Amplifier questions

[biosehnsucht]

I've not had any sound system for over 2 years now (after the second time a $10 ebay radio got jacked, I installed an alarm then never got around to spending real money on real audio). This is all to go into an 89 240sx fastback. I'm particularly needing help with possibly getting an amp, and what to do with it. But first, outlining my intents..

Not sure what I'm doing for a head unit yet, I liked the quality of the old (OLD) Eclipse model I had that got jacked, and I am hoping for something with quality sound, ease of use, and unassuming. I don't like most HU's designs these days, they're just so damn flashy. I could run the speakers off the HU for starters and put in an amp later (most likely what I'll do) but as HUs tend to be underpowered, I'm thinking I'll definately want an amp.

I'm pretty sure what I'm doing for speakers, Infinity Reference 6010CS (6.5") component set in the fronts at least, probably the rears too. I've got Infinity speakers for my home audio system and love how they play. I'm not sure what head unit I'm going to get yet, in fact for the short term I may borrow a friend's old tapedeck unit if he can find where he put it, and put in a real HU later. I'll have to build custom mounts to fit them in the doors etc, not really a big deal.

I may eventually try to fit in some small 8" sub with its own amp, but that's off a ways. I might put one either in the side of the trunk someplace, or to the side of the rear seats (in this case, possibly two, one on either side). Again I'm concerned about not using up much if any of my limited cargo space and protecting the speakers from damage by whatever may be transported.

I'm concerned with getting an amplifier installed for the speakers, and where to put it. They're all so damn big, and I don't want to do a false floor, or build an amp rack into the back of the rear seats - I still haul quite a bit of crap around in my car and need to put the seats down on occasion for more room. I remember hearing something about people putting amps under their rear seats but in a 240sx that seems unlikely, there's no room between seat and body, and the amp would burn up there anyways I suspect. Wherever I put it, will need to be out of the way of whatever I may need to load up in the back.

As for the amp itself, I'm looking for good sound quality, not so much SPL. The speakers would be rated for less than 100W (90W I think) RMS at 4 ohms, 4 channels. I need them only loud enough to be heard over the wind / road noise clearly, but not to go deaf. Sound quality is important, but this is no $10,000 system.

So I'm looking at two main factors: what amp should I get, and where should I put it. Where to put it is actually the more difficult problem..

[NCturbo75]

I just recently installed a set of those Infinity 6010CS in my coupe (doors) and they sound fantastic!! You can find them on ebay for under $100 shipped. Just make sure that you read the seller's description and stay away from used sets that have missing parts like crossovers, tweeters, etc. As for amps....I would recommend some old skool PUNCH 45's. I have had 4 over my lifetime and they are one of the best little amps money can buy. JL Audio subs are good choice since they don't require too much internal volume space.

[biosehnsucht]

Are you using amp(s) right now? Where have you placed them?

[NCturbo75]

Are you using amp(s) right now? Where have you placed them?

No, I don't plan to. If I was to I would build a nice amp rack on either side of the trunk while the sub box is on the opposite. You can still have use of the trunk space for other things...such as a helmet, toolbox, and some grocery.

[homeslicej2]

Check this link to see what I did for my amp mounting. It's the big list of pics near the bottom of the first page. You can then run your wires behind the hatch trim over to behind the rear quarter trim, under the carpet, and into the doors.

zerothread/218443Yes, I know the chain looks funny, but it serves its purpose.

Also, If you're going to hassle with installing the components, just do the front. You will spend less on the amp, wiring kit, speakers, etc. and if you feed them, the Infinity 6010 components, at least 75w each, they will sound good and be plenty loud. Not to mention, plenty of people have bought the ebay plates for the back and have to cut their trim or not reinstall it to make them work. The front plates you find on ebay work great though. Just have to trim the upper screw in tab off of the door panel so the woofer won't hit the tab.