Pairing sub with right amp: A N00bs quest
 

I just picked up a 10" Kenwood (KFC-W2511) sub (non-ported enclosure) and was wondering what amp (mono or multi channel?) should I pair it with? I have up to $400 to play with and frankly all those numbers attached to 2 ohms and 4 ohms has me more confused than ever. I lurked on all these threads trying to make heads or tails what was being talked about and still don't quite grasp all the rather esoteric knowledge being tossed around.

The facts about my ride:

-1996 Eagle Talon TSi
-Pioneer DEH-P6900UB headunit
-Stock tweeters by the front windshield
-Stock front speakers (planning on upgrading them to Energy or Kaption component speakers)
-Pioneer rear speakers

Thanks in advance for any help you guys can provide. It is much appreciated :smilie_da

Very simple. You really have two options. The first is to get an amp for the sub and another amp for the other speakers. The second is to get a multichannel amp and run the whole system off that.

1. Get a 2-channel amp thats rated around 200-300W total power. While you could consider mono 1-channel amps, I would only recommend that if you're planning to upgrade in the future and are willing to spend cash, cuz a mono amp that has a rms rating of 300w or less at 4ohm with no stability at lower resistance is hard to find, which leaves only expensive amps. However, a 2ohm stable amp is perfect if you eventually want to add another same sub to your setup.

2. Get a 4-channel amp thats 50w or more per channel into 4ohm. This will give you 200w for the sub, and leave two channels at 100w each to hook up whatever front stage you end up setting up.

In any case, write this down. Your sub is 4ohm, and likes 300watts RMS (continuous power). If you take this info to an audio store and tell them you want an amp that is compatible, they will set you up. They will either offer you a mono amp or far more likely a 2-channel amp, which is actually perfect for your application.

Since I like Fosgate, click the following link for an ideal amp for your sub. Its rated at 200W (50x2 @4ohm) when bridged into a mono 4ohm load (which is what you want), but pushes about 20% more then that, which is close to perfect for your sub. No chance of blowing the sub, and a surefire way to have serious bump! Any reputable company 2-channel entry or mid-level amp rated at 200-300w will do tho, with great results.

http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/product_details.asp?cat_id=2&series_id=6&family_id =20&item_id=108227&locale=en_US&p_status=

A nice amp to go with that sub is the Kenwood KAC-7203. It will give you appx. 500 Watts RMS into a 4 ohm load. $419

I also have some Excelon KAC-X10D amplifiers on sale right now aswell. These are good for appx 400RMS into 4 ohms. $499

Thanks for the help :)