Hey there... me again (with more newbie questions).

Well, so far, I got my 4 channel amp installed, but still want that extra kick from a sub. Now, to keep everything looking good, I'd like to go with another Rockford amp.

I'm hesitating between two models right now. The P3001 (monoblock) and the P3002 (2 channel). Both would end up giving me 300W, but the 2 channel would be 300W bridged @ 4ohms, and the mono would be 300W @ 2ohms. Are there any advantages in picking one over the other ?

 

first of all, how many subs do you have? How are they wired, and what Ohm load is the amp currently seeing? Thats what I'd be looking at... then we'll have enough info to give you some advice.

Mark

 

most monoblock amp are more efficient so they draw less power

 

^^ yes but if his sub(s) are wired for 4 ohm, an amp that puts out 300W @ 2ohm, will put out somewhere around 150 @ 4 ohm, so the better choice would be the 2 ch in that situation.

Mark

 

one advantage of using a 2 ch. full range amp is that you can always use it to power a front set(with lots of power), if you decide to go multichannel in the future. You can then use your less powerful 4ch. to power rears and possibly center channels(front/rear). Disadvantages may be the cost as I find class D amps tend to be cheaper per watt, a/b amps tend to be less efficient, size may also be an issue as class D amps are usually smaller. Either way your system can sound good, I don't think dedicated mono amps sound any better than bridged 2ch. amps.

 

Well, right now, I don't have either amp nor subs. (aside from the amp driving my speakers inside the car).

So, I'd obviously get the subs in relation to what I buy for an amp.

Now, I know this is not really something to go by, but the peak power of the mono block is a lot higher than the 2 channel amp (twice as high). Now could this have anything to do with why the mono is more expensive too ?

 

peak means nothing. only pay attention to RMS

Mark

 

Also normally 2 channel amps are A/B Class and Mono's are normally D Class. You tend to get a cleaner warmer sound and more head room with a A/B vs a D class. Now because your driving subs you won't notice it as much. And this has been disputed before. Both will drive fine but a D class should draw less current. Other then that not a whole lot. Oh and BTW a dedicated sub mono block is more likely to come with a remote bass control. Just a thought.

 

Could you elaborate further on this?

If impedance doensn't matter (e.g. the subs have not yet been purchased), why would you choose a bridged 2ch over a monoblock?