Are there any small class D amps to run 2 6" speakers (60 watt rating)
+ a 12" pioneer subwoofer (rms around 400watts)
I've seen some that people use small class d amps at home. Size of 2 cellphones.
Are there any options like this for car stereo. Ideally I want one amplifier to run 2 speakers and a sub. But could buy a separate subwoofer amp
Space is an issue.
+ a 12" pioneer subwoofer (rms around 400watts)
I've seen some that people use small class d amps at home. Size of 2 cellphones.
Are there any options like this for car stereo. Ideally I want one amplifier to run 2 speakers and a sub. But could buy a separate subwoofer amp
Space is an issue.
Actually ideally if there is a way to have an Bluetooth deck / power amplifier to run speakers that will have pre outs for subwoofer power amp
Do you have measurements of your availability space for an amp?
A 4 channel amp would suit your requirements. Have the front 2 channels on your 6" speakers and bridge the rear 2 channels for the sub.
Many modern aftermarket head units have Bluetooth compatibility, small internal amplifiers (20 watts per channel) and RCA outputs.
There are a few amplifiers with Bluetooth connectivity if you want to forgo a head unit all together.
Edit:
It would also be good to know how much you're looking to spend and if you have a preference in terms of new or used equipment.
If you're running a head unit then the Pioneer GM-D8704 would be a good option. 100w rms x 2 for the 6" speakers and bridge the rear 2 channels for 300w rms for the sub. (This is assuming you're using 4 ohm, single voice coil speakers and sub.)
A 4 channel amp would suit your requirements. Have the front 2 channels on your 6" speakers and bridge the rear 2 channels for the sub.
Many modern aftermarket head units have Bluetooth compatibility, small internal amplifiers (20 watts per channel) and RCA outputs.
There are a few amplifiers with Bluetooth connectivity if you want to forgo a head unit all together.
Edit:
It would also be good to know how much you're looking to spend and if you have a preference in terms of new or used equipment.
If you're running a head unit then the Pioneer GM-D8704 would be a good option. 100w rms x 2 for the 6" speakers and bridge the rear 2 channels for 300w rms for the sub. (This is assuming you're using 4 ohm, single voice coil speakers and sub.)
Last edited:
Thanks for your reply.
Usually I stick with used stuff. But could buy new too.
Disappointed with newer pioneer or newer head units. These run very hot. Sort of designed to last 3 years then blow.
I installed home audio Cambridge sound works. Took out drivers , tweeters and cross overs. Everything is in my doors now. 8ohm speakers but pretty efficient. 91db or 92.
They sound good with old allpine amp 60-70wpc. But mid 90s late 90s alpine amp. Heavy.
Basically ideally I want to minimize the space audio takes up
If there is an amp with Bluetooth that would be great. I don't really use head unit. Only thing is volume adjustment. Tremble and bass. A pre amp section with equilizers.
Looking for best bang for the buck. Under 200$ for a everything.
Usually I stick with used stuff. But could buy new too.
Disappointed with newer pioneer or newer head units. These run very hot. Sort of designed to last 3 years then blow.
I installed home audio Cambridge sound works. Took out drivers , tweeters and cross overs. Everything is in my doors now. 8ohm speakers but pretty efficient. 91db or 92.
They sound good with old allpine amp 60-70wpc. But mid 90s late 90s alpine amp. Heavy.
Basically ideally I want to minimize the space audio takes up
If there is an amp with Bluetooth that would be great. I don't really use head unit. Only thing is volume adjustment. Tremble and bass. A pre amp section with equilizers.
Looking for best bang for the buck. Under 200$ for a everything.
It's for a minivan
Space is abundant. Honda Odyssey has hidden compartment.
Size about 30" by 30" by 9". I have inverter, alpine amp and subwoofer in that space. But this hidden compartment is too cluttered with wires.
Ideally I'd like to have just the sub in there..maybe an inverter
Just curious are there any head units that can drive decent speakers. In the past head units just didn't have enough power or ran mad hot when using them to power speakers.
A head unit that can power speakers + amp for subwoofer could be an option
A Bluetooth amp for everything is ideal.
Really the problem is that my pioneer headunit is on the way out. Pre amp section is dying. Distorted sound(white noise back ground) once the unitnwarms up..or is played at loud volumes. An issue with radio, Bluetooth and aux. It also had crashes. Error playing Bluetooth etc.
Space is abundant. Honda Odyssey has hidden compartment.
Size about 30" by 30" by 9". I have inverter, alpine amp and subwoofer in that space. But this hidden compartment is too cluttered with wires.
Ideally I'd like to have just the sub in there..maybe an inverter
Just curious are there any head units that can drive decent speakers. In the past head units just didn't have enough power or ran mad hot when using them to power speakers.
A head unit that can power speakers + amp for subwoofer could be an option
A Bluetooth amp for everything is ideal.
Really the problem is that my pioneer headunit is on the way out. Pre amp section is dying. Distorted sound(white noise back ground) once the unitnwarms up..or is played at loud volumes. An issue with radio, Bluetooth and aux. It also had crashes. Error playing Bluetooth etc.
I'm not aware of any modern amplifier that has bass and treble adjustments, only their built-in crossover(s.) You'll be limited to whatever adjustments are available on your phone. I use Spotify which has an adjustable EQ.
Volume control will be done with your phone if you take the Bluetooth equipped amp route.
Considering you're using 8 ohm speakers I'm hesitant to give any specific recommendations in terms of matching power ratings. However, RE Audio (US Amps) had a line of Bluetooth capable amplifiers, the BT900.4 may be worth consideration if you can find a good used one (one recently sold on eBay for about $170.) I believe AudioControl has some as well but they are anything but cheap.
There are plenty of other guys around here more knowledgeable than I, perhaps they'll have some valuable input for you.
Edit:
Just saw your latest reply.
Head units are limited to about 20 watts of power. Any claims of much more than that should be viewed with as much skepticism as you can muster.
Volume control will be done with your phone if you take the Bluetooth equipped amp route.
Considering you're using 8 ohm speakers I'm hesitant to give any specific recommendations in terms of matching power ratings. However, RE Audio (US Amps) had a line of Bluetooth capable amplifiers, the BT900.4 may be worth consideration if you can find a good used one (one recently sold on eBay for about $170.) I believe AudioControl has some as well but they are anything but cheap.
There are plenty of other guys around here more knowledgeable than I, perhaps they'll have some valuable input for you.
Edit:
Just saw your latest reply.
Head units are limited to about 20 watts of power. Any claims of much more than that should be viewed with as much skepticism as you can muster.
Last edited:
For $200 you can buy a used 4 channel and replacement head unit. That's the route I would take for the sake of flexibility.
I like my Kenwood head units, some of them have an option to disable the internal amp which should reduce heat generation. Since I run additional amplifiers in all my vehicles that is a feature I use. My KIV-BT901 has been in service since about 2012 and I drive the system hard.
I like my Kenwood head units, some of them have an option to disable the internal amp which should reduce heat generation. Since I run additional amplifiers in all my vehicles that is a feature I use. My KIV-BT901 has been in service since about 2012 and I drive the system hard.
I've heard good things about Kenwood
Whats that feature that turns off the amp section of Kenwood head unit
Are there headunit preamps without any speaker level amplifiers
Found this one
Amazon.com: Kenwood KMMBT325 Digital Media Receiver with Bluetooth KMM-BT325U: Electronics
Whats that feature that turns off the amp section of Kenwood head unit
Are there headunit preamps without any speaker level amplifiers
Found this one
Amazon.com: Kenwood KMMBT325 Digital Media Receiver with Bluetooth KMM-BT325U: Electronics
I'm not sure if the feature has a name or not, it's just buried in the settings of some of their head units.
I have seen some older head units that don't have an internal amp, no specific model comes to mind though.
The one you linked does have an internal amp.
I have seen some older head units that don't have an internal amp, no specific model comes to mind though.
The one you linked does have an internal amp.
The KDC-X998 has both bluetooth audio and an option to turn off the internal amp. Looks like they sell for about $100 used on ebay. That leaves $100 to buy a decent 4 channel amp. The Pioneer I mentioned earlier is $140 new on ebay or you can look around for a deal on a used amp, there's plenty available.
I checked the manual for the unit you linked, there is no option to disable the internal amp.
I checked the manual for the unit you linked, there is no option to disable the internal amp.
I'd stay away from amps with bluetooth. It greatly complicates repairs if there is ever a problem with the bluetooth circuit. You may have to return it to the manufacturer for repairs and some have outrageously high flat rates.
Bluetooth can have lag. If you don't use all matched amps, there could be an issue with that. RCAs are simple and not difficult to run.
Head units that run hot are generally powering speakers. If they are not, there is generally little to no heating from the internal amplifier unless the internal amplifier IC is damaged. There is no reason for a head unit to fail after 3 years. Even if the internal amp fails, it's only about $15 to replace the IC.
If you are only going to use your phone, there should be cheap interfaces that connect via bluetooth and then drive RCAs to the amps.
Some people don't want to replace their head units because they're so integrated into the newer vehicles. The media receivers with no CD players are so shallow that they can be installed in a storage pocket or a center console.
Bluetooth can have lag. If you don't use all matched amps, there could be an issue with that. RCAs are simple and not difficult to run.
Head units that run hot are generally powering speakers. If they are not, there is generally little to no heating from the internal amplifier unless the internal amplifier IC is damaged. There is no reason for a head unit to fail after 3 years. Even if the internal amp fails, it's only about $15 to replace the IC.
If you are only going to use your phone, there should be cheap interfaces that connect via bluetooth and then drive RCAs to the amps.
Some people don't want to replace their head units because they're so integrated into the newer vehicles. The media receivers with no CD players are so shallow that they can be installed in a storage pocket or a center console.
I'm going to try to sell you on the little Zoudio amp I'm currently using at home. It's only 60 X 113 mm and could do your 2.1 setup without issue. Power output may be a problem in a car, using the car's 12V battery as supply; maybe 10W / ch...
However you mentioned "inverter". I have no idea what they put into today's car stereo setups for that type of component. If it happens to double the 12V to 24V, then you'd get maybe 25W / ch out of this amp, clean.
I'm running mine on 24V. I've got pretty efficient speakers, plus they're in my livingroom vs a moving vehicle environment. This amp sounds great, handles the frequency crossover between my fullranges and subwoofers via the power amplifier DSP configuration windows app AND connects via bluetooth to my iPhone and W10 machines. It blanks the music on an incoming call - at least with the iPhone.
With the limited power output capability, perhaps unsuitable for a vehicle when driven. Depends on how you listen - really loud when driving or somewhat lower when stopped. But it is like a couple of cellphones in size and can do a lot. The seller has it in the vendor forums - Zoudio AIO4CH
However you mentioned "inverter". I have no idea what they put into today's car stereo setups for that type of component. If it happens to double the 12V to 24V, then you'd get maybe 25W / ch out of this amp, clean.
I'm running mine on 24V. I've got pretty efficient speakers, plus they're in my livingroom vs a moving vehicle environment. This amp sounds great, handles the frequency crossover between my fullranges and subwoofers via the power amplifier DSP configuration windows app AND connects via bluetooth to my iPhone and W10 machines. It blanks the music on an incoming call - at least with the iPhone.
With the limited power output capability, perhaps unsuitable for a vehicle when driven. Depends on how you listen - really loud when driving or somewhat lower when stopped. But it is like a couple of cellphones in size and can do a lot. The seller has it in the vendor forums - Zoudio AIO4CH