Amp question(s) - 2 or 4 channel for tower / inside speakers

[SkiTexas]

I currently have a 4ch amp (37w/ch 4ohms). The tower speakers are on the front L/R and the rear L/R run only the rear inside speakers.

I have mono amp that runs a sub.

My question is should I add a separate 2ch amp to run the tower speakers to get more sound to the skier?

This would be three amps, can the electrical system handle it?

I know the 4ch is weak for getting sound to the skier, I would us this for the inside (4) speakers.

Thanks in advance!
Scott

[mfloski]

I would want an amp for the tower speaker more than for the internal boat speakers. If you are running a good battery, the load probably won't be an issue.

[SkiTexas]

Thx. Maybe just run the internal speakers off the head unit and replace the 4ch with a higher watt 2ch?

Scott

[Mikeski]

I like having the tower speaks on a seperate amp so you can use a different crossover point plus turn them off when you want (switch inline with the turn on lead).

[MHayes]

I like having the tower speaks on a seperate amp so you can use a different crossover point plus turn them off when you want (switch inline with the turn on lead).

For my tower speakers, I wanted a separate volume control, but this sounds like it may be a pretty good solution as well. Having it set up this way, I'm assuming that you turn the master volume way down before turning the tower amp on, but was curious if you have the turn on "thump"? Based on your experience with having this setup, any shortfalls you can think of compared to running a tower amp through an equalizer with a separate volume or running the amp on the front/rear and using the fader? Thanks!

Sorry for the hijack!

[dave210]

Run three amps I have 2 four channels and ane mono block and have no trouble with a cap and a second battery

[SkiTexas]

Thx for the help. So I'm hearing I should move the 4ch to the interior speakers and add a higher output amp for the tower speakers with a cutoff switch?

Thx,
Scott

[Mikeski]

Scott,

The thump is typically caused by having the amp on then turning the deck off, most amps have a little delay so there is actually a signal present already before the amp comes on. So it business as usual for the amp. With that said I don't think I would fire it up with it cranked. If you want a volume control on the tower you can use a PAC-LC1 or a line driver with a fader like I use. The line driver/fader will only cost a bit more than the PAC-LC1 but it will give you much more control of the sound. I had the PAC-LC1 before now I run a cheap little Soundstream EQ with good results. It also adds another aux input for XM or IPOD.