gear and install it all myself to save money.  Anything I screw up in this truck will be a learning experience and I'll do better next time. Plan, Research, Do