5 Channel Amp vs Separate 4 Ch + Mono

I’m going to pull the trigger on a new amp for my truck soon. Currently I’m running my components off my head unit (Pioneer AVH-W4400NEX) and I can definitely hear the struggle. I have a dedicated mono amp and 10 inch sub (JL Audio J2 250.1 amp and 10W1v3 that I got for free). I’m looking at putting in a 5 channel amp to power the speakers and replace the sub amp, then eventually the sub will be replaced with a better 10 or 12 inch option.

My question: is the all-in-one 5 channel amp the way to go, or is it better to have separate amps dedicated to their purpose? Years ago when I was into this a lot more, I’d always go with separate amps for full range and sub, but things have come a long way in 15 years. I’m thinking a Rockford Fosgate Punch P1000X5 will be plenty for what I want, but I saw I can get an RF 4 channel and a mono amp for close to the same price. Aside from space savings and simplicity, are there any advantages one way or another?

https://rockfordfosgate.com/products/details/p1000x5/

 

My first amp was a rockford fosgate R600x5. After I had it a while I decided to go a 4 ch and a mono block, cause I wanted a bigger sub. To me it seems like going with a 4ch and mono block gives one more options. Plus I don t think there s a 5 ch that puts out 1800w for the sub

 

That’s a good point on the sub channel output.

 

I'm running a 5-channel Alpine PDX V9 with Focal components in the front doors, Focal coaxials in the rear door, and a JL Audio Stealthbox SB-T-TUNDB3 with 2 10TW3-D8 Subwoofers.
Using a Kenwood Excelon DMX906S HU.

Once I got it dialed in, and the subs wired correctly, it sounds great..
500 RMS watts is plenty for these subs.

If you're only going to run one sub, there is no reason to run separate amps.
The amp you are looking at is 1 ohm stable @500 watts RMS for the sub.
That's a lot of flexibility with the right sub and enclosure.





If you do use that amp, I'd suggest the Rockford Fosgate PLC2 remote control to control your sub levels..
I adjust my subs levels on almost every song or genre..



Rockford Fosgate PLC2 Remote control for 2013-up Punch and Power Series amplifiers with C.L.E.A.N. setup system at Crutchfield

 

^
This. If 500 RMS isn’t enough bass with everything inside the cab you’ve got issues. So much cleaner to run 1 amp IMO.

 

My 5 channel Alpine, with 0 ga power feed, in case I ever change my mind...



And don't forget the 0 ga battery to chassis ground run..

 

I’m a big fan of Rockford Fosgate. I have had a lot of there audio stuff in my vehicles over the years. The 5 channel amp is the way to go. My last install years ago on my C5Z06 had Rockford speakers T3’s components in the doors. They kicked ass. They should for the price. But my audio guy could not get Rockford amp at the time because they were so back ordered. So I had him do a kenwood Excelon 5channel amp. Very thin but awesome power. If I do my tundra pro I will be going with a 5 channel amp
Again.

 

how do you like your head unit ?

 

FOCALS are the brand im going with too ! Do you have a pic of your sub installed that you could post ?
Thanks

 

Do you have any pics of your amp and subs. Thanks.

 

I’m definitely leaning heavily towards the RF amp, but there’s a Kenwood I’ve been looking into as well. It’s a little cheaper and seems to have similar specs, but I know RMS values can be BS sometimes.
https://www.kenwood.com/usa/car/excelon/x802-5/

 

It’s been ok. I’ve had issues with random reboots since switching to CarPlay from Android Auto. Sound quality and customization options on it are nice though. I’m hoping the reboots are more of a thermal condition than software related, so maybe offloading power handling to an amp will help that part out. If I were to do it over again, I’d go Kenwood.

 

I would not be afraid to go with that Kenwood amp. I had pretty much the same one in my C5Z06 years back with the Rockford speakers. My audio guy I know the owner and installer. He told me if I was not happy with the Kenwood he would switch it out for the Rockford amp when it came in. I did not switch it out. It has so much power my system kicked ass.

 

I’m also running Alpine PDX-V9 with JL C5-650 front and C3-650 rear with Tech 12v ported box with JL 10w1’s and Audison Bit10D dsp with stock head unit and sounds amazing...5 channel should be plenty unless you are going for crazy big sound.

 

Scott very nice setup. Question are you using the center speaker or dash speaker connected for any music. Are you just running the front door components and rear speakers?

 

I am actually using factory amp running the factory dash speakers...to be honest, you can’t tell with the components...they overpower the stock speakers.

 

Yeah I was not sure if you were doing that. After I get my tundra Pro waiting on it. If I do a whole system just getting all my info and decide which way I will go with my install. I don’t even know if it’s worth having them on but there just a fill so my installer might say the same to keep them playing.

 

I am really impressed with the simplicity of the 5 channel amp.

Your question leads ME to a question... Not trying to jack the thread, but what is optimal output for a 5 channel amp with a 12” sub?

My current setup provides 75w to each door (Hertz Components) and 350w to my sub.

the sound improvement over stock is phenomenal, but I can tell with some music, and at some volumes, the quality and cleanliness just isn’t there. Plus I have a hiss that I am sick of when the music is at low volume.

 

Have you messed with the input sensitivity on your amp?

 

No just tuned it per the video instructions. This is a T&coT¥nes amp.

 

I have the Pioneer 2550 NEX and I have random reboots as well. No idea why. I haven't contacted Pioneer yet.

 

You guys having the random reboots. Are any of you guys running maestro? I just learned they had a bad file causing random reboots. There is a new update firmware file for them.

 

I’ve recently switch to the Maestro RR from a Crux SWC kit. The reboots occurred before the RR was installed. But I’ll check for an update and see if that helps. Thanks!

 

I have a double cab, the SB-T-TUNDB3 Stealthbox was made to fit under the rear seat..

 

I m sure in your mind you have a point, but don t you love the fact that we all still have the ability to have a personal preference?

 

As someone with a 7 inch lift I'm not surprised to see you feel 500 rms to a sub is inadequate.

 

So in other words those with 7", and I suppose higher, lifts have some sort of deficiency in judgement? Oh, and those who have 500w or more of sub. Lets not forget that. Maybe the deficiency in how your brain processes data.

 

Your avatar is perfect.

 

I got the new wiring installed (removed the old 8 gauge kit and went to 4 gauge) and did the initial setup. It already sounds much cleaner in the full range speakers. Just have to find some time to do some real tuning on it now. The highs are a little bright and I need to get the bass dialed in, but overall happy with the immediate performance gain.

Ended up going with the Rockford Fosgate Punch P1000X5. The thing is way beefier than I was expecting.

 

Now we are talking!! Nothing like a Rockford Fosgate amp!! Love them. I had there 800.00 T3’s components in my corvette doors. They kick ass.