Guys,

Which setup is better and why?
One 5ch amp or one 4 ch and one mono?

Also, appreciate if you could suggest good brand and/ model #s to go with that. I don't want hi power stuff just decent SQ setup.

Thanks

 

5ch is nice because it acts like one amp, ie it's easier to wire and use. The 'problem' with a 5 channel is the mono amp in it is usually not very powerful (comparatively). If you get a 4ch and a separate mono amp you can get a lot more power from it.
Personally, I had a KAC-959 (40x4+120x1) and it sounds good, and I expect the KAC-650D (60x4+200x1) I'm getting to be considerably better. More than enough bass for me, more than enough bass to make you deaf, but not enough bass to win any competitions.
Of course it all depends on the components, I guess I have midrange with my Excelon HU/Amp and Infinity speakers but it's more than satisfactory to me. It all depends on what YOU like and what YOU think of it.

 

I feel there are pro's and con's with both setups. Some of them are here:

5 channel:
Takes up less room
Produces less heat than 2 amps (most cases)
Less wires to run
Everything at one location

Usually not as powerful as a 4 channel and mono
If something happens to your amp, your whole system is down


4 channel and sub amp:
More choices
More power available
If one amp goes out, you still have an amp

The cons are the pros for the 5 channel.

There are some really good 5 channel amps from JL Audio, Kicker, Directed, Alpine, MTX. It just depends on how much power you want.

Just my .02