I'm trying to figure out what sort of amplifier to get to power my audio project.

My current plan is to replace the stock head unit with an Alpine CDA-9857 (probably also throw in a CHA-S634 since I hate changing CDs when I'm driving), plus Focal 165K2Ps in the doors and an Alphasonik PW608 in a WLaurent enclosure in the trunk.

I was leaning towards PAS2Knut's spare tire amp rack for the stealthy, space-saving approach, but I've been having some problems getting that to work out right. If I go with a beefy 4-channel amp (e.g. Alphasonik PMA4150A, JL 450/4), it won't fit in the spare tire well. I can go for a smaller 4-channel amp, like a JL 300/4, but according to the rated specifications at least it doesn't produce enough power to drive the Focals properly (75W @ 4 ohms into the front -- I'd bridge the back to the sub).

I was hoping for a pretty stealthy install that conserved as much space in the trunk as possible, since I tend to have it full of stuff (which is why I am not thinking twice about ditching the spare), so I've been trying to steer clear of the flat panel amp rack. But if that's what it takes, that's what it takes: if anyone has any opinions or knowledge about how well amps cool in that environment with a full trunk I'd be interested.

Any ideas?

 

The JL 450/4 will fit. That's what I have in my spare tire area right now as we speak. It would drive 150 watts to the focal and 150 watts bridged at 8ohms for the sub. You would wire the dual 4ohm sub in series to get an 8ohm load. I think you would be very happy with this setup.

 

Hifonics Titan 8800 will also probably fit.....its not too big. It delivers 110rms to the fronts, and 440rms to the sub.

John

 

Is that really enough power for a PSW608? It looks to me like the sub wants 300W, or am I misreading something here? It's weird that the 450/4 will put out 150W on bridged channels 3 & 4 regardless of the impedance....

Should I be considering a dual-amplifier setup here?

 

Get the Alpine PDX-4.150. 4 x 150 watts either 2 or 4 ohms. It has a very small footprint which will make it easier to install.

 

Take a look at the Boston GT42.
its a little on the long side (22") but it has the
right power specs for your setup. These amps
work very well in the 3ch setup. We have had
Boston amps running our display that is on 10hrs
a day for over a year with no problems. So that may say a little
something for the build quality