Expert: Cleggsan - 10/27/2009

Question
Im looking at buying two phosgate 12" subs. My ? is what size amp should i use for the best sound and most power, and even what brand. Should having my local audio shop install the sterio system be the best way to go?

Im also wanting to put it under the back seat of my truck, are there any does or donts you would reccomend with that type of hook up?

I have one twelve already and it was in my car but some people set infront of the air port and it started smoking and would hit at all just play vocals do you think its ruined of fixable. I also have a 250/v2 amp could i use it and another amp to power the other two subs?

Answer
There are too many imponderables in your question.  I think your choices are mostly about installing a system in your specific vehicle - which is important to know - but you did not give me a make and model.  The acoustic space and installation space are of great importance.  The speaker sensitivity rating will be an important specification in determining the amplifier power you would settle on.  The impedance of the speaker voice coils and whether they are single or dual voice coils is important to know when hooking them up to an amp.  The amp can be a stereo feed or bridgeable - which makes a difference how you want to wire them up.

You can benefit greatly by going through the crutchfield.com "outfit my car" sequence and others like it.

Here are some pages to study; they will bring you up to the point of being able to make your own decisions:

http://www.carstereo.com/help/

http://www.diyaudioandvideo.com/FAQ/Wiring/

http://technorati.com/videos/youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DQb_hhu6nTX0
(or buy a box already made)

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-GpgDTffNkr3/Learn/learningcenter/car/subwoofers_wir...

and so on.  Best wishes.