Originally posted by VividMystique:
Well, the sub of course, and most likely the components too, the rears I'd like to run off the radio - they're just there for passenger enjoyment anyway, and to give me a little bit of sound coming from in back of me. I don't know why, but I've always liked to put the sound more towards the back, but then again, I've never had anything other than factory stuff, either. I appreciate your help.:)



So a 4 chanel amp in 3 channel configuration sounds perfect for your application. You could also do it with two 2ch amps also but i think the four would be more efficent and cost effective. So if i were you i would shop for a 4 channel amp that can be bridged to 2 or 3 channels (most can). When 2 channels are bridged to 1 be sure the rms power rating on the amp is at least equal to or more that what the subs came handle. Then shop for components whose ratings are about equal to what that amp's single channel ratings are. I hope i am making sense. So generally you want your amp to be able to put out slightly more than what your speakers can handle, you can always lower the gain to keep the sound clean and the speakers safe.
When shopping dont get caught up in the max wattage game, rms is what you want to pay attention to. Thats gonna tell you what your equipment is really capable of. Hope this helps and happy spending!

1999 CSVT lightly modded http://www.lindseyinc.net/vehicles/contour