Hey everyone, I’m currently setting up a new audio system for a friend’s 1998 Malibu LS. He asked me to pick him out some audio equipment. I know enough about electronics to get me by, but I still need some help.

First of all, I will be getting him a Kenwood Excelon KDC-X890, a subwoofer at about 1000W RMS, and an amp. I'm not sure what kind of amp I need. For the interior speakers, do I wire them right to the head unit? Or do I wire the interior speakers to the amp, and then wire the deck to the amp? What would be better if both are an option? Also, if I wire the interior speakers to the amp, do I have to use a multichannel amp and a mono amp for the sub? Or can I just use a multichannel amp for it all?

Thanks for your time!

 

no offence but i think youre freind asked the wrong guy.....
if you were really his freind youd send him to a knowlageable shop.

 

You're not doing the install I hope.Those are really basic questions that anyone attempting to do an install should be able to answer very easily. Not to be rude, but I would consider getting someone that knows what they're doing to help you out for the first few times, or go see a professional. The last thing you want to do is damage your friends car now or cause future damage (fire, leaks, electrical disruption etc...) To answer your question; you can run the entire system off of a single 2channel amp if you know what you're doing, a multi channel is probably the best way to go since it can give you more flexibility with tuning, fading, future upgrades etc...You could also use the deck's amp to power the full range speakers, and an amp to power the sub alone, or you could run pre-amp level signals to the amp and then use it to power your speakers...there are a lot of different options.

 

Sublet it to future shop and make 10%

 

Unfortunately, I honestly think your intentions are in the right place, however, the questions you are asking are fundamental and if you're having issues making these decisions, you will have alot more issues when performing the install and wiring the respective equipment....My suggestion is to either have someone offer in person technical support and advice before and throughout your project or not attempt it at all. I know we are all here to offer support and advice to each other, however, the support required to guide you in the right direction may not be easily fulfilled through forum
Q & A..

Where are you located??? If I'm in your area I wouldn't mind helping you out...

 

knowledgable shop.... good one :P

 

It's very possible to do the install by yourself. You just have to do a bit of research. Depending on how much power the interior (component) speakers require, you might be better off with a seperate class a/b amp. Usually people will get a 4 channel amp for the front stage, bridged into 4ohms. Most people will use a class d mono amp for the sub, since it's more efficient. Make sure the intended power and impedence of the sub match the amp. Does your friend have component speakers or just stock interior speakers? If they are stock, you might as well just power them off the deck because they won't be able to take much power. Also, make sure you use proper wiring for the setup, if you're going with a 1000w rms sub, don't go below 4 guage wiring.

 

Knowledgeable shops are definitely out there, they are just few and far between.

 

i completely agree. ;p

as for the thread. definaltey do some research and if u have any questions ask here. is this a ncie car or a beater? if its a beater then its good to learn on, i wouldnt make your first install on a nice car.

www.installdr.com
www.carstereohelp.com

and im probably forgetting alot but read through some of those

 

haha my spellings a little off...