Due to some unforeseen circumstances (dealing with a disreputable online retailer) it appears like I will shortly be in possession of 2 amps instead of one. I had just wanted a 2 channel amp to power my Phoenix Gold RSD65cs components and then I was going to determine whether or not to add rear fill or a sub with another amp down the road. But now, I have an MB Quart DSC280 (80x2 at 4ohm) and a Planet Audio RX4.400 (100x4 at 4ohm) to be delivered this week. My wife is less than impressed with this turn of events and says I can only keep one and will have to sell the other.

My first question is, assuming I follow orders, which amp do I keep. I'm pretty sure the MB Quart is a better amp in terms of quality but at the same time the Planet Audio gives me the easy expandability for rear fill/sub in the future and more power (I do like rear fill fyi, I know from what I've read most are against it, but my head feels out of balance without a bit of sound from the back).

My second question, if I keep both, will my 1996 Ford Taurus V6 be able to power both without any modifications to the electrical system? Can I use a distribution block with these two amps or would I need to do some upgrades as well?

About: I'm very new to car audio, this will be my first amp, I want SQ and I'm a moderate audiophile but I'm quite content with an okay/decent system at this stage of my new addiction. I'm leaning towards the Planet Audio because I know the retailer I bought it from is reputable and will honor the warranty and be there if I have any issues. The other one, well, let's just say if I actually get bricks in a box instead of an amp I won't be too surprised. Thanks.

If that is your only amp your electrical should have no problem powering it at all.

I think you just have to ask yourself if you'll ever use another 2 channels of amplification. If you would ever want a sub and could use the extra two channels on the 4 cahnnel bridged to it, do that one.

Id keep the planet audio and run the comps off the front, and bridge the rear for a sub later on. Im guessing it probably pushes around 300x1@4 ohms bridged?

Thanks for the quick responses, it confirms the way I was leaning. I'll probably be wanting a sub sooner than later so I might as well have the amp that will be ready to handle it. Thanks.

Due to some unforeseen circumstances (dealing with a disreputable online retailer) it appears like I will shortly be in possession of 2 amps instead of one. I had just wanted a 2 channel amp to power my Phoenix Gold RSD65cs components and then I was going to determine whether or not to add rear fill or a sub with another amp down the road. But now, I have an MB Quart DSC280 (80x2 at 4ohm) and a Planet Audio RX4.400 (100x4 at 4ohm) to be delivered this week. My wife is less than impressed with this turn of events and says I can only keep one and will have to sell the other.

My first question is, assuming I follow orders, which amp do I keep. I'm pretty sure the MB Quart is a better amp in terms of quality but at the same time the Planet Audio gives me the easy expandability for rear fill/sub in the future and more power (I do like rear fill fyi, I know from what I've read most are against it, but my head feels out of balance without a bit of sound from the back).

My second question, if I keep both, will my 1996 Ford Taurus V6 be able to power both without any modifications to the electrical system? Can I use a distribution block with these two amps or would I need to do some upgrades as well?

About: I'm very new to car audio, this will be my first amp, I want SQ and I'm a moderate audiophile but I'm quite content with an okay/decent system at this stage of my new addiction. I'm leaning towards the Planet Audio because I know the retailer I bought it from is reputable and will honor the warranty and be there if I have any issues. The other one, well, let's just say if I actually get bricks in a box instead of an amp I won't be too surprised. Thanks.

not to sound harsh. but maybe u like rear fill because u havent heard a properly set up front stage? id keep the 4channel.

Not harsh. You make a good point. This is my first real attempt at car audio so it's all very new to me. I've never even ridden with someone who has a nice system so I have nothing to go against. On my commute today I actually killed the rear speakers and after a few minutes I didn't find I was missing them. The amp(s) arrive tomorrow so that will be the true test because even though I'm new to all this, I can definitely tell the receiver is not doing the speakers any justice.

Also, after doing more reading about SQ and trying to figure what sound I like I've decided I'm definitely going to want to add a sub down the road so I'm going to keep the 4 channel for sure.