Amp suggestions for 8 speakers

[DCB-270]

What do you guys think? 2 - 4 channel? Class D? AB?

 

[David Analog]

Dan,
First, Class D is a no brainer on a boat, particularly a Yamaha with such a small charging capacity. Class AB is just too wasteful.

In even number of channels, you have 2, 4, 6 & 8 channel amplifiers available.
With the right wiring scheme you can certainly drive more speakers on fewer channels but there is a lot to consider.
How many of the speakers are in symmetrical positions, equal elevations and similar distance from the intended listener?
How many different zones do you require control of?
How many different sizes and types of speakers are you using?

To give a quality answer more information is needed.

 

[DCB-270]

Thanks for the reply David. I have four 6x9 in the lower section (2 front and 2 back) and four 6.5 in the upper (seat level) of the boat.
What do you think of a full range 2 ch running 4 speakers vs a 4 ch?

 

[David Analog]

That depends but normally a quality amplifier can handle a 2-ohm load without issue, with two 4-ohm speakers in parallel per channel.
Amplifiers normally produce a significant premium in power at 2-ohms. Headroom, distortion, and efficiency are all improved at 4-ohms.

The 6X9s have a surface area advantage, a low frequency position advantage, and a high frequency positional disadvantage. So at minimum the four 6X9s need their dedicated two channels of amplification and so do the four 6.5s in order to properly gain a balanced system.

 

[MikeyL]

What do you guys think? 2 - 4 channel? Class D? AB?

Couple of points to help you save some $$$.
A) Class D, all the way.
B) # of channels depends on WHAT and HOW MANY you are going to drive.
C) Chose a NON-marine version - Mount it carefully in the helm area, enclosed area, away from water and moisture.
D) You can find a really good deals on Rockford-Fosgate amps. Amazon can be an excellent choice, price-wise.

Good Luck on how ever you choose to go. Mikey Lulejian - Lake Oconee, GA

 

[brockhals]

@David Analog would you low pass the 6x9s and high pass the 6.5s?

 

[BoaterGuy]

If you are boating in salt water, you definitely want a marine amp. While it may not get wet from spray, the moisture and condensation will rust it. The marine amps are coated with protective material.

 

[MikeyL]

In Oklahoma ?????????????

 

[BoaterGuy]

Didnt look at his location....

 

[DCB-270]

I have two 12" subs so I would think to hi- pass all eight.

 

[kthrash]

8 speakers need 8 channels, so get (2) 4 channel amps D Amps.. finding anything with 2 Ohm stability without crazy distortion at volumne is impossible.

 

[brockhals]

I have two 12" subs so I would think to hi- pass all eight.

Oh ok, didn't realize...in that case I'd agree.

8 speakers need 8 channels, so get (2) 4 channel amps class D Amps.. finding anything with 2 Ohm stability without crazy distortion is impossible.

If fade/balance isn't important to you it can be done with a nice 4 channel amp, all will be 2ohm stereo which shouldn't be much of a problem. The issue will be getting enough power to each speaker since you'd be cutting each channels output in half. I'd look at the JL M400/4 (100 x 4 at 2 ohm, so 50 per speaker). If this won't be enough power for your speakers then you'd be in the M800/8 range at 75 per speaker at 4 ohm

 

[PEARCE]

That's gonna be crazy loud Dan! Can't wait to hear it.

 

[txav8r]

Hey, can you turn it down Dan? That is going to rock MY boat too!

 

[DCB-270]

Just messing around with winter projects. Something to do when it's cold. Can't wait to get it on the beach and turn it up.

 

[txav8r]

I'm just trying to get mine installed! I have too many projects!

 

[RightStuff]

I'm just trying to get mine installed! I have too many projects!

Maybe you need to retire!
Sorry, that was just too easy with that other post going on right now too.