Amplifiying Speaker Help
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
From: seattle, wa, USA
Amplifiying Speaker Help
Okay i just bought some Alpine SPS-69C2 6 x 9 " type-S speakers http://www.crutchfield.com/S-O...cc=01
and installed them in my rear deck. I read about people amplifing these speakers But I don't understand how they did it. I was just looking around at the speaker for some kind of input thing so you can power it. But i couldnt find any? Do you run the amp wires to the Head Unit?? Or ??
and installed them in my rear deck. I read about people amplifing these speakers But I don't understand how they did it. I was just looking around at the speaker for some kind of input thing so you can power it. But i couldnt find any? Do you run the amp wires to the Head Unit?? Or ??
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: nashville, tn, 37015
Re: Amplifiying Speaker Help (dth0ng69)
If you need help just read the information at the following links:
http://www.crutchfield.com/App...tp=14
http://www.crutchfield.com/lea....html
http://www.crutchfield.com/App...p=115
It is very difficult to tell someone how to hook up an amp to the speakers and headunit if they have not done it before. If you read the above info. and have a specific issue then feel free to ask.
A speaker can be played off the headunit but generally that will not be enough power to reasch the speakers full potential. So, people choose to use an amplifier that matches the speakers capability. In your case a 2-channel 100watt rms amp at 4 ohms is good. If you want to amplify your front speakers also then you need something like a 4-channel 200watt rms amp at 4 ohms.
How the speakers are hooked up to the amp is straight forward. There are 2 terminals on the back side of the speaker. Run a wire(most speaker wire comes with the 2 wires parallel that are attached to each other by the insulation, the coper wires should never touch) from each terminal to the amp. Two (2) connections from each speaker to the amp. The amp and speakers have a positive side and a negative side. Additionally the amp has a left and right channel. The wires can be spliced into the factory speaker wiring behind the cd player or you can run new wires from the amp to the speakers(tuck the wire under the carpet and plastic moldings to protect it).
http://www.crutchfield.com/App...tp=14
http://www.crutchfield.com/lea....html
http://www.crutchfield.com/App...p=115
It is very difficult to tell someone how to hook up an amp to the speakers and headunit if they have not done it before. If you read the above info. and have a specific issue then feel free to ask.
A speaker can be played off the headunit but generally that will not be enough power to reasch the speakers full potential. So, people choose to use an amplifier that matches the speakers capability. In your case a 2-channel 100watt rms amp at 4 ohms is good. If you want to amplify your front speakers also then you need something like a 4-channel 200watt rms amp at 4 ohms.
How the speakers are hooked up to the amp is straight forward. There are 2 terminals on the back side of the speaker. Run a wire(most speaker wire comes with the 2 wires parallel that are attached to each other by the insulation, the coper wires should never touch) from each terminal to the amp. Two (2) connections from each speaker to the amp. The amp and speakers have a positive side and a negative side. Additionally the amp has a left and right channel. The wires can be spliced into the factory speaker wiring behind the cd player or you can run new wires from the amp to the speakers(tuck the wire under the carpet and plastic moldings to protect it).
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
From: seattle, wa, USA
Re: Amplifiying Speaker Help (schmiddr2)
Hmmm... I think i kind of get the gist of it now after looking at this diagram
http://www.crutchfield.com/lea....html
so basically i run the speaker wires from my head unit to the 4 ch amp then from the amp to the speakers. haha that makes sense...
But the thing i dont understand is the physical part of this whole thing. Im a prety quick learner so this shouldnt be hard for me to get.
What Im basically lost about is.
how does the head unit connect cables the the amp and how does the amp connect to the speakers. Would you need to buy some harness? for the connections from amp to speaker.
http://www.crutchfield.com/lea....html
so basically i run the speaker wires from my head unit to the 4 ch amp then from the amp to the speakers. haha that makes sense...
But the thing i dont understand is the physical part of this whole thing. Im a prety quick learner so this shouldnt be hard for me to get.
What Im basically lost about is.
how does the head unit connect cables the the amp and how does the amp connect to the speakers. Would you need to buy some harness? for the connections from amp to speaker.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: nashville, tn, 37015
Re: Amplifiying Speaker Help (dth0ng69)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dth0ng69 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hmmm... I think i kind of get the gist of it now after looking at this diagram
http://www.crutchfield.com/lea....html
so basically i run the speaker wires from my head unit to the 4 ch amp then from the amp to the speakers. haha that makes sense...
But the thing i dont understand is the physical part of this whole thing. Im a prety quick learner so this shouldnt be hard for me to get.
What Im basically lost about is.
how does the head unit connect cables the the amp and how does the amp connect to the speakers. Would you need to buy some harness? for the connections from amp to speaker.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You do NOT run speaker wires from your headunit to the amp. You plug in patch (RCA) cables into the female connectors on the headunit. Now plug the other ends of the patch/RCA cables into the amp (they're not speaker wires). The reason they show 2 sets of wires on this set up is because some headunits have front and rear patch/RCA outputs.
So now run a set (2) of speaker wires to each speaker. You don't need a harness. If you mount the amp in the trunk then it is very easy just to run 2 wires to each speaker in the back deck; then you must run speaker wire up front to the door speakers. If you mount the amp under a seat then you can run the speaker wires to each speaker from there but it can be more difficult. You can use the factory wiring if you do it correctly it should work fine.
http://www.crutchfield.com/lea....html
so basically i run the speaker wires from my head unit to the 4 ch amp then from the amp to the speakers. haha that makes sense...
But the thing i dont understand is the physical part of this whole thing. Im a prety quick learner so this shouldnt be hard for me to get.
What Im basically lost about is.
how does the head unit connect cables the the amp and how does the amp connect to the speakers. Would you need to buy some harness? for the connections from amp to speaker.</TD></TR></TABLE>
You do NOT run speaker wires from your headunit to the amp. You plug in patch (RCA) cables into the female connectors on the headunit. Now plug the other ends of the patch/RCA cables into the amp (they're not speaker wires). The reason they show 2 sets of wires on this set up is because some headunits have front and rear patch/RCA outputs.
So now run a set (2) of speaker wires to each speaker. You don't need a harness. If you mount the amp in the trunk then it is very easy just to run 2 wires to each speaker in the back deck; then you must run speaker wire up front to the door speakers. If you mount the amp under a seat then you can run the speaker wires to each speaker from there but it can be more difficult. You can use the factory wiring if you do it correctly it should work fine.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: nashville, tn, 37015
Re: (It Wasn't Me)
Can you read? The first thing I told him was to use a 2 or 4 channel amp. Why do you repeat that then tell me I don't know what I'm talking about. Then I advise him to use the RCAs. Why shouldn't he; whats the advantage of using high-level inputs? Do you recall me telling him he only had one option anyway? I tried to make it simple since he said "I read about people amplifing these speakers But I don't understand how they did it. I was just looking around at the speaker for some kind of input thing so you can power it. But i couldnt find any? Do you run the amp wires to the Head Unit?? Or ??"
Your criticism is garbage! Keep it to yourself.
Your criticism is garbage! Keep it to yourself.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: nashville, tn, 37015
Re: (It Wasn't Me)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by It Wasn’t Me »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Show me where I repeated what you said, because I don't see it. I told him two ways to wire up a four channel amp.
DO NOT USE a mono amp to run your high end. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Did I not just tell him to use a 2 or 4 channel amp? Don't you think that covered it or did you not read the comment completely. Yours was truly the useless comment.
And you reply with no kind of answer to my question. Why would he want to use the high-level input?
I told him one way to wire up an 2 or 4 channel amp. And it was perfectly [freak]ing reasonable. You want to get off by inaccurately accusing someone of not knowing what they're talking about then keep douching it up!
LMAO 
And adding all these little expressions at the end of your comments only shows how much your trying to convince everyone that you are right. Use your words like a big boy.
DO NOT USE a mono amp to run your high end. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Did I not just tell him to use a 2 or 4 channel amp? Don't you think that covered it or did you not read the comment completely. Yours was truly the useless comment.
And you reply with no kind of answer to my question. Why would he want to use the high-level input?
I told him one way to wire up an 2 or 4 channel amp. And it was perfectly [freak]ing reasonable. You want to get off by inaccurately accusing someone of not knowing what they're talking about then keep douching it up!
LMAO Trending Topics
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: nashville, tn, 37015
Re: (It Wasn't Me)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by It Wasn’t Me »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm getting the impression you're just a narcissist who can't stand being proven wrong. Which would explain why you're so bothered by this. 
</TD></TR></TABLE>
That's the pot calling the kettle black right there.
</TD></TR></TABLE>That's the pot calling the kettle black right there.
Old Fart
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 26,173
Likes: 18
From: kelowna, bc, canada
Re: Amplifiying Speaker Help (dth0ng69)
Don't you just love a cat fight. 
The first thing I would ask you is the make and model of the HU you have, is it a stock HU, [radio] or an aftermarket HU?
Knowing what HU you have will let me know if you have preamp outputs and how many, that will then make it easier to suggest an amp to use if any.
Amplifying, [off-board amp] rear speakers and not the fronts is not the way you should be going about upgrading your system, and unless you have already upgraded the front speakers, it is where you should be spending your money at.
The front speakers are the first ones you should be adding more power to, rear speakers are for rear fill and having more power to them then the fronts will only mess up any staging and imaging you may have had, however there is an exception to the rule.
Lets start with the make and model of your HU and what speakers you have in the front, [doors].
94
The first thing I would ask you is the make and model of the HU you have, is it a stock HU, [radio] or an aftermarket HU?
Knowing what HU you have will let me know if you have preamp outputs and how many, that will then make it easier to suggest an amp to use if any.
Amplifying, [off-board amp] rear speakers and not the fronts is not the way you should be going about upgrading your system, and unless you have already upgraded the front speakers, it is where you should be spending your money at.
The front speakers are the first ones you should be adding more power to, rear speakers are for rear fill and having more power to them then the fronts will only mess up any staging and imaging you may have had, however there is an exception to the rule.
Lets start with the make and model of your HU and what speakers you have in the front, [doors].
94
i ♥ my honda
Global Mod
Global Mod
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,943
Likes: 7
From: Maryland
Re: (schmiddr2)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by schmiddr2 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Your criticism is garbage! Keep it to yourself. </TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by schmiddr2 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">That's the pot calling the kettle black right there.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I completely agree! It Wasn't Me, you went off on this guy for no reason at all.
The OP was looking at this diagram which clearly shows the use of patch cables.
The OP then made this comment...
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dth0ng69 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hmmm... I think i kind of get the gist of it now after looking at this diagram.
so basically i run the speaker wires from my head unit to the 4 ch amp then from the amp to the speakers. haha that makes sense...
</TD></TR></TABLE>
All schmiddr2 did was tell him that he was not to use the factory speaker wires to power his amp in that particular situation, but to use the correct RCA's. I fail to see where he said or implied that amps don't have this capability. He was completely accurate in his statements. I appreciate you trying to help but you do not need to go off on other members like this, especially when they are trying to help as well.
Modified by White Smoke at 9:52 AM 8/19/2008
</TD></TR></TABLE><TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by schmiddr2 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">That's the pot calling the kettle black right there.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I completely agree! It Wasn't Me, you went off on this guy for no reason at all.
The OP was looking at this diagram which clearly shows the use of patch cables.
The OP then made this comment...
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dth0ng69 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hmmm... I think i kind of get the gist of it now after looking at this diagram.
so basically i run the speaker wires from my head unit to the 4 ch amp then from the amp to the speakers. haha that makes sense...
</TD></TR></TABLE>
All schmiddr2 did was tell him that he was not to use the factory speaker wires to power his amp in that particular situation, but to use the correct RCA's. I fail to see where he said or implied that amps don't have this capability. He was completely accurate in his statements. I appreciate you trying to help but you do not need to go off on other members like this, especially when they are trying to help as well.
Modified by White Smoke at 9:52 AM 8/19/2008
B*a*n*n*e*d
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,457
Likes: 15
Was I inaccurate? No. Is there a benefit to using High Level Input? No. Is it unbeneficial? No. I was trying to help dude see all sides of the cube.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by It Wasn't Me »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Most 4 channel amps have "high pass" input, which you plug your speaker wires directly into. Then you run additional wires from the amp outputs to your speakers.</TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by schmiddr2 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You do NOT run speaker wires from your headunit to the amp. You plug in patch (RCA) cables into the female connectors on the headunit.</TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by It Wasn't Me »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">High Level Inputs
http://www.crutchfieldenespano..._info
And I quote, from Crutchfield's Hands-On Research High-Level Inputs: The amplifier is equipped with high-level inputs to permit connection to a radio without preamp outputs. This enables direct connection to be made to the radio's loudspeaker output.</TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by White Smoke »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The OP then made this comment...</TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dth0ng69 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hmmm... I think i kind of get the gist of it now after looking at this diagram.
so basically i run the speaker wires from my head unit to the 4 ch amp then from the amp to the speakers. haha that makes sense...</TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by White Smoke »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">All schmiddr2 did was tell him that he was not to use the factory speaker wires to power his amp in that particular situation, but to use the correct RCA's.</TD></TR></TABLE>
And all I did was tell him that the he can! Not should - but could! It's all water under the bridge. I was just trying to help.
(typography edit)
Modified by It Wasn't Me at 9:42 PM 8/19/2008
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by It Wasn't Me »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Most 4 channel amps have "high pass" input, which you plug your speaker wires directly into. Then you run additional wires from the amp outputs to your speakers.</TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by schmiddr2 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You do NOT run speaker wires from your headunit to the amp. You plug in patch (RCA) cables into the female connectors on the headunit.</TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by It Wasn't Me »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">High Level Inputs
http://www.crutchfieldenespano..._info
And I quote, from Crutchfield's Hands-On Research High-Level Inputs: The amplifier is equipped with high-level inputs to permit connection to a radio without preamp outputs. This enables direct connection to be made to the radio's loudspeaker output.</TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by White Smoke »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The OP then made this comment...</TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dth0ng69 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hmmm... I think i kind of get the gist of it now after looking at this diagram.
so basically i run the speaker wires from my head unit to the 4 ch amp then from the amp to the speakers. haha that makes sense...</TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by White Smoke »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">All schmiddr2 did was tell him that he was not to use the factory speaker wires to power his amp in that particular situation, but to use the correct RCA's.</TD></TR></TABLE>
And all I did was tell him that the he can! Not should - but could! It's all water under the bridge. I was just trying to help.
(typography edit)
Modified by It Wasn't Me at 9:42 PM 8/19/2008
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
From: seattle, wa, USA
Re: (It Wasn't Me)
Hey My headunit is a Alpine CDE- 9870. I plan on getting front speakers also. which can handle the same of power as the back ones. most likely these
http://www.crutchfield.com/App...tp=95
http://www.crutchfield.com/App...tp=95
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 397
Likes: 0
From: seattle, wa, USA
Re: (dth0ng69)
So these speakers say the power range: 6-50 watts RMS and My headunit (alpine CDE-9870) puts out 16watts X 4
so would i subtract 50-16 and that would be 34. And i would need a amp that is about 30 watts X4 ??
or the headunits 16 watts rms doesnt apply?
so would i subtract 50-16 and that would be 34. And i would need a amp that is about 30 watts X4 ??
or the headunits 16 watts rms doesnt apply?
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 553
Likes: 1
From: Milpitas, CA
Re: (dth0ng69)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dth0ng69 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So these speakers say the power range: 6-50 watts RMS and My headunit (alpine CDE-9870) puts out 16watts X 4
so would i subtract 50-16 and that would be 34. And i would need a amp that is about 30 watts X4 ??
or the headunits 16 watts rms doesnt apply?</TD></TR></TABLE>
no, you dont combine the power of your HU with the amp you are going to use to drive your speakers. only the power of the amp is going to be used. so id say to look for a 200watt 4 channel amp to power all 4 speakers.
so would i subtract 50-16 and that would be 34. And i would need a amp that is about 30 watts X4 ??
or the headunits 16 watts rms doesnt apply?</TD></TR></TABLE>
no, you dont combine the power of your HU with the amp you are going to use to drive your speakers. only the power of the amp is going to be used. so id say to look for a 200watt 4 channel amp to power all 4 speakers.
Old Fart
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 26,173
Likes: 18
From: kelowna, bc, canada
Re: (dth0ng69)
As mentioned you will not be using the HUs internal amp.
Find yourself a 4x50-75W RMS into 4 ohms amp, something like this... http://mobile.jlaudio.com/prod...d=437 Y may still be able to find the older 300/4, either one is a very good amp.
This one would work also... http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-e...-F450 although not as much control over the speakers as the JL Audio 300/4.
Whatever 4 channel amp you get just make sure it is at least 4x50W RMS into 4 ohms, 2x75W RMS is even better, "it's better to be over-powered then it is to be underpowered".
For best SQ wire the front speakers H/P, [high-pass] as low as they will handle, how low you can cross them over will depend on how well the speakers are installed, but at least 75-100Hz, the rear speakers should be wired in series and connected to the bridged rear channels of the amp for a mono rear stage, they should be run full-range or low-pass if the amp you have has a high enough low-pass x-over point, [5000Hz] this will help imaging in the front, you should also disable the tweeters on the rear speakers, this will also help imaging but will help staging even more and pretty much eliminate left/right bias in the front.
94
Find yourself a 4x50-75W RMS into 4 ohms amp, something like this... http://mobile.jlaudio.com/prod...d=437 Y may still be able to find the older 300/4, either one is a very good amp.
This one would work also... http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-e...-F450 although not as much control over the speakers as the JL Audio 300/4.
Whatever 4 channel amp you get just make sure it is at least 4x50W RMS into 4 ohms, 2x75W RMS is even better, "it's better to be over-powered then it is to be underpowered".
For best SQ wire the front speakers H/P, [high-pass] as low as they will handle, how low you can cross them over will depend on how well the speakers are installed, but at least 75-100Hz, the rear speakers should be wired in series and connected to the bridged rear channels of the amp for a mono rear stage, they should be run full-range or low-pass if the amp you have has a high enough low-pass x-over point, [5000Hz] this will help imaging in the front, you should also disable the tweeters on the rear speakers, this will also help imaging but will help staging even more and pretty much eliminate left/right bias in the front.
94
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
xero-cool
Audio / Security / Video
34
May 5, 2004 08:59 AM
