Noob amp questions

[Blanco_Diablo]

Looking to go active in my Pontiac Vibe. My HU is the alpine IDA-X305 with the Imprint processor. Going to buy some pioneer PRS 720 Comps for the front doors and I am looking for a quality amp to begin my venture into the world of car audio. Eventually I will buy a sub to round out the lows, and some cheaper rear speakers for fill. Would like to avoid having to buy a cap or upgrade my alternator...but I'm new to all this so not sure if that is inevitable.

As for the amp, specifically to power the Pioneer comps, should I go 2 Channel or 4 Channel? Anyone on here running these comps? Leaning towards an amp that could fit under the front seat, but open to suggestions.
Aiming for approx $300 max and I am open to getting something used. Not trying to win any competitions but do want quality sound.

Also, which is a better investment, class A/B vs. class D (ie Alpine PDX, kenwood XR-4S) from an SQ perspective? Are these compact class D amps mostly hype?

Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated. Thanks all.

[bboyvek]

Since your planning on going active, youll need 4 ch of amplification, each driver needs its own.

[ChrisB]

I never cared for the "sound" replicated by the full range PDX series. I don't know if alpine fixed it in later revisions, but I do know that their full range Class D amplifiers never sounded right to me. Another negative about the Alpine full range PDX amplifiers is that many produce noise on digital silence.

Alpine may have since addressed these problems, but as of last year, I still didn't care for them and could pick out the PDX amplifier every single time it was selected with my back to the soundboard during a demonstration.

[Fixtion]

does the headunit have the capabilities to run an active system?
highs/mids/sub?

if you want to avoid a new bat, alt, and cap, go with an high efficiency 8ohm sub woofer.
like peerless. two of these.
Peerless 830847 12" XXLS Dual Voice Coil Subwoofer from Madisound
Connecting the two voice coils of each driver in series (+ to -) and
the drivers themselves in parallel (+ to +, etc.) will result in the following impedances: 8ohm

i'd go with a 5channel or 6channel amp. class doesn't really matter.
like this one. 330shipped! high quality! perfect for your need, of course if you're hu can not run active highs/mids/sub.
FS: Tidal Audio 5 Channel (Soundstream Ref880.5 Clone)

that's 70Wx4 @4ohms and 400Wx2 @8ohms 200Wper sub. you'll like those subs.

[Blanco_Diablo]

My understanding is that this HU can go active with the addition of the imprint processor. Thanks for the tips so far, not ready for subs yet but I will keep those in mind. That amp may be a bit big for what I am looking for, hoping to fit it under a seat. Can't find much info on Tidal, anyone have any experience with one?

Any other suggestions?

[Fixtion]

i would pick up these two Genesis Profile Two amps, it's a bit over budget, but you'll probably never need another pair of amps.
they're keepers assuming you're not going to upgrade, because you're not competing right?
Genesis Profile Two, buy both. entire system of power there.
FS: Genesis amps, Alpine, Kicker, Bazooka...

[Aaron'z 2.5RS/WRX]

Hay BD...

Nice to see you are getting some other opinions besides mine (i'm no expert, I just know some things.. lol)..... (you know me on GV..)

[Blanco_Diablo]

Hey Aaron...how'd ya know it was me..LOL...shouldn't you be livin' it up in Memphis right now Just trying to make an educated choice...definitely appreciate all of your help.