>I hope I'm not sounding patronizing here
Now i have to kick your a**. ;) No patronizing taken. I admit I am a newbie and usually have others do these things but figured I might try it myself.

>it sounds like it would radiate its heat directly into the Empeg
I had hoped a small amp would not cause enough heat to be a problem.

>you're much better off hiring an expert to do the job
anyone in Northern VA (USA) to recommend? Most of the places I called just to see what their prices were for an installation cost like $100. And that was just for a head unit. I know, I am spending over $1k for the EMPEG and that is why I'd like to not pay so much for an install.

I assume a newbie can install the EMPEG, though, right? I've installed a head unit before with no problems. 7 screws, soldering harness to the units wires and wa-la.

Thanks for the tips.

I am a number, not a free man! And that number is fifteen-thousand five-hundred sixty-two.