iPod, amp, speakers, and maybe sub... But which amp?

66 Restomod · Sep 21, 2008

I've decided to put a small stereo in my car. The stock AM radio works but it's unhooked. But I want to leave it in the dash.

So instead I'd like to base a system around an iPod. I want to add an amp, 4 speakers, maybe even a small sub if I find I need it. I figured I'd leave the iPod on the trans tunnel between the seats.

But what amp should I get that's compatible with an iPod? Frankly I don't even have an iPod (just a Shuffle) so I'd probably have to get one of those too. Just wondering if anyone has done this and found a good deal or any tips to save me some time and money.

(I'm just looking for an amp for a daily driver/weekend car, nothing fancy or expensive. Maybe $200 or less if that's realistic?)

Jimmys66 · Sep 21, 2008

An amp is an amp..........Once you own an ipod, all you need is a cord with a headphone jack on one side and rca connnectors on the other. Plug the ipod directly into the amp. The volume on the ipod will control the volume of the amp.

You can pick them up at radio shack. I had a set up in the 90's using a cd walkman.

Jimmys66 · Sep 21, 2008

Profile AP1040 4-channel car amplifier 80 watts RMS x 4 at Crutchfield.com

I have one of these powering the 4 infinitis in the doors of my trailblazer. Great budget amp. It will get real frigging loud.

They have a 60w version also but I never turn my amps up over 3/4 of the way.

iskwezm · Sep 21, 2008

I can hook you up with a Soundstream 5ch amp for under $200.00.It will power 4 speakers and a sub on th 5th channel later

mean stang · Sep 23, 2008

iskwezm, I have a 65 with a kicker amp and one 10. My question is how do you run so much of an audio system electrically. I have a 130 amp alternator, but it still isn't that great. I think that my battery might not be that great. Would I need a capacitor ya think (couldn't hurt, but anyway) what do ya think.

iskwezm · Sep 23, 2008

mean stang said:
iskwezm, I have a 65 with a kicker amp and one 10. My question is how do you run so much of an audio system electrically. I have a 130 amp alternator, but it still isn't that great. I think that my battery might not be that great. Would I need a capacitor ya think (couldn't hurt, but anyway) what do ya think.

A capacitor is a band aid to me.You always want to start with "the big 3"(alternator,battery, and wiring). Your alternator should be fine, make sure you have the correct size wire.I never use anything less then a 8 GA for 1 amp, if its a bigger amp, use a 4 GA, the gound should be the same and no longer then 18". make sure the battery is stable enough to handle the current draw when the bass hits.If after all that, you still have dimming lights etc. then you can use a 1 Farad capictor which is basically a battery that charge/discharge very quickly.

What is the problem your having?

66 Restomod · Sep 23, 2008

iskwezm said:
I can hook you up with a Soundstream 5ch amp for under $200.00.It will power 4 speakers and a sub on th 5th channel later

I'm running a good fresh Orbital battery, fresh stock wiring, and just bought a 95amp 3G alternator. My car has a small electric fan, MSD dist and ignition, heater fan, halogen lights with relays. Would 95amps cover the amp power requirements? What model is it? Thanks.

iskwezm · Sep 23, 2008

66 Restomod said:
I'm running a good fresh Orbital battery, fresh stock wiring, and just bought a 95amp 3G alternator. My car has a small electric fan, MSD dist and ignition, heater fan, halogen lights with relays. Would 95amps cover the amp power requirements? What model is it? Thanks.

The model WAS the XT600.5, but according to Soundstream they stopped making that line but the Reference line a 5 ch or there’s other brands.The biggest draw would be the electric fan, but you should be fine.

mean stang · Sep 23, 2008

iskwezm said:
A capacitor is a band aid to me.You always want to start with "the big 3"(alternator,battery, and wiring). Your alternator should be fine, make sure you have the correct size wire.I never use anything less then a 8 GA for 1 amp, if its a bigger amp, use a 4 GA, the gound should be the same and no longer then 18". make sure the battery is stable enough to handle the current draw when the bass hits.If after all that, you still have dimming lights etc. then you can use a 1 Farad capictor which is basically a battery that charge/discharge very quickly.

What is the problem your having?

The battery is a new red top, however it hasn't gotten a really good charge in awhile because the car hasn't been driven a whole lot cause we just finished it. The Alternator is 130 amp and the wire is 4 gauge. with the car running, the sub can drop the volts enough to almost shut the car off. My guess is that the battery just needs to be charged up and driven more....battery might be bad...dunno.

iskwezm · Sep 23, 2008

I dont care for red tops.They die just as fast for me.I just get the 800 cca batteries from Walmart with a 3 year replacement

Tim65GT · Sep 23, 2008

The Alternator is 130 amp and the wire is 4 gauge. with the car running, the sub can drop the volts enough to almost shut the car off.

Daaayum! Maybe your belt is slipping. What kind of belt drive? single, double V or serpentine belt?

mean stang · Sep 23, 2008

I'm pretty sure it's just the battery. The belt drive is a single, but it wouldn't be slipping. The red top has been charged and discharged a lot over the past year.

iskwezm · Sep 23, 2008

mean stang said:
I'm pretty sure it's just the battery. The belt drive is a single, but it wouldn't be slipping. The red top has been charged and discharged a lot over the past year.

do a load test on it.Everytime its killed, it loses the ability to take a full charge more and more.

mean stang · Sep 23, 2008

iskwezm said:
do a load test on it.Everytime its killed, it loses the ability to take a full charge more and more.

what is really funny, optima is always talking about how badazz their batteries are. My dad bought a 07 Z06 Vette.....put a yellow top in it....had tons of battery problems....the dealers put a new stock battery in it.....problem solved....weird huh. will do the load test thanks

PS. Nice ride

jlangholzj · Sep 24, 2008

i've done it.

The best part of the whole deal is, when you cut a headphone jack and the RCA wires, their wired exactly the same, just solder and splice them together.

i can get some pics tonight if you want. I'm running a 200Watt amp with 2 6x9 full range JVC speakers, it cranks it out pretty good, my antenna likes to vibrate......

66 Restomod · Sep 24, 2008

jlangholzj said:
i've done it.

The best part of the whole deal is, when you cut a headphone jack and the RCA wires, their wired exactly the same, just solder and splice them together.

i can get some pics tonight if you want. I'm running a 200Watt amp with 2 6x9 full range JVC speakers, it cranks it out pretty good, my antenna likes to vibrate......

That sounds good! Two speakers are ok, too? I wondered about that. I have two decent ones now under the shelf, if I don't need two more up front that's cool too. I'm not much of an audiophile, but if I can hear the tunes of my choice over the roar of the car, I'm all for it. And it needs to be pretty much invisible to the casual observer...

jlangholzj · Sep 24, 2008

66 Restomod said:
That sounds good! Two speakers are ok, too? I wondered about that. I have two decent ones now under the shelf, if I don't need two more up front that's cool too. I'm not much of an audiophile, but if I can hear the tunes of my choice over the roar of the car, I'm all for it. And it needs to be pretty much invisible to the casual observer...

hmmm...interesting! I actually just made a new deck out of 1/16" light ply and mounted the speakers in the factory holes. but yeah, i mean, its not a competition system, but its alright for me. the two full-range JVC's seem to get some pretty good audio quality. plus, if you ever wanted to, you could either 1) upgrade the amp or 2) hook up a 2nd for a woofer, etc.

I basically ran the wire through the fender well and down through the drip rail. the amp itself is on the floor behind the passenger seat, so i can tweak it when i want to

for the amp, speakers and wire, it was about a $200 wal-mart special but hey! it works

Jimmys66 · Sep 24, 2008

The best part of the whole deal is, when you cut a headphone jack and the RCA wires, their wired exactly the same, just solder and splice them together.

Radio Shack sells one aready made for $6.

Jimmys66 · Sep 24, 2008

mean stang said:
I'm pretty sure it's just the battery. The belt drive is a single, but it wouldn't be slipping. The red top has been charged and discharged a lot over the past year.

Where are you getting your main power from? 130a is more then plenty for your system.

Remember the battery only starts the car.....once it's running, the alt. should supply all power from then on........

Maybe check to see if you have a good ground..........

Jimmys66 · Sep 24, 2008

i can get some pics tonight if you want. I'm running a 200Watt amp with 2 6x9 full range JVC speakers, it cranks it out pretty good, my antenna likes to vibrate......[/QUOTE]

2 6x9s will make plenty of sound with an amp. They will actualy throw some half way decent bass if you mount them in a box and mount the box under the rear sill.

iPod, amp, speakers, and maybe sub... But which amp?

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