2 Channel Amp or 4 Channel Bridged
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=69467
Printed Date: May 18, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Topic: 2 Channel Amp or 4 Channel Bridged
Posted By: audionut405
Subject: 2 Channel Amp or 4 Channel Bridged
Date Posted: December 29, 2005 at 11:48 AM
I have an 87' Honda CRX and recently decided to upgrade my system. I purchesed a pair of Rockford Fosgate 6.5" Full Range speakers (P163C) that are going in the back of the car. Would it be wise to run them straight of a 2 channel amp or bridge them off of a 4 channel? The speakers are rated for 4 ohms. I was considering going Audiobahn A200X2Q to power them. What do you guys think?
Replies:
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: December 29, 2005 at 12:22 PM
In general, don't bridge amplifiers for full-range main speakers if you care about the best sound quality. ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: jstruckman
Date Posted: December 29, 2005 at 12:44 PM
Well since it is an Audiobahn amplifier, i dont think sound quality will be an issue, 4 channel amps are more versatile if you ever decide to add more speakers or want to ever drive subwoofers with it.
Jazzy
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Posted By: haemphyst
Date Posted: December 29, 2005 at 12:46 PM
DYohn, I think you are missing the BIG picture here... He is considering an AUDIOBAHN amp! 
If you care at all about sound quality, FIRSTLY, you would never consider an Audiobahn amplifier... SECONDLY, you won't bridge the channels. ------------- It all reminds me of something that Molière once said to Guy de Maupassant at a café in Vienna: "That's nice. You should write it down."
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: December 29, 2005 at 1:50 PM
I was trying to avoid the obvious and give more, err, generalized advice. ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: audionut405
Date Posted: December 29, 2005 at 5:26 PM
I was unaware the Audiobahn made a poor amp. I was just wanting to not only update my equipment, but also the asthetics of my system. I was rather fond of Audiobahn's "rack mount" style amps. I'm not going to be pounding the hell out of the components. I just want a system that looks good and sounds better. Overall, sound quality is my first priority. That being said...What manufacturer would you recomend?
Posted By: dwarren
Date Posted: December 29, 2005 at 5:34 PM
There are so many great amps on the market. Unfortunately a-bahn kind of emphasizes looks over functionality. Now this doesn't mean the a-bahn amp won't work but why not invest in something that does both, especially the sound/quality aspect. If you provide a rough budget, there will be many suggestions made. -------------
Posted By: audionut405
Date Posted: December 29, 2005 at 5:50 PM
As cheap as possible. I know that sounds bad but it's true. Prob in and around 200-400 CND per amp. 1 2ch amp & 1 Monoblock
Posted By: dwarren
Date Posted: December 29, 2005 at 5:56 PM
Have you considered a 4 channel amp? Use the front two channels for the front speakers and using the las two bridged for the sub. There are many benefits to this setup, like less wiring, future flexibility if you add a designated sub amp. How about this one? -------------
Posted By: audionut405
Date Posted: December 29, 2005 at 6:15 PM
I'm open to the idea of using a 4 channel, but for better staging I was going to put most of the power up front and run my rears off the H/U (just for rear fill). I only have 1 set of 5 1/4" and a set of tweets up front. I could bridge them off a 4 channel, but I would sacrifice SQ for db.
Posted By: DYohn
Date Posted: December 29, 2005 at 6:22 PM
dwarren is talking about using two channels off a 4-channel amp to power the front stereo set, and using the other 2 channels on the amp to power the subwoofer. Why do you think you need a set of tweets and a 5 1/4 coax (which also has a set of tweets)? And like I said, don't use bridged amplifier channels for your mains! For sub, it's OK as that is a low-fi application. ------------- Support the12volt.com
Posted By: audionut405
Date Posted: December 29, 2005 at 6:38 PM
I have the extra set of tweets only because I like my highs crisp and distinct. The layout of the car alows the bass to travel easily. I understand the 4 channel concept and I will consider it. Thanks
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