i have a 2002 F150 SuperCab

If i plan on getting new component speakers for the front and the back along with a new headunit and 1 10" sub. waht type of amp do i need to get. Do i need to get one 4 channel amp. Or 2 -2 channel amps..please help

 

Depending on what components and sub (among other factors) you get, you can do:

1. 1 five channel amp
2. 1 four channel amp and 1 mono (sub) amp
3. 2 two channel amps and 1 mono amp

 

brypink2 is correct. There is a multitude of ways to configure a system like you describe. My advice would be to decide without any compromise what it is exactly you want from your system at this point and go from there. You can always upgrade/add. If you are not able to buy everything at once, plan carefully for that by buying gear that will work properly with your future ideas of what you want your system to be. One of the huge mistakes I see is users buying things on the spur-of-the-moment without really knowing if that gear is suitable for what they want, or if the gear is even compatible to work together as a system. For example, do not buy a pair of subs that cannot be wired in the proper configuration for your amp/amps. Seems silly to say that, but it happens all the time. Someone will end up with a box for 2 subs, buy a pair of dual 4 ohm voice coil subs, and then buy an amp that cannot run those subs at their optimum. Plan, plan, plan, and if you are unsure, ask questions. I personally have used just about every set up imagineable, from single 2 channel amps to 5 channel amps to multiple amps. Each has advantages and disadvantages. 5 channels usually have a huge footprint, and thus the location options can be very limited in a truck. On the other hand, it's a very simple hook up with one amp. Multiple amps are more involved because of needing distribution blocks, extra wiring, and all the associated things. However, the advantage with these is you can stack the amps, more than likely, and better utilize room under your seats, or whereever. I currently have 4 amps stacked under my rear seat and they take up less "floor space" than a single 5 channel I used previously. Good luck!!

 

For your application, I would go with 1-5 channel amp...

With one amp grounded, you have MUCH less chance of getting interference through the RCAs. Each time another electronic device in grounded to the chasis, there is added resistance. Amps are sensitive enough to pick up on this. Ever hear a setup where the rpms could be heard through the speakers? Chances are, the setup included multiple amplifiers.

Also, you'll be able to save money by not running multiple cables or purchasing a distribution block. Yes, the amp is larger, but it's easier to make an amatuer installation look "clean" with one amp than it is with two. Not to mention two amps in the same area tend to create more heat.

The downside is that if you run the sub-channel too hard, the ENTIRE amp heats up.

Eh... 'Six in one, half dozen in the other"