Adding Amp to Receiver-Power output?

Willhound

Please excuse what is maybe a dumb question, but if I add an amplifier to an existing receiver, does the power/wattage to each channel equal the output of the amp and the receiver together, or just the amp? For example, if the head unit's built in amp puts out 20 watts per channel and the amp puts out 50, is there 70 watts reaching the speaker, or just the 50 from the amp on? 

Cableguy Greg

Just 50 watts, which is what the amp is putting out.

zaverin1

Whatever the amp is rated for
500 watts per 2 channel
so 250
per Channel

Willhound

Thanks @Cableguy Greg. What I thought, but wasn't sure. Reason I ask is that I'm looking at adding an amp to my existing set up with 6 speakers, two in cabin and 4 in cockpit. Would run the 4 in cockpit off the amp and two in cabin off head unit so I can fade front to rear, and don't need the extra volume in the cabin anyway.

JonnyM

A lot of people do it that way. That is how I have mine hooked up.  The cabin speakers run off the head unit and the 4+Sub in the the cockpit run off of my amp.

reneechris14

That is how Rinker wired my 2002 270

zaverin1

Yep
My old rinker had some
old pos  lmao
So when I upgraded it ended up
being 4 outside amped and 2 inside powered by head