Right, I'm a complete and utter ICE n00b, so I'm after some help with a couple of things.

At present, I have a Pioneer HU, which powers the standard speakers. There are also a couple of 6x9's in the parcel shelf, which I think are running in a piggy back connection off the rear speakers.

I hate these 6x9's, but the cost of a new (well, 2nd hand) parcel shelf seems to be around £40 - £50, so I though I'd spend some money and use the speakers, rather than waste them.

My plan was to use the 6x9's still, but power them via an amp and treat them as if they were a sub (not ideal, but I don't want huge bass/ lost boot space). I was then planning on upgrading the fronts to something a bit better than the VW standards. Something like this is what I had in mind. Ideally, I'd run these off the HU which can do 45watts on its own, although can amp if it's needed.

Where I get stuck, is what do I need? Is it the case of an amp for the 'sub' and an amp for the speakers, or could I use something this to take the RCA input from the HU, amp it and then run the speakers and 'sub' without the need for extra amps, or would it then need another amp after this thing for the sub, or is all this miles off?

I'm not wanting to spend huge money, just enough for a decent improvement. Hopefully that makes sense, but if not then sorry!

Thanks,

Joe.

Rear of HU looks like;

Edited 3 January, 201115 yr by TriggerFish

Ah, just looked some more - and it seems the 5 channel thing is pre-amp, so I guess that'll be useless on it's own. With that in mind, what sort of amp do I need for a sub, will just something simple like this do, which would recieve input from the HU, and be able to run the 'sub'? I'm assuming as it can be bridged seperatly, I can use that for the sub, and the other 2 channels for the front speakers, all from 1 RCA output?

Hoping I've answered my own question here too.

Edited 3 January, 201115 yr by TriggerFish

Depending on how many speakers you run you will need an amp with enough channels to power them, 2 front speakers and 2 year = a 4 channel. As for running the 6x9s as a "sub" I'd see if you can find the specs for them online to check the frequency response, but if you want them to run just low end I think you would be best to get a 4 channel amp which has a low pass filter that can be switched on for 2 channels and run them from this. What's your total budget?

Cheers, didn't think of the frequencys on the speakers. I checked, and they're only cheap ones (swapped them for a box of cider as it was cheaper than replacing the shelf and I've removed those awful grills too!). Says they go down to 40hz, so not too bad, not far off some cheaper subs. Not looking for huge bass anyway, just trying to improve with what's there already.

Looking to spend as little as possible really, sub £100 if doable for the amp? This looks like it should do it; 4 channel, HPF for channel 'A' and LPF for 'B' and running at 4Ὠ it matches the ratings of the speakers too. Although the manuals show it taking 2 RCA inputs, one for each channel whereas I only have 1 output - not sure if this is an issue.

If I just wanted to amp the rears/'subs', I could use a 2channel instead I assume?

Sorry for all the questions, and thanks for your help, much appricated.

Edited 9 January, 201115 yr by TriggerFish

Slightly off topic but if this does result in you getting a 2 channel amp, I have one I want rid of. It's an Alpine V12. PM me if interested mate.

If you only have one pre-out then you can use Y leads to send the signal to the other amp/channels.

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/celsus-rca-styf2m.html

If you must keep the 6x9's then go for a 4 channel. The kenwood looks fine. Set the fronts to HPF and play around with the rear channels on LPF. Try around 60-80hzs. Also try the HPF. You never know you may like it as everyone is different.

Other option is to concentrate on the front. Have the components well fitted with something like http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/6551.html powering then. Just leave the rear oem or 6x9's powering off the head unit. I much prefer the sound to come from the front.

Thanks for the help, but to now needing a new front indicator after mine feel out, a new steering wheel and new rear brakes, this has earnt a back seat for now.

Thanks again.