[bugsplat]

I have been really considering upgrading my system to active. Have been reading all I can trying to learn but I've hit a point that I need to ask someone a question. I'm running 4 sets of speakers passively (1" tweeters, 2" full rangers, 6.5" mids, 10" sub). My confusion comes from looking at other peoples network diagrams. Each speaker needs its own channel correct? Each set of speakers needs its own amp correct? This is because the ranges from the DSP are separated to each amp but what i'm seeing is a people running the tweeters and full range speakers off the same amp. So it appears they are using a 3-way crossover setup but with 4 sets of speakers. Is this correct? Can I run my 1" and 2" off the same 4-channel amp? Sure would save me some money if I can.

Another question.... I like using an in-dash EQ to adjust between different albums. They are mastered a little differently and I can pick it out like nails on a chalkboard. Some times I want to bring up or lower the highs and having the EQ lets me adjust on the fly without having to dive into the menu of my HU. If I get a headunit like the DEH-80PRS that lets me run active without a standalone DSP crossover will that make my in-dash EQ pointless? I can't see how I could tie that into this type of active system if the crossover is done inside the HU. If I want to continue to use my EQ would it be better to just get a standalone DSP box and put the EQ in front of it?

Thanks

 

[upgrayedd]

if you do 4 way active the 80prs doesnt have enough channels for you. What you see in peoples setups are either a passive between the mid and tweet or a 4 channel amp.

 

[Ryanu]

I have been really considering upgrading my system to active. Have been reading all I can trying to learn but I've hit a point that I need to ask someone a question. I'm running 4 sets of speakers passively (1" tweeters, 2" full rangers, 6.5" mids, 10" sub). My confusion comes from looking at other peoples network diagrams. Each speaker needs its own channel correct? Each set of speakers needs its own amp correct? This is because the ranges from the DSP are separated to each amp but what i'm seeing is a people running the tweeters and full range speakers off the same amp. So it appears they are using a 3-way crossover setup but with 4 sets of speakers. Is this correct? Can I run my 1" and 2" off the same 4-channel amp? Sure would save me some money if I can.

Another question.... I like using an in-dash EQ to adjust between different albums. They are mastered a little differently and I can pick it out like nails on a chalkboard. Some times I want to bring up or lower the highs and having the EQ lets me adjust on the fly without having to dive into the menu of my HU. If I get a headunit like the DEH-80PRS that lets me run active without a standalone DSP crossover will that make my in-dash EQ pointless? I can't see how I could tie that into this type of active system if the crossover is done inside the HU. If I want to continue to use my EQ would it be better to just get a standalone DSP box and put the EQ in front of it?

Thanks

U dont necessarily need an amp each for your speaker but yes one channel for each speaker. eg. you can use 4 channel amp for your tweets and full range, and another 4channel for midbass and sub. Very much depends on what sub/midbass & amp that u r using. Whether or not they can supply enough juice for your drivers.

As for HU or DSP, what HU that is currently being used? P80 will not have enoug for 3 way active front + sub. If I were you, I might just go for a DSP with the capability of adjusting the EQ individually for each driver.

Just my humble opinion.

Cheers!

 

[Lycancatt]

I would go with a headunit that has the features, ipod, blutooth, cd/mp3/flac etc that you need, followed by your indash eq, then a dedicated dsp.

 

[bugsplat]

U dont necessarily need an amp each for your speaker but yes one channel for each speaker. eg. you can use 4 channel amp for your tweets and full range, and another 4channel for midbass and sub. Very much depends on what sub/midbass & amp that u r using. Whether or not they can supply enough juice for your drivers.

As for HU or DSP, what HU that is currently being used? P80 will not have enoug for 3 way active front + sub. If I were you, I might just go for a DSP with the capability of adjusting the EQ individually for each driver.

Just my humble opinion.

Cheers!

I would go with a headunit that has the features, ipod, blutooth, cd/mp3/flac etc that you need, followed by your indash eq, then a dedicated dsp.

Thanks for the help guys. I think I will just get a DSP box and go from there. I like my EQ and use it every song change. I don't think I'll be happy without it. It sucks being so picky about my sound . I travel a lot (weekly) and spend a lot of time in rental cars. I have upgraded to nicer cars because I wanted the better sound system. Sad, I know. I was in a new Impala that sounded amazing for OEM.

 

[CarAudioChris]

Where are you going to put all the speakers!! lol This sounds fun I am look forward hear more about it

 

[bugsplat]

Where are you going to put all the speakers!! lol This sounds fun I am look forward hear more about it

I have 6.5" in the door, tweeters in the dash corners by the pillers and the full rangers custom mounted in the center of the dash. Sounds great as is but I'm chasing that dragon. I've never built an active system before and it sounds like fun. Months of fine tuning and testing a million settings combos..... that exactly what I love doing. I like to tinker with crap.