In car entertainment - what amp do i need?

[ringo]

Hi,

I want to make a stereo system that i can put in a buddy seat (which i plan to build out of MDF or ply) behind the passenger seat.

Basically, i want to put in a head unit, two speakers in the front and possibly a sub woofer.

I would like to do this fairly cheaply (of course) - the main requirement is thats its to put outside the van so we can all listen to music when at shows etc - Hi Fidelity is not huge on my list, i just need it to be fairly loud without sounding awful.

Can anyone answer these questions:
1) Do i really need a sub woofer? Would it work if it was placed in a hollow box?
2) What sort of amp do i need? 2 channel, 4 channel, two seperate amps etc?

Advice much appreciated. I want to start collecting the bits off ebay and move this project forward....

Cheers,

Ringo

[eatcustard]

How much do you plan to spend?

[ringo]

As little as i can.

I dont need new stuff - so second hand bargains off ebay will be what im after. Im not even in a rush.

I would imagine around £100 to £200 depending on the sub....

Sound realistic?

Ringo

[Cruz]

I know a source for cheap buckets that can be used for throwing water on loud annoying soundsytems when camping

[jamesc76]

If you just want it for out side the van a normal stereo and no sub will be fine , otherwise to get a decent sound out of it the seat would be big! You have heard mine and theres no amps etc in mine!

[gaz f]

Don't fit a sub, it will sound pants as subs are best in enclosures with the correct volume inside the enclosure for it to work properly.

For a cheap set up, all built into a buddy seat I'd go for...

4 6x9 3 ways one on each side of the seat.
A 4 channel amp sitting inside the seat, doesnt need to be a monster though. Anywhere between 600 - 1000 watts will suffice.

Head unit mounted quite high in the seat, connect it up and annoy everyone within earshot.

Why not just fit a nice set up in the van itself and leave the sliding door open though?

[ringo]

Thanks guys - thats very interesting.

My van speakers are small and in the door cards. To be fair - they are rubbish quality and im getting some better ones for me birthday.

However, i dont think the sound will ever as be as good as sitting right in front of the speakers!

I'll re consider this - its an idea at the moment...

Ringo

[The Bobdogs]

Hi Ringo,
Cheap and easy way I have is just a couple of halfway decent household speakers (£10 fleabay) and leave the cabling for the rear speakers from the head unit nice and long and curled up somewhere near the sliding door.
When camping just connect the speakers up to the long leads and put under the van. Change the fader from front to rear on the head unit and job done (leave the fader on front when driving normally)
Plenty sound...plenty cheap!

[jamesc76]

one option I made a box with 2 waterproof marine speakers in it then had a plug on the r&r bed front so I can plug um in and use them out side then no need for extra head units etc ??

[ringo]

Andy and James.

Very good idea that!

Save me carting round a box too!

Cheers,

Ringo