www.iFourWinns.com

Here's my setup:

- Pioneer AVIC-D3 deck
- 6.5" Alpine Type-R components up front (SPR-17S)
- Alpine 5.25" Type-R speakers in the rear (SPR-13C)

I am leaning against running a sub, so I want to make sure that my speakers are properly powered. I don't want to spend a lot of money, but I want the speakers to be run to their full potential or close to it for a reasonable price. Not just running off the deck.

To me, a lot of 4 channel amps seem the same or very similar - I'm just looking to max out my setup without going to a sub setup. I'll probably pick something up on eBay or Craigslist in new or lightly used condition. Alpine, JL Audio, etc. preferred.

Suggestions appreciated!

Thanks for posting. I am getting ready to add a 4-channel amp to my standard setup as well. However, I will most likely add a sub as well. I am planning on just going with the Clarion 4-channel amp because that is what the rest of the system is and they are pretty affordable. But I am very interested in hearing other thoughts.

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Norris Lake, Stardust Marina, Andersonville, TN
2005 Four Winns 230 Horizon 5.7L Volvo Gi/DP
2001 Maxum 1900SR 5.0L V8 (Sold)
2011 Nissan Armada Platnum

Might want to consider a 5-channel just in case you decide to add a sub later? I am running a Kicker ZX700.5 5-channel and so far as been great.

_________________
1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)

Is a 5-channel the best way to go if you plan to use a single sub with 4 speakers? I have to admit some ignorance in this area (but I am learning). I have never set up a car or boat audio system before, so the advice is appreciated.

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Norris Lake, Stardust Marina, Andersonville, TN
2005 Four Winns 230 Horizon 5.7L Volvo Gi/DP
2001 Maxum 1900SR 5.0L V8 (Sold)
2011 Nissan Armada Platnum

There are several 4-channel amps out there for way under $100 that would suit you fine. Make sure match up your wattage, resistance, and other important stats on your speakers to whatever you get.

A cheap, but so far reliable, brand that I went with on my amp was BOSS. I've been pretty pleased with it after one season of use.

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Paul
2007 Four Winns Horizon 220
Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI w/ Bravo III Drive
2004 Ford Explorer Limited (V8-AWD)
Pomme de Terre Lake (Southwest Missouri)

Yes. I actually have six speakers in my boat. Four in the cockpit plus sub under rear bench seat, two in the cuddie. I run the four cockpit speakers and sub off my amp and the two cuddie speakers are just wired to the head unit as they don't need a lot of power in there.

Take a look at some of these and find one that meets the specs your speakers require and your budget. A lot to choose from.

http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=5+chan ... 86.c0.m359

This is the one I have and so far it is great.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-KICKER-ZX700-5- ... 518c7221c5

_________________
1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)

Thanks for the suggestion and advice. Seems like a pretty good price on the Kicker Amp. A little more than I was originally going to spend--but probably a big upgrade on the Clarion amp. How does it run temperature wise? On the H230--the factory installs the amp in the flip up compartment behind the helm. I know amps need some ventilation. Have you have any issues with it heating up?

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Norris Lake, Stardust Marina, Andersonville, TN
2005 Four Winns 230 Horizon 5.7L Volvo Gi/DP
2001 Maxum 1900SR 5.0L V8 (Sold)
2011 Nissan Armada Platnum

Sorry casterdean. I didn't mean to steal your post. I hope this discussion is benefiting you as well.

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Norris Lake, Stardust Marina, Andersonville, TN
2005 Four Winns 230 Horizon 5.7L Volvo Gi/DP
2001 Maxum 1900SR 5.0L V8 (Sold)
2011 Nissan Armada Platnum

I had this amp in my FW H200SS mounted behind the flip up bow seat in the helm as well with no issues at all. Plenty of room in there for the built in heat sinks to do there job. PLus that is a good spot to put it to prevent it from getting wet. I went with this amp after another member praised it in another thread and so far it has yet to let me down. Any other questions just ask. Oh it also comes with a remote bass control knob which can be handy when a song with a lot of bass pops on and you want to make a quick adjustment while under way. I add mine in my FW mounted right uder the bottom of the radio for easy access.

_________________
1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)

I have this amp as well in my current boat. I have had over heating issues, but that's been when I've forgotten to prop the setback up and been playing the tunes quite loud for several hours. It's happened to me more than once. Generally if I have the seatback (door) open, it hasn't shutdown on me. The positive is the small footprint of the amp. You get power for 4 speakers and a sub in one amp. (I am running 6 speakers and one sub, 4 in the main area of the boat running in parallel on 1 channel, I believe)

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2008 H210SS VP 5.7 Gi/SX
2011 Ford F150 FX4 EB

I never had mine over heat yet. In my current boat it is mounted on an inside wall in my cuddie.

_________________
1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)