[zanjaz27]

First off should I use the premium system stock amp or just bypass it and run my infinity 6x8s off my alpine head unit(18x4) RMS..Also does anyone have an Idea what that amp is rated at(RMS wattage)?

[shinerstang]

Is it the Mach system?

[zanjaz27]

no... it's the premium system...step below the mach 460

[shinerstang]

I didn't know they had an external amp. I didn't think they did. Now I'm going to have to research it to find out. Thanks zanjaz.....

Anyway, I would use the amp on your headunit. You'll get clearer tones. Better yet, add a 4 channel amp to the headunit for even better sound. Which Infinity's did you get?

[zanjaz27]

i was using the head unit(alpine) to push the 6x8's but It's not really enough power...Speakers are rated at max of 60 watts RMS...Alpine puts out 18 Rms per speaker....I think the factory amp rated at close to 30 watts rms per channel...Any info would help..Thanx

[shinerstang]

The amp is inside the headunit on the stock models, like your Alpine Headunit.

Are you sure the 6x8's were rated at 60w max? Check the peak handling power. I believe most of the Infinity's 6x8's are 220-300w. What model number were the speakers? That would help me the most.

FYI..... I would most definitely suggest adding an amp to the system for best results. We can find you one inexpensively that would rock your ride.....

[Shine1Stang]

Having 60w rms on a 6x8 speaker would give you around 220-300w peak power. And you really want to use the rms numbers when selecting and amp, because that is the constant power. it really makes a difference on your the sound quality for the main speakers.
I would also recommend that you pick up a four channel amp, mayb from ebay (always a good choice) I did some quick checking of amps the power acoustics Item number: 270091518558 looks ok for what you may need. In addition to the amp you will need to find an amp wiring kit too. again ebay is a good choice.

[Shine1Stang]

Infinity has some really good amps too, but are a lil more expensive. I believe that the little extra money often goes a LONG way with car audio! i was looking at the infinity amps and there is a nice 6 channel (ebay item# 180088378579).if you want a sub and dont want to hassle with installing a second amp then this would be something to consider.

[Storkdork]

As an ex-pro installer, go with a good aftermarket 4 channel amp. A nice little Alpine amp to match your head unit will do wonders. I would use the headunit power before the stock "premium" amp. Factory amps are designed for stock speakers which have a limited frequency response, so the less power from the head unit will sound much more clear and more than likely give you more punch due to the wider frequency range of your Alpine. But save your pennies for a good amp...

[Storkdork]

By the way... if you put 300 watts to a 6x8 speaker, thats like putting two 76mm turbos on a stock engine.... your just going to break it.... fast.

[shinerstang]

Yeah Stork, the 300w amps are 75x4 which would be around his goal for power. I was just surprised when he said his speakers were only rated at 60. That can't be peak.

So Stork, where was the factory amp on the premiums? Was it behind the headunit like the high pass for the Machs?

[zanjaz27]

Yeah..That was a pain in the ass.I went out and got a REALLY good deal on a pheonix gold 2 channel amp (pawn shop)..50x2 or 100x2 at 2 ohms...Put it in today and sounds bad ass..I have pioneer 6x8's also..I think i'll just run them off the head unit..The amp was retailing for $260...They had it priced at $40!!! Think they priced it wrong. it's a pheonix gold tantrum 200.2..Any feed back on this series amp??

[shinerstang]

I know nothing about it, but if you like it, that's all that matters..... Awesome!!!!!

[Storkdork]

The Tantrum series is Phoenix Gold's lower end of amps but are still better than most. You can't go wrong with PG amps and processors. Top notch stuff....