Questions about my setup

[Anth1990]

hey all,

I recently got a full setup from a relative (all clarion: head unit, front splits, 6x9's, amp and a sub) and instead of getting 2 subs he gave me 1 (I asked for 2) and since I have no idea about sound systems I just said to get an amp that will do. So if I plan on getting another sub would I need another amp aswell? the amp box reads:
4/3/2 channel 400W maximum power. so if I got another 600W sub would that be able to handle it? I'll be installing it in the coming weeks. cheers guys.

sorry if this is a stupid question but as I said I have no clue.

[Joe Bellissimo]

Is that amplifier only running the subwoofer?

[Anth1990]

well I'm not sure, the 6x9s box say max power 350w and the front splits say 250w. I dunno if that means altogether or each seperate speaker. if I need to run those through an amp too I guess I'll need one for them also. again I need advice haha. let me know what I SHOULD do for best quality.cheers!

[StoneX]

Need model numbers to answer questions.

[Fonzie]

You should use the 4ch amp yuo have to power the 4 corners (front splits and 6x9s) and get a monoblock amp for the sub.... Problem with getting another sub later on is, mixing them is usually a pain... Sound different, slightly different delay, different volume. So unless you can get another identicle sub... Stick with one, or buy two brand new ones with an amp to match.

[Anth1990]

alright model numbers for the stuff I have sitting in my room is as follows:
All clarion
Headunit: CZ209A
6x9 3 ways: SRQ6931R
6"speakers "that can become splits": SRP1620M
Amplifier: APX4240
Subwoofer: SB12XB

hope they're the model numbers lol.

and yes I can get my hands on more stuff, and its not all installed yet so no problems with mixing it all up. real happy with the price on it all too cheers so far.

[Joe Bellissimo]

That amplifier is capable of running 2 of those subwoofers but in order to do that you would need to use a RCA splitter/line driver. You have run into a little bit of a problem now because that head unit only supports 2 sets of RCA cables. In order to run your entire system (should you choose to amplify the rears) you will need 3 pairs of RCAs or you will be in need of a line driver (used to multiply the signals). The best thing for you to do is to keep one subwoofer. Use the 4 channel amplifier to run the fronts and connect 2 channels together to run the subwoofer. Running anything more complicated than that will mean you will have to rethink your hardware selection or spend a fair bit more on extra hardware.

[Anth1990]

That amplifier is capable of running 2 of those subwoofers but in order to do that you would need to use a RCA splitter/line driver. You have run into a little bit of a problem now because that head unit only supports 2 sets of RCA cables. In order to run your entire system (should you choose to amplify the rears) you will need 3 pairs of RCAs or you will be in need of a line driver (used to multiply the signals). The best thing for you to do is to keep one subwoofer. Use the 4 channel amplifier to run the fronts and connect 2 channels together to run the subwoofer. Running anything more complicated than that will mean you will have to rethink your hardware selection or spend a fair bit more on extra hardware.

hmm. so its possible to do? I just need a splitter for the subs? I'm assuming its a tad costly. I'm willing to spend a bit more, I only paid under 400 for the stuff I have :P but regardless, is there other headunits out there that can support this? or is there any other way? I'm still a tad confused

[Joe Bellissimo]

Okay change of plans then. I didn't realise the gear was so cheap. If you want more bass scrap that sub and replace it with something bigger and use a monoblock amplifier. Bridge the 4 channel amplifier to the front channels to give it lots of power if you like as well. Run the 6x9s off the head unit if you even want to bother.

[holdenboy]

You'll need a pair of RCA splitters for the amplifier, they cost about $5 each.
Heres the link to what you need (x2):
2 x RCA Plugs to 1 x RCA Socket - 300mm - Jaycar Electronics

You basically plug these into each RCA plug at the amp, then plug them into the inputs (all 4 channels), this will allow you to connect each subwoofer off the bridged output of the amp, this turns a 4ch. amp into a 2ch. amp to run your 2 subwoofers. If you need a diagram i think can manage that

That amp wont power those subs too well though....you definately wont be getting the full potential from the subs. Youre better off buying a dedicated monoblock amp to power those subs.

EDIT: Joe beat me to it

[Tasmaniak]

Dude, I'm a BIG fan of Clarion and I can tell you that what you have is quite a nice set-up.

The splits are a nice set, Mid-Range Clarions go well for the money. the 6x9s are almost midrange quality. that sub is entry level for Clarion and is now discontinued

As holdenboy suggested, you will need a splitter to run the sub and speakers off of that unit. No sweat, lots of people do it all the time.

As for powering the sub, I wouldn't use that amp for the sub, you could...but I wouldn't. Try to get yourself a Clarion APX1301 it's a basic monoblock, it will shove about 300wrms into that sub....perfect. Retail price for the amp is $299....you can get it for a damn site less.

A nice hunk of 4ga power cable to run both amps and you will be happy as a pig in shit...it's a perfect system...almost.

[Anth1990]

Dude, I'm a BIG fan of Clarion and I can tell you that what you have is quite a nice set-up.

The splits are a nice set, Mid-Range Clarions go well for the money. the 6x9s are almost midrange quality. that sub is entry level for Clarion and is now discontinued

As holdenboy suggested, you will need a splitter to run the sub and speakers off of that unit. No sweat, lots of people do it all the time.

As for powering the sub, I wouldn't use that amp for the sub, you could...but I wouldn't. Try to get yourself a Clarion APX1301 it's a basic monoblock, it will shove about 300wrms into that sub....perfect. Retail price for the amp is $299....you can get it for a damn site less.

A nice hunk of 4ga power cable to run both amps and you will be happy as a pig in shit...it's a perfect system...almost.

hahaha, I like your analogy. yeah the sub didnt seem to special, but at that price who would say no. I think I'll go with buying another amp and better subs. cheers guys this helped alot once I get it all happening I'll post some pics in the sound system thread.