typical question, no? how much of an amp do i need?
 

just got a single pioneer 10" tsw256c /box combo at futureshop and was wondering how much amp i needed.
http://www.pioneer-racing.com/pna/pr...020668,00.html

i'm looking for something that is inexpensive but isn't crap. it's for an echo and i just wanted a little low budget kick for my daily commuting. i also got a sony gt200 deck on sale. now i'm looking for an amp.

how much power do i need? i really like heavy bass but am on a budget too (the type that is called 'spend as little as possible' budget). the sales people are saying i need at least 200w. i want something that will match up nicely with the components i bought (ie. i don't want an amp that will put my other components to shame but, i don't want an amp that won't do justice for the sub and deck i just bought either)

specific models or links are appreciated as well. thanks.

oh yeah, do i need a monoblock amp or will bridging be ok? i'm assuming mono amps come with features that i want running a sub?
thanks again.

Most mono amps are designed to do more power when at lower than 4ohm loads so you'd be best to shop for a 2ch amp.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/product/detail/0,,2076_183982242_291559003,00.html

would be a great choice or anything else ~200-400rms brdged at 4ohms.
If money is a premium you might consider shopping the For Sale section here.

Ya a nice 2 channel bridge mono to give you a 4 load. What he said ^ :)

A killer amp for under $200 is a USAMPS Xterminator XT800.2 Lots of power and sound quality to boot. Not sure of your budget....but some people say Im bias but the USamps have always had stellar amps.

thanks guys. was wondering why the mono amps cost more...
so the hardworker pointed to has a 360w rms rateing to 4ohm bridged.

you think that's what i should aim for? the rms power handling of the sub? (350w). thanks again.

Yes aim for the RMS value handling of the driver not the peak value. Those numbers you may as well throw out the window. Way out of wack. And its ok to over power a sub in moderation. Approx. 10-20% is ok and you end up with more SQ and control over the driver and less clipping at higher volumes.

what do you guys think of this one?
290w 4ohm mono http://www.jbl.com/car/products/prod...=CA&region=USA
it's on sale right now at bestbuy..

That is a great amp. And lots of real power. They sound nice and perform well and its a nice price to. Grab it its almost at cost. :)

for $70 more i can get <url>http://www.cardomain.com/item/KENKAC7202</url> 460w 4ohm mono

Ya thats US though and then you are going to pay duties, shipping, brokerage so its most likely a little more then the $70

i mean by 70 more is through bestbuy in canada. that's the best link i could find with all the specs. wasn't gonna buy from there.
btw, thanks for all the help.

which of these two do you think would mate to my box the best taking into account budget?

I've had good luck with both those brands of amplifiers many times over, so I don't think you can go wrong with either. If you can afford the extra 70.00 then go for the kenwood, extra power is rarely a bad thing if used properly.

Agreed ^

i agree but what i guess i'm wondering is if my sub is rated at 350w rms should i waste the extra $70 for the 460w or do you think 290w is 9/10ths there? in other words will 460 be overkill and won't really be utilized?
thanks again.

a big amp isn't bad, leaves room for future expansion and you can have the gain control very low and thats a good thing

With 290rms to that driver you're going to be getting most of what it can do. Like you said earlier, you're just trying to get some nice thump to your stereo and that amp should fulfill your goals with your other gear. It's always nice to have more power but the difference is not going to be much.
If money is a concern;save the $70.

thanks all for the help. now all i have to do is convince myself that the two 4" factory speakers are good enough to match all the stuff i just bought =0
btw, would i pass all frequencies to my 4inchers or do iwant to cut out the bass?

Cut out the bass to them.