KingJeff

Hi I was wondering if I have a pair of components, would I just need a 2 channel amp or should I go for 4 channel? I already have a subwoofer with an amp for it.

thekid03

I'd probably stick with a 2 channel unless any planned upgrades to system in the future might benefit from a 4-channel and you'd rather not be in situation where you're upgrading and realize there's really no use for the 2-channel amp you bought a year ago.

Also think about the various configurations you could setup an amp into. Few years ago I got a steal-of-a-deal on an Xtant 4.4. I didn't have a need for a 4 channel amp though but it was bridgeable and I simply turned it into a 2 channel amp and powered my front component set and it worked out well.

KingJeff

With a sub, I don't really need to power the rear speakers right? I'd be ok with a 2 channel? 2 channel amps that power the components should be pretty cheap right? I think the components i want should not need more than 80 watts rms.

thekid03

Correct.....I'd personally disconnect the rear speakers. In regards to price....runs the gamut from a few hundred bucks to a few thousand for something like a Brax. I'd say for 200 or so you could end up with a decent new amp or used might end up with something fairly nice. Run up to elitecaraudio and termpro and check out their for sale section if you'd be ok purchasing a used piece of equipment. I'm not sure if they still do this but Xtant used to sell refurbished amps.....that's where I got my Xtant 4.4

Ya 80 watts should be fine....even though for instance a 200 watt amp may sound more impressive doubling the wattage sent to a speaker only increases sound by 3 db's which although isn't the only thing to look i.e. what SPL you think you'll end up with when purchasing an amp should be somewhat of a factor when deciding if it's worth your money to buy the amp with highest wattage you can afford.

KingJeff

But a pair of components can handle so many watts right? I remember putting too much wattage into a pair of speakers one time and they made a popping sound.

incubus

If you are purchasing a pair of biampable components then you could utilize a 4ch amp. If not a 2ch is fine.
if it was popping you were probably running the crossover point too low and allowing too much bass in. You would have to overpower the crap out of a spkr to get it to pop.

here-i-come

All that has them stated is true, but I like to have power (headroom). Its is always better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it.

I like sending a individual mono signal to each side. This is better stereo separation. So I would use I lower power 4 channel and bridged it down to 2 channels. Some of the time a nice 100x2 cost more then say a 30-40 wattx4 4 -channel and when bridged the 4 channel will make more power. As will any system you what to gain match and to get the best performance out of your system.

If you don't mind what amp are you looking into?