Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Audio Some questions about HU and Amps

Ok, I am a bit confused about all the Ohms/Channels and whatnot when it comes to AMPs. Here is my setup:

I have a 2000 Contour sport. I will be getting an Eclipse HU (sorry, not sure which all I know is my friend at goodguys is getting me a hookup). I have 4 Pioneer speakers (60W rms, sory can't remember model, other than they were recommend here about 8 months ago). I also have an iPod (an mp3 player).

My previous head unit had an aux input on the front, so I could plug my iPod in, and listen to music. The Eclipse doesn't have one (I don't think, but I am not sure). So this is where an AMP comes in. Now, if I get a 4 channel, I could hook up my iPod and then either the front or rear speakers (but not both). In this setup, which is best (front or rear)? Or would I be better off getting 2 amps (a 2 and a 4 channel), so I can hook up all the speakers and the iPod. Or can I even do that?

And what is all the Ohms stuff on amps mean? I see 2 and 4, and then different RMS levels associated with each.

If you new HU doesn't have an aux-in (which it might on the back), just get an FM Modulator. You'll just tune to a certain FM frequency to listen to your iPod.

You can use a couple of RCA "Y" cables and a couple of these remote-controlled electronic switches to switch your RCAs from the Ipod to the head unit (they're available for about $15):

http://www.scosche.com/scosche/electronic/US2B.asp

Basically you'd use the "Y" cable to split your IPOD's two outputs into 4. Then you plug those 4 outputs into the two switches, and the 4 outputs from the head unit into the two switches, and the output from the switches into the amps.

The only disadvantage to this is that you won't be able to fade the audio from the front to the rear when you're listening with the IPOD (unless you find a fader control. I'm sure someone makes them. I'm not sure it's worth the effort to track it down.)