Basic 4-speaker stereo for 2002, what amp?

[SkiFree]

I'm calling on the Stereo guys for some help, trying to put together a basic 4-speaker system for the 2002.

Here's the proposed setup....
Front: 4” 2-way (Polk Audio db401 - RMS:4-40w 4ohms) **space constrained
Rear: 6x9” 3-way (Polk Audio db691 - RMS:10-100w 4ohms)

Now is where it gets tricky with the Amp choice, I want a basic 4-channel to handle both pairs of speakers nicely.

Proposed amps:
Rockford Fosgate PBR300X4 Punch (RMS: 4x75w 4 ohms)

http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/product_details.aspx?itemid=120465

Or
Rockford Fosgate Punch P400-4 (RMS: 4x50w 4ohms)

http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/product_details.aspx?itemid=108230

Both amps are rated at a higher RMS (50w or 75w) than what the front speakers are designed for (40w). Can the wattage going to the front speakers be reduced somehow, or is it not that big of deal? I'm leaning for the P400-4, but frankly I could use a little help/input.

The system will ran from my ipod connected directly to the amp via an ipod-to-rca adapter similar to what's been mentioned on another thread recently.

[kronus]

I've seen people run bigger front speakers by putting them back to back into the sides of the center console. Have you considered that placement?

[AndrewBird]

The amp will have a gain knob, so you can turn the fronts down as low as you want. Really though, you likely won't need to. Even if the output claims are accurate, you will only be putting full wattage to the speakers when the volume is turned up to max, which obviously will be way louder then you would want to listen to.

[Skunkworks]

Polk DBs like lots of power, go Big..

[SkiFree]

Kronus, I have considered it, but I like the idea of the speakers being up in the kick panels, even if sound quality is lost a bit. If it's too bad, then that'll be the first step.

Andrew, Thanks for clarifying, this is all a little out of my element. I think the days of bumping the stereo are long over for me.

Skunkworks, I've read a fair amount about the P400-4's being under-rated wattage-wise.

Have been looking at Bang-Mats to help clear up the rear speaker install as well as Amp-Install wiring kits.

[StereoInstaller1]

I'm calling on the Stereo guys for some help, trying to put together a basic 4-speaker system for the 2002.

Here's the proposed setup....
Front: 4” 2-way (Polk Audio db401 - RMS:4-40w 4ohms) **space constrained
Rear: 6x9” 3-way (Polk Audio db691 - RMS:10-100w 4ohms)

Now is where it gets tricky with the Amp choice, I want a basic 4-channel to handle both pairs of speakers nicely.

Proposed amps:
Rockford Fosgate PBR300X4 Punch (RMS: 4x75w 4 ohms)

http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/product_details.aspx?itemid=120465

Or
Rockford Fosgate Punch P400-4 (RMS: 4x50w 4ohms)

http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/product_details.aspx?itemid=108230

Both amps are rated at a higher RMS (50w or 75w) than what the front speakers are designed for (40w). Can the wattage going to the front speakers be reduced somehow, or is it not that big of deal? I'm leaning for the P400-4, but frankly I could use a little help/input.

The system will ran from my ipod connected directly to the amp via an ipod-to-rca adapter similar to what's been mentioned on another thread recently.

Well, several things that have massive impact on the overall performance of the system have not been addressed.

First and foremost, your controller. You will be throwing away roughly 70% of your overall performance if you do not do something to boost the output of your phone/ipod. That 300mW will not properly drive your amps input stage. My suggestion is a simple knob, mounted wherever you feel best. Made by JL Audio, it will provide simple volume control, but boost the tiny output of your phone to a nice, usable 6V or so. More importantly, it will take some strain off the output of your portable device.

there are lots of other ways to do this, but the JL is $60 or less.

http://pacificstereo.com/jl-audio-cl-rlc.html?utm_source=google-products&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=google-products&gdftrk=gdfV2644_a_7c759_a_7c9104_a_7cCL_d_RLC&gclid=CLzcu8qY1bICFYVFMgoddRcAPw

So, about that amp choice....first, you are going to want to use a high pass filter on the front speakers, so the motorcycle thingie is out.

If you care about the "tiny" aspect, I can point you elsewhere and get those features that will radically improve the sound.

That second Fosgate would actually be an excellent choice, especially since you intend to (ICK!!) run co-ax speakers in the front. It has 2 features you will really want to use. First, variable high pass, allows the front speakers to run cleaner and clearer, as they will not be attempting to play bass...since they can't.

The other nice thing there is the treble control. Since you intend on nothing but a knob, some kind of tone controls would be nice, as the tweeters are going to play to your ankles.

The bass control may give you soma additional bass for the rears too, as they will be drowning out the front if both were set to the same gain levels...you will need to raise the gain on the fronts just to balance the sound...a bit more thump will help.

GL!
Luke

[SkiFree]

Thanks for your input Luis, I appreciate it very much! Helps to clarify some things for me. Never came across the signal booster before...

I did a little digging on the signal booster, appears this is the wiring diagram?


Another good looking article using the isimple (not really sure how they vary as it seems they serve the same purpose)

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/?p=11082

I guess the last missing piece to the puzzle is what gauge wire to run to the speakers and the amp (and if Rockford or someone has an applicable kit).

[StereoInstaller1]

Well, having set up both with and without, I say you will not regret the cost difference.

Figure you still have the same cables, but don't have to buy a volume control, and it is convenient that is intended for naked remote mounting. The added $40 or so is way worth it.

As far as speaker wire, I would rather see you junkyard an E30 or three until you had enough stock BMW twisted pair speaker wire, but any old 16GA would do fine. the aftermarket wire all gets shitty and nasty looking after a few years, while the BMW wire looks great at 25 years.

It is a messy pain in the ass to separate and clean, do you have children? Carb cleaner, brake cleaner, whatever, and a rag, after razorblading the nasty old cloth tape off.

[SkiFree]

I'll take your word for it and go with the JL piece.

Will see if there's a part number in ETK for BMW audio wire (2002 turbo flare trim is sold by the meter, maybe there's something similar for this wire).

Thanks again guys.