AMP for Prostar 190

[tideengineer]

I have nice Clarion Head unit and just four speakers....two in the front and two in the back...

I want to install an amp to get a little more out of the speakers (which I know will handle). Any suggestions on an good econimical amp? I don't know much about them...channels, etc? Just want a little louder when riding. No can speakers, no tower...

[mzimme]

You can run either a 2 or 4 channel amp, depending on your preference. With a 2 channel you'd have to bridge two speakers together onto one channel to run all 4 speakers, which isn't a big deal, you just lose fade or balance. A 4 channel would keep your current configuration, the speakers would just all have more power.

How much power can the speakers handle? That should determine what amp you're going to buy.

[tideengineer]

I've got Pioneer TR1640 speakers...maximum of 160 watts

[tideengineer]

sounds like i might need to go ahead with a 4 channel or even a five if i ever want to put a sub-woofer in bow?

[helton333]

I would go ahead and get a 5 channel in case you ride in a boat with a sub and think, man, I want one! Makes a huge difference - an amp will definately help your 4 speakers. What kind are they? JL's are top of the line but expensive - I have a Memphis Audio 5 channel, but not cheap. I think Malibu uses Kicker now, they are moderate -and I think they are generally considered good. If you plan on keeping the boat long term, go ahead and invest in a good amp.

[tideengineer]

I bought 4 Pioneer TR1640's near the middle of the summer last year...my boat is a 96' Prostar 190 LT1. Speakers are max 160 watts. I don't want to break the bank, just a little more power. When I installed the new head unit and speakers I used all new larger speaker wire anticiapting an amp later.

[mzimme]

Those are 30 watts RMS@4ohms... looks liek 60w RMS@2ohms. Don't try to push 160 watts to those, you'll blow them. RMS is what you need to go by, and honestly, 30 RMS really isn't a whole lot of power... Your head unit is going to push probably ~20w RMS to those speakers (probably a little less), so adding a little more power might not get you the sound you're looking for.

[tideengineer]

I have Clarion M309 head unit

[catamount]

I'm putting the Onyx 4.80 in my PS 190 this weekend. $120 from Amazon. Will let you know how it comes out!

[Lumbergh]

I used the MB Quart 660 (6 channel). Decent power, marine rated, run the 4 speakers and bridged last 2 channels for 12" sub.

About $170 as I recall online.

YMMV.